World Peace

Synopsis

The world is on the brink of nuclear war, yet, the price for peace might be too high. What can Joe do when the world crumbles around him?

New Job

Location: Hert&Sons Foundry

Time: 2017 / 10 / 31 - 8:15

Business was going well for the Hert&Sons foundry, so well in fact that a new resources were needed to keep up with the production.

~Joe Green?" (Supervisor Bennet)

"Present." (Newcomer Joe Green)

"Your gears seems in order. Use Safety devices at all times and don't mess up. We can't afford to stop production. Do that, and we'll never have problems." (Bennet)

The newcomers followed the Supervisor into the foundry.

--------------------------------

Location: Hert&Sons Foundry / Lunch room

Time: 2017 / 10 / 31 - 12:35

*murmur* (Everyone)

The lunch room was simple. Just a few benches and tables. The room was crowded and noisy, with more then thirty burly men making loud conversations and laughing. Some yelling at how unfair life has been to them lately.

"Can I sit here?" (Joe)

"Suit yourself, mate!" (Worker Jerry)

"New arrival, he? The work is hard, but simple. And the pay is good." (Worker Henry)

"You'll hate it in no time but it'll fill your belly!" (Worker Sam)

The work was hard, but his child and wife needed to eat. He had been living on unemployment checks for almost a year. The news that he was finally hired gave him much needed respite.

"Hey! Shut up, guys! Listen to this!" (Worker Ned)

*silence* *raise volume* ~rth Korean missile exploded in the skies, 70 kilometres above an inhabited region of northern Japan, in what experts refers to as an atmospheric thermonuclear test. There are unconfirmed reports that the electromagnetic pulse generated by the blast took out a large portion of Japan's power grid. It's is unknown at the moment if this was a malfunction of the missile, or if the blast was planned for by North Korea's supreme leader. Regular programming is as of now suspended as we will be making a live coverage of the event. Our network will deliver you updates as soon as they arrive. Stay with us. Now~" (TV News Reporter)

"That fatso did it! Ha ha ha! I always said the only solution was to nuke the damn place to the ground! Time to get our Kaboom-Boom rolling! He he he." (Worker Sam)

"You idiot! Do you think China will remain silent? There are two billions of them!" (Worker Henry)

"We should mind our own business and let them wipe out each others!" (Worker Jerry)

Joe just kept eating as his co-workers debated over what they believed was the right action to be taken, according to their narrow view of the world. Joe's concern was to feed his wife and daughter at the moment. And he was too tired to debate.

Homecoming

Location: Joe's apartment

Time: 2017 / 10 / 31 - 19:43

Traffic was intense, and what should have been a one hour commute, became a two hours and a half commute. Joe was tired, both physically and mentally. He just wanted to eat and go to bed.

*cry* (Daughter Melissa)

*enter* "Hi, Honey." (Joe)

"Joe! I was so worried! Why didn't you call?!? You~" (Wife Yara)

Joe was too tired to listen to Yara's complaints. He kissed his wife, and his daughter, Melissa, on the cheek.

Joe sat down at the table, eating from the cold plate in front of him, while nodding at his wife. His eyelids were falling. After he finished, he went straight to bed. He just wanted the day to end.

--------------------------------

Time: 2017 / 11 / 1 - 6:31

*ring* * ring* (Alarm)

Joe woke up, preparing to go to work. He dressed up, prepared a cup of coffee, then took his coat and lunch box and went out.

Joe realized is wife took time to prepare the lunch box while holding the house and tending to Melissa by herself. He was so tired he went to bed early, without keeping her company.

[I will make up for this. I should take her out for dinner this week end.] (Joe)

Joe went out to catch the bus. The shadow of yesterday's news was looming in the back of his mind.

Lunch

Location: Hert&Sons Foundry / Lunch room

Time: 2017 / 11 / 1 - 12:38

~sident Trump raised USA alert state to Defcon 3 as international aid is being sent to Japan. No statement has been issued by NK over what is referred to as an unprovoked attack by the international community.

News is still fragmentary, but it's been confirmed that Japan's power grids lays in tatters. Number of casualty, if any, is unknown. As is still unknown the entity of the radioactive fallout. Basic services like running water and gas pipes are non-operational in major cities.

The... Ladies and Gentleman! Breaking News! We have just been informed that at least two of Japan's nuclear power plants are at risk of meltdown! The cooling system of the plants depends on electricity and the country is struggling to restore emergency power to the critical facilities! If this keep up, we might face a disaster on the scale of Fukushima! Our experts have~ (TV Reporter)

The lunch room was dead silent as everyone was listening closely to the news report. The mood has been heavy since morning. The heavy realization that this might truly be the end. A repeat of the crisis at the height of the Cold War between Russia and the USA. Only, this time, a nuclear weapon actually detonated over a populated area.

[They are on the opposite side of the world. Everything will be fine. (Joe)

Joe lied to himself as he finished the meal and prepared to return to work. His main concern was not to lose his job. He was a new hire. He was not allowed to mess up.

Homecoming 2

Location: Hert&Sons Foundry / Lunch room

Time: 2017 / 11 / 1 - 19:13

*cry* (Melissa)

*enter* (Joe)

~B2 bombers are circling over the Yellow Sea and there are unconfirmed reports that multiple Super Carriers like the USS Nimitz, the USS Gerald R. Ford and more are now being deployed to the region. China and Russia condemned the USA over the show of force as North Korea is still maintaining silence, reinforcing belief that this explosion was perhaps caused by a malfunctions~ (TV Reporter)

Traffic was intense today as well. It's like the world has gone mad over the crisis. Yara was sitting down at the table listening to the report.

"I'm home, Honey. I'm sorry about yesterday, I was really tired. Do you want to go out, Saturday?" *kiss* (Joe)

"... It's ok, Dear. I know you are doing your best. I'm sorry for yelling, yesterday. Talking with other mothers at the park made me realize I was too hard on you." *hug* (Yara)

Joe sat down, as Yara started heating up dinner. The current world crisis was clearly weighing on her minds, but Joe could do little about it.

Commute

Location: Joe's apartment

Time: 2017 / 11 / 2 - 7:17

~ump raised USA alert state to Defcon 2. In response, Both the Popular Army of China and Russia's Army are mobilizing. An official motion has been presented by USA representative to NATO. Article 5 is being invoked over NK nuclear strike to NATO partner Japan.~ (Smartphone)

A small crown was gathered around someone who was listening in to a news report of the global crisis on the bus. Joe was sitting looking outside. Part of him wanted to listen in, another part wanted to ignore the news and just keep going like nothing was happening.

Supervisor

Location: Hert&Sons Foundry / Gate

Time: 2017 / 11 / 2 - 8:29

"What do you mean the gates won't open?!?" (Worker Representative Ned)

"I'm sorry, Ned. Something must have happened above. The money men pulled the plug on this factory. I was informed only ten minutes ago. For a while you'll stay home and receive reduced wage. I suggest you start looking for a new job immediately." (Supervisor Bennet)

*shouts* (Angry Workers)

As the workers got laud and angry, Joe headed back to the bus stop. He was a new guy, even if the others could work out some kind of agreement, somehow, it would not extend to him. He was disillusioned as the world was collapsing on him.

Homecoming 3

Location: Joe's apartment

Time: 2017 / 11 / 2 - 11:29

*enter* (Joe)

"Who is... Dear? what are you doing home so early?" (Yara)

"The foundry is closing. I'm back to square one. I'll get a few more checks, but I need to search for a new job. I'm unemployed again." (Joe)

Yara could see that his husband was feeling the worst. With all that was going on she too felt down.

"... It's okay, Dear. We'll pull through, somehow. Just lay down for now. You can look for a job this afternoon." *hug* (Yara)

~mmunications are slowly being restored. It's now clear that three nuclear power plants went in melt down. Scale of Radioactive Fallout is unknown, but, combined with the radioactive rains caused by NK atmospheric nuclear test millions of Japanese are expected to have received a lethal dosage of radiations. Now, covering the Korean peninsula. An unprecedented evacuation order was issued by South Korea's leaders. Seoul is in chaos as citizen scramble to leave the city and go as far as possible from the DMZ. Peaceful resolution is increasingly becoming unlikely as both countries prepares for full scale war. Superpowers~ (TV Reporter)

Looking For Job

Location: Streets / TV Store

Time: 2017 / 11 / 2 - 15:52

Joe was about finished delivering his curriculum to various employment agencies, when he passed in front a TV store. A small crowd was gathered there, Joe decided to see what was going on.

~preme Leader crossed the border! He turned himself over to South Koreans authorities!!! A turn of event unforeseen even by the most seasoned analysts! Korean People's Army reportedly has been disbanded, and an order to lay down weapon was given. The United Nation was officially asked by high ranking NK official to step in to form an interim governement, as the country prepares~ (TV Reporter)

"That madmen turned himself in? Is this a joke?" (Guy A)

"Does this means no nuclear war will happen?" (Guy B)

"He'd better pay for what he did to Japan!" (Lady A)

"Poor country got nuked thrice. Those blokes really are unlucky." (Guy C)

A huge weight was lifted of Joe's chest. But this won't give him back his job. That much is clear. Still, there might still be a future for his daughter, Melissa.

[At least something is going right, today.] (Joe)

Stay Home Dad

Location: Joe's apartment

Time: 2017 / 11 / 3 - 10:17

"I'm going out to buy groceries. Keep an eye on Melissa, will you?" (Yara)

There was not much to do, today. Joe had to wait for answers to come now that he sent a fair number of job applications.

*nge* *smile* (Melissa)

Staying home playing with his daughter was a welcome change. It was healing Joe's heart. The past few days have been heavy on him. For the first time in years, he had hope. Meanwhile, a positive news report could be heard from Joe's Smartphone.

~ommunity is sending aids to unseen before scale to Japan. On another news, people are returning to Seoul after the evacuation as tensions quickly de escalate. A new interim government is being formed in North Korea. South Korea released a statement that despite the hard road ahead, the unification of the two country was now a closer possibility than ever. Immense difficulties caused by decades of~ (Smartphone)

Hope

Location: Joe's apartment

Time: 2017 / 11 / 8 - 10:17

[Yara has never been as supportive as she has been lately. I'm lucky to have her] (Joe)

Joe went on to send a few more application, but he was mostly staying home, along with his wife and daughter. He was seeing this is a vacation.

Joe noticed that Yara's belly was enlarging. He wondered if a new child was going to join the family. His mood was positive despite financial difficulties.

"Let's see what's going on in the world, shall we, Melissa?" (Joe)

*ngeee* (Melissa)

*turn on TV* ~precedented event, the leaders of USA, China and Russia delivered a joint statement that they are forming a new organization called New World Order. A timeline is being laid that will lead to eventual merging of the countries and dissolution of national borders.~ (TV Reporter)

Unemployed no More

Location: Joe's apartment

Time: 2017 / 11 / 13 - 9:17

*ring* (Smartphone)

"Joe Green here." (Joe)

"I'm the CEO of Hert&Sons. I'm personally calling all the workers I unjustly laid off. I'm offering your job back with a significant raise if you are interested. You'll receive just compensation if you no longer wish to deal with me, after what happened." (CEO Mars Zucker)

"Is this a joke?" (Joe)

"I understand your mistrust. You can come to the foundry and make sure yourself if you don't believe the call. I hope to hear from you soon. Sorry about what happened." (Mars)

"Who was it?" *holding Melissa* (Yara)

"You wouldn't believe it! I got my job back!" (Joe)

"That's wonderful!!! I know you could do it, Dear!" *hug* *kiss* (Yara)

Joe put a coat on, and hurried toward the foundry.

Apologies

Location: Hert&Sons Foundry / Lunch Room

Time: 2017 / 11 / 13 - 11:23

"Joe you arrived! I'm glad!" (Worker Henry)

"Yes, we have been worrying that you wouldn't come." (Worker Jerry)

"Ha ha ha! That's my man! I knew he wouldn't leave us!" (Worker Sam)

"? Uhm... I'm glad to see you too?" (Joe)

Joe was puzzled. He barely knew them, but they were acting like they had been friends forever. Oh well.. It's not a sin to be positive, Joe thought. They are probably caught in the heat of the moment. They just got their job back, apparently. Joe too is positive.

The Supervisor entered the room and climbed on a table while holding a few sheet of paper in his hands. He inhaled and prepared himself to speak.

"Guys. I'm not sure what the money guys smoke, but they are reopening this foundry and tripling your salaries. Lucky bastards. The whole lot of you! I was asked to read you this statement by the guys above." (Supervisor Bennet)

*clear throat* "We have been profiting enormously from your hard work, and laid you down just to maximize profit by a margin of 1.24%. We realized our greed, and, if you wish to keep doing business with us, you'll be compensated fairly from now on. We'll also use the money we unjustly gained over the years and your backs to improve the foundry and your working conditions. Sincerely. CEO Mars Zucker." (Supervisor Bennet)

*loud cheers* (Everyone)

Thirty workers erupted in loud cheers, hugging each others, laughing and crying from happiness. Joe was instead dumbfounded. Why was something like this happening? This felt too good to be true.

[... I should just accept this stroke of good luck. With a new children, I'll need the income. And they seem much nicer guys than I initially thought.] (Joe)

The Miracle of Life

Location: Joe's apartment

Time: 2017 / 11 / 13 - 18:40

Traffic was surprisingly smooth today, Joe arrived home ahead of schedule! Everything was going so incredibly well! He couldn't wait to share the good news with his beloved wife. Maybe today she would share the news of her pregnancy, Joe thought.

*enter* (Joe)

*scream* (Yara)

Hearing screams from the bathroom, Joe rushed in.

The scene before him was totally unexpected and bizarre. His wife was naked in the tub. Her legs were spread, and the bulge on her belly was larger than it was this morning.

[Giving birth? That makes no sense! It's been only two week since I noticed her belly! The child should be many months away!] (Joe)

Joe was standing at the door, dumbfounded. Just looking at his wife making effort to give birth. It took less then a minute for the new life to be born.

*heavy breath* "Dear! I'm glad you were here to see! This is for you! I love you, Dear!" *smile* (Yara)

Yara was holding a snake like creature, about twenty centimetres in length. It had pink wrinkly skin, no eyes, and a mouth with three symmetric jaws. Like a miniature sand worm from Dune.

*scream* "What the hell is going on?!?" *cry* (Joe)

Joe curled on the corner of the bathroom as his wife stood up, left the tub and walked closer to him.

"It's alright, dear. I was scared too, but once my children burrows inside of you, your fear will melt away like snow in the sun. All your insecurities. Enmities. Every negative emotion. All will go, and you'll finally be free to be happy! Have I not become a better wife for you?" *smile* (Yara)

"Stay away from me!!! You are not my wife!!!" (Joe)

"But I am, Dear. After all, you didn't notice anything up until now, did you? If you can't tell the difference, how does it matters?" *smile* (Yara)

Joe thought back on how she really became more positive and supportive. He thought how he couldn't tell the difference.

[No. I could tell something was off. But I didn't pay attention since life was better.] *cry* (Joe)

"Soon everyone will be like us, you know? Most already are. Do you want to be the only unhappy human in this world?" (Yara)

The foundry. The world leaders. His wife. Joe thought back on all the little things he dismissed.

While Joe was trembling in the corner, in the background he could hear the TV.

~aking news! Israel and Palestine just signed the "Pretty Obvious If you Think About It Accord" which means a permanent peace is now in place between the two. Statements from the leaders of both countries say that as the wounds in their relation heal, they will eventually join the New World Order, abolishing national borders. Fifty nations accounting for sixty-seven percent of the world population already pledged to join Russia, China and the USA in the NWO. The future looks bright indeed~ (TV Reporter)

Joe's heart heavily wavered. He had no idea what the creature would do to him, but he didn't want to be alone either.

The creatures, whatever they were, whatever they did, wherever they came from, saved humanity from extinction. Everyone was happy. Was the price for world peace too high? Does the ends justify the means?

Had you been in Joe's place, what would you have done?