enemy. Inside, the protective border shrinks. Shortages and extreme weather deplete resources. Coastal states secede, driving the nation deeper into the dust bowl.

The speaker winces and paces around the stage as Amrel2015 creaks forward. Her frame shakes as she rolls up. “Well, that was quite the journey you just made there.” The speaker mimics her gait with exaggerated gestures and pneumatic sounds. She feels embarrassed even though no one laughs.

“Ahem, just kidding, seriously, that was great. Thanks for all your hard work. We don’t see commitment like that every day. Well, actually we do. It’s all we see because there’s no other choice. But you know, that was great, honey. Really, really great.”

The speaker thumps Amrel2015 on the back. She nearly topples off the...

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