XII

[shotapope]

[There is a map of Europe drawn out, obviously copied carefully from a book. It is properly labeled with the names of countries. Underneath the year "A.D. 20XX" is written, since Alessandro could not find an exact date for the creation of the map. Next to it is a rough map of the same area, but with different country lines, and different names. Underneath it is labeled as "A.D. 3060". Below both images is a merged one; the first map drawn out carefully with the second map superimposed using light colours so the regions of the other can be seen through it.

Below the maps are a few simple sentence written out just as carefully.]

What does your world look like? What kind of countries are there? What are their names?

Comments

[ruin-mania.livejournal.com]

Yes, that's correct. Most considered it quite impossible, yet we did accomplish it.

[shotapope]

Was it hard to do? I've never heard of something like that before.

[ruin-mania.livejournal.com]

Extremely so, and we risked everything in accomplishing it - but it was the only way to grant everyone a fair chance at a life they deserved.

[shotapope]

I'm glad it worked out in the end.

[ruin-mania.livejournal.com]

As am I, though of course that didn't quite resolve all the problems.

[shotapope]

What other issues were there?

[ruin-mania.livejournal.com]

You can imagine what happens when a nation that's been prosperous and successful with advanced technology and a far superior education system is suddenly expected to be equal with a nation faced with famine and drought, in populous decline and missing nearly all the benefits of a healthy society.

[shotapope]

I see what you mean. The richer country would not want to give up what they have and be equal. Even if it's the right thing to do to give aid.

[ruin-mania.livejournal.com]

Precisely. It helped that we have strong influence with the leadership, but naturally it takes constant effort.

[shotapope]

I hope things are at least moving at a decent pace.

[ruin-mania.livejournal.com]

They're moving, but it's not been terribly long yet, so it's difficult to gauge true progress.

[shotapope]

As long as it's moving forward though, right?

[ruin-mania.livejournal.com]

Oh, indeed.