Hey Ghosties,
I wanted to give you guys an update on my current project. Revised my graphic novel once again. I’ve been struggling with finding a way to merge my different ideas and concepts into a single one that made me happy. I wanted a little fantasy feel, but not much, I wanted a touch of sci-fi, and I wanted to focus on the world of today and the things that have been going on. I wanted all of this while incorporating my mushrooms. High fantasy wasn’t hitting the spot and, to much Sci-fi wasn’t doing it for me either. I think I found the sweet spot finally. So far no AI usage other than editing and background removals, but AI will be used for this. Here is a preview of what I’m working on.
I doubt anyone will ever read this, but I've come to the realization that it's something I have to do. There needs to be a record, a testament to the last of the Earthlings, those left behind—the ones who couldn't afford a seat on the colony ships. Yet, I find myself uncertain of where to begin. Our journey to this point has been fraught with hardship and adversity, but it all seems so insignificant now. We weathered a pandemic and endured a major war. Countless countries crumbled under financial strain, and even the major nations faltered. My own country, once known as a land of prosperity, transformed into something unrecognizable.
A small group of wealthy individuals monopolized all necessities, blocking anyone from competing with them. Growing food became forbidden, water sources were controlled by corporations, and owning property became a thing of the past. Compliance became the only option to survive, as losing access to essential resources was the consequence of resistance. Living off the land became illegal, and so we reluctantly obeyed, forfeiting our independence.
As a driver, I found myself increasingly disillusioned with this system. The corporate world had abandoned empathy and ethics, leaving me in a state of perpetual anxiety. I sought solace among society's outcasts, those who didn't fit the mold. Strangely enough, despite being an outcast myself, I could blend in for brief periods. People would initially mistake me for someone intelligent and label me as a jack of all trades. The truth, however, is that I simply have ADHD. My name, now, is Percival Quillhaven, in this new world, old names have lost their former significance. We realized we have the freedom to choose new unique names that better suit us or hold personal meaning, so we did. My friends mockingly call me Hermes, though, a reminder that I clung to my role as a taxi driver even in the midst of the apocalypse.
That brings us close to the present, but not entirely. The world's slow deterioration due to ordinary reasons felt almost predictable, lacking any sense of urgency or imminent exodus. That was until something extraordinary occurred. We started experiencing a barrage of loose rubble asteroids hurtling through the atmosphere, leaving minimal impact upon crashing into Earth. However, what set this event apart was the emergence of carnivorous alien plants and mushrooms from within these asteroids. They attacked and consumed people, turning some into mindless beings akin to zombies. The military managed to handle this initial wave, and they reassured us that the threat had passed. We celebrated for nearly a week, basking in relief. Then the launches began, and emergency broadcasts went out. A massive fleet of asteroids, similar to those bearing the invasive plants and mushrooms, was now hurtling toward Earth. The chosen few were secretly notified, while the rest of us were left to rely on luck. At least they gave us some warning. According to the message they left behind, the first wave will arrive in a year and a half.
However, we do possess a few advantages. We managed to develop AI systems before the collapse of many major nations. This means that, at the very least, we have a vast amount of knowledge at our disposal. Secondly, it seems that many of those left behind are neurodivergent. If we find ourselves in an apocalyptic situation where humanity must rebuild, this diverse group may be perfectly suited for the task. Thirdly, much of the arbitrary stress that brought about the end of everything has dissipated. I'd choose to battle carnivorous alien plants and mushrooms over monthly bills any day. The former is far less stressful. Lastly, most of us already have contingency plans for such an occasion, and now we're deliberating on which plan is best with the assistance of our AI systems. The leading idea thus far is to take over one of the abandoned castles as our base of operations, establishing communication networks and reviving vital systems while locating and reaching out to the other pockets of humanity left behind. Automation and efficient energy usage, guided by the AI, will accelerate our progress. In our current circumstances, a year and a half is equivalent to a decade when accounting for all factors. I earnestly hope that everyone will vote in favor of the castle. I already have the perfect name in mind, "Ni", because then, we would be its knights. It's ancient earthling humor; you would have had to have been there.