‘They turned on US, in a big way, the biggest way, Sal. I got confirmation from all the guys in the ward. Every one was shipped out to a different place, a different biome - a rendering. Closest thing left to countries, now. And the AI matched up, everywhere. The leaders, they became oligarchs, corporate stooges for overseas interests. Every overseas simulation matched, though the causes were different. Some times they was drugged, or disarmed, hypnotized, brainwiped, bribed, blackmailed.’ He paused a second, unsure if or how to proceed. Steadying his breath he said, ‘I got word, from some of our older allies, last night in the HoloSphere - they abandoned US for a supply chain up north. Dug a hole deep, filled it up, military, personnel, scientists - everyone but US - that was the entry fee - Turn on your country, give access to your contacts, best science, supplies, and you get in - but they didn’t get in. They locked ‘em out. Used the satellites to deep freeze the hole. Miles of ice over the entrance now. When they land, ain’t no one to greet ‘em this time. And they don’t have enough fuel on board to get back. It’s up to US, now, Sal. Everyone left here. Everyone who didn’t jump ship.’
