Hey, folks, here's the one-shot I mentioned at the end of A World Reborn.
Had to have a bit of a big thonk about the POV for this transcript/recording, but I think this will more than suffice for my readers. Maybe, of course; there's precious little deets I can scrounge up regarding Fallout Extreme, and doubly so for that cancelled game's concept of post-War China. Hence, I've had to more or less fly by the seat of my pants here.
Hope ya'll enjoy! :)
ORIGINALLY FOUND IN CRYOPOD CONTAINING SUBJECT 'J2144'
PROPERTY OF THE SHELLENDORF INSTITUTE
TRANSLATED PLAYBACK BEGINS:
*recording begins amidst the sound of gunfire, screaming, and a torrential downpour*
I didn't mean for this to happen.
The American 'Cause' was supposed to disarm that symbol of the Emperor's insanity, not…
Not accidentally cause a second apocalypse that dwarfs even the Final War itself.
And I was the one who gave their 'Abel' access into the Doom's Day launch facility.
Honored ancestors...
Forgive us.
We have forsaken heaven's mandate twice over, and shall pay the ultimate price.
But, if you will permit this humble servant a trivial boon, I request only this:
Watch over my beloved cat.
Jia De.
He does not deserve to share in mankind's demise; he has barely been able to know the world!
*a brief sobbing sound*
Please…
For however long my pet must wait in this cryopod, keep careful watch.
And when he awakens, let it be to a world which deserves his presence.
A peaceful one, free of petty conflict and meaningless strife.
Honored ancestors, hear my plea.
*a few button taps, a tired meowing sound, then a distinct freezing sound*
Forgive me, little one.
I will not be joining you on your little adventure, even if there was a spare pod.
No, that is not my place, nor perhaps anyone else's.
A master must disappear when the student is truly ready, and our species is no different.
That is not to say that the Empire's accumulated knowledge will die with us, however.
The AI I recovered from the ruins of Tokyo and reprogrammed will see to that.
And maybe…
Just...
Maybe.
Jia De will live to see that blessed day come to pass.
If nothing else, I can go to meet my ancestors happily with that in mind.
*a creaking chair sound*
According to legend, Chairman Cheng refused all pleas to go into a bunker beneath what is now the Imperial Palace after initiating the Final War.
Instead, he simply walked onto the nearest balcony and waited for the American counter strike.
*a tired sigh*
Maybe I should do the same before Beijing is completely submerged.
It would've been a fine sunrise if things had been different.
If the Cause had been successful.
If I hadn't been so careless with sabotaging the Doom's Day Missile's guidance systems.
This is Professor Cao Zhuo, signing off.
*recording ends*
And there we go. I hope you all enjoyed it, and eagerly await your comments on this small one-shot.
Ciao Ciao!