Robert Sawyer
Full Spectrum Inc
The Methodical Alliance
102
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Posted - 2016.03.25 21:29:41 -
[1] - Quote
In the beginning there was a darkness that covered everything, and there was man. And man said: 'Let there be light'. And he was blessed with light, heat, gravity, magnetism and all the energies of the Universe.
In his existence there were wars, and much blood has been spilt. Despite this, man went beyond his destructive nature and made progress, and it was good.
But then, man discovered the atom, and sought to wield its' power. His never-ending lust for power and the dark will to dominate had pushed him to create a weapon of great strength - the atom bomb, a device able to wipe out countless lives and bring misery throughout the Earth. Thus did man become the architect of his own demise.
But, for a while, it was good. As humanity advanced into the twenty-first century, global armed conflict became a distant memory, and all lived in harmony. But once again, man would not stomach order. With an unnatural greed he coveted all riches, and this led to a war that would, in time, become more and more ferocious. As the peace waned, once again would blood be spilt due to his instincts of primal violence.
Then, when humans could understand each other through reason and logic no longer, the leaders of man came up with their most desperate plan; a final solution - nuclear warfare on a grand scale. Twenty thousand nuclear warheads were launched on the twelfth of June, 2013, and much wanton death was dealt that day. Entire cities were turned to cinter in seconds as great fire tempests weaved through the buildings, and all that was good, beautiful and kind was beheaded with one, savage blow - such is the true nature of humanity. Then, from the burning flesh, bone and rubble came a great, impenetrable cloud covered the Earth, and the creatures of the world died out.
May there be mercy on man for his sins.
But a final judgement came not, for man was stubborn and refused to perish. He retreated into his own refuge, constructed for the day such a battle would happen. The metro, as he called it, became the new home of homo sapiens, the wise man.
But how can such a monster be wise?
The year is now 2033 - the survivors huddle to their fires, wondering what life used to be before the War. Some ask themselves if there is a God left to finish them off. Perhaps he went on about his business or was killed during the nuclear barrage? A few brave men venture to the irradiated ruins of the city. Most of the time they come back empty-handed, but sometimes fortune bestows them comforts long forgotten, like genuine tobacco or an entire crate of whiskey.
Down in the tunnels, heavy guard posts watch the two station exits. The lights of the dim lamps and fire die out at the third checkpoint. The men here are unlike their vain, arrogant and proud predecessors - they fear the unnatural darkness, for things of an unspeakable evil lurk in the black void. It is also said that man destroyed the afterlife, leaving the disembodied spirits of the dead free to wander the tunnels til the end of time. Maybe this is a reason no one dares cross into the abandoned paths, for none that have treaded their have returned.
Now you have experienced the taste of the Metro universe. How does it sound? Quite depressing, right? Now check out Fallout - it's cool and all, but its' retrofuturish style and witty humour prevent you from taking it seriously. However, Metro 2033 is a totally different story - it's the exact vision of a war that could actually kill us all. It shows that, against all odds, humans still cling on to a last thread of hope, a hope that would bear them through the cold, dark world that they have created. Wandering through the ruins of Moscow while hiding from the devilish creatures that are the new residents will make you wonder: how did we, the apex species, fall so far?
Try it now, you won't regret it.
"And when, at last, the moment is yours, that agony will become your greatest triumph."
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