r/EmptyContinents

February 26th, 2031

Radisson Resort at the Port (USPG Headquarters)

Cape Canaveral, Florida

Jason made his way to the penthouse suite, where Governor Rossi had his office. He had been living in the Radisson hotel for 2 years, since his trek across newly Raptured Florida made him a bit of a celebrity, and he had used his position to get himself a spot in a rather fancy hotel in the new seat of power, albeit having to share a room with another guy. However, all he managed to get was a job cleaning rooms and other odd jobs of upkeeping the place, especially laundry duty. Still, it was something, and he appreciated the better conditions of the hotel, rather than some motel that a few locals had been having weird gang fights in. He still remembered the truly bizarre scene of a man with a stuffed gorilla in a canoe fighting a man in a picture frame. For now, Jason was just glad to be in a better situated place.

Jason approached Governor Rossi's door and knocked on it. “Ah, Mr. Sullivan, I've been expecting you! Come in!”, came Rossi's voice. Jason gently opened the door to Rossi's bedroom/office combined suite. The leader of the slowly growing provisional government had whiteboards and paperwork full of notes and maps of Florida and the Caribbean islands, in a seemingly haphazard manner. “Is this a bad time?”, Jason inquired. “No, no, it's alright, just burning the midnight oil. For the past year.”, Rossi said, his plastered grin falling a little. “Regardless, I have a proposition that may greatly interest you, Mr. Sullivan.”

“Please, Mr. Sullivan's my old man. Call me Jason, I'm only 20.”, Jason said humbly.

“Alright, Jason, I have something potentially interesting for you. I've been thinking about it, and how does being a Park Ranger sound?”

“I'd be honored. I was planning to study biology and wildlife in college so I could get a job at an aquarium, or at a nature preserve. Where did you have in mind, exactly?”

“How about somewhere west of the Indian River?”, Rossi said, with a certain glint in his eyes.

“W- west? As in the raw forests and marshes that nobody's even seen?” Jason said befuddled. He knew what he said wasn't quite true, and almost put together why Rossi called him down here, before the Governor beat him to it.

“Except for you! You personally navigated the untouched wilderness that sits like a giant wall of green and brown, with relatively little preparation and supplies, based on the police report you gave a couple years back. I know asking you to return to the site of something that was likely traumatizing, back in the week the world ended, is far more than I have asked of nearly anybody these past 2 years.” Rossi pleaded. “But think of what could be done if you're not alone, and have government backing.”

Jason sat utterly gobsmacked. He figured the governor might want some help regarding his past experience immediately after the Vanishing, but that was some farming off dream. Now, he could hardly make heads or tails of what was being asked of him.

“I'm sorry Mr. Rossi, I'm not following. How could a park ranger, or even a dozen, be qualified to do whatever you're suggesting?”, Jason asked.

“Oh, of course, let me clarify.” Rossi said. “See, government offices and departments change and evolve all the time. The Secret Service was originally created to stop counterfeiting after the Civil War; it didn't get its more famous role as Presidential bodyguard until the early 20th century. So, in that spirit, I'm doing some… tweaks to the Parks Department. This is an entirely new government Desmond and I've been creating from scratch. That said, I've been given the go ahead to designate all wild lands beyond the current USPG domain in the former state of Florida, and not populated by people, as parkland. All land beyond the Indian River is the domain of the USPG, available to use for, surveying, agriculture, anything necessary. I've incorporated and consolidated the multiple city park departments, and the local nature preserve staff, into the state parks department. I’ve had to change how much the department has to take care of, and they're not too happy, but I find it simpler to rework existing government bureaucracy than make a new one out of whole cloth.”

If Jason was slightly stunned by Rossi's original proposal and announcement, he was utterly gobsmacked by this. The man was accruing impossible amounts of land to maintain, and he hardly considered any inroads a government on the Gulf Coast might've made in the past 2+ years. Jason silently prayed there wasn't a nascent government paralleling these decisions over in Tampa Bay, or the panhandle, as they spoke.

“That's, uh. Wow. You've certainly taken the initiative, Mr. Rossi. I'm… impressed.”, Jason said hesitantly.

“Thank you, I've done my best. I just want what's best for these people. I don't want anyone else to needlessly die under my watch. I've seen several reports out there of malnutrition, death by starvation, and people choosing to sail anywhere but here these past 2 years. It's been difficult, beyond stressful, and don't even get me started on what Puerto Rico is doing. God willing, we'll still have Aviles to rely on, regardless of how they all vote with this snap refe-.” Rossi realized he'd potentially said too much in front of the young man that was leaning further and further back in his chair.

“Anyway! Enough about that! How do you feel about my idea?”

Jason pondered everything he'd seen these past 2.5 years. Everything he'd considered during this meeting. Everything he felt, and his personal convictions. He then considered that he would be getting a foot in with a young government that was taking further and further bounds. He'd heard reports in the newspaper of what Hugh Desmond was doing and saying in New York, and how his plans and dissent among the people were growing. He wondered if this government down here might one day prove as controversial, and if there might be a conflict against them at some point, like was already starting near New York.

Jason considered all of that, and then remembered how much dirty laundry he did this week. How many toilets he had to scrub. How many inconceivable messes he had to clean up every week. He remembered how lucky and grateful he was to be alive after that two week excursion after the world vanished around him. Jason also felt the stifling feeling that his life was going nowhere fast. He feared he might wind up a refugee to the Bahamas, or elsewhere, of which he'd seen too many to count these past 2 years. Or wind up dead from some old illness that was wiped out by the endless suburbs of Florida, only to be brought back by the Wild.

Above all, Jason saw a chance to fulfill his dream of working with nature, and even better, be the first to chart a barely familiar landscape. He still remembered the vague path he carved out 2.5 years ago, and hoped one day to face that path again. But for now, he was so intrigued by Rossi's offer that he managed to almost stifle the part of his mind that dreaded what may inevitably come of the USPG in his home state.

“Well, are you up for it, son? Do you want to help your state, your community?” Rossi said after a minute's contemplation on Jason's side.

“Yes, on a few conditions. First, I want to be free of my duties to clean and do laundry in this hotel. I'll throw myself entirely into this job if I must, I just don't want to clean a hotel bathroom as long as I live. Second, I want your guarantee that we'll actually preserve more of this state's wildlife and nature than previous governments. I want no pollution in the waters as far as you're able to control. Finally, can I have better meals? What's the good of getting a government job if I can't have some perks like that?” Jason concluded.

Rossi smiled his trademark plastered grin. “I think that can be arranged, Jason. I'm so glad we have someone of your expertise on board. But keep in mind you won't be leading any teams or expeditions yet, you're still greener than Orlando is now. You'll be serving under more senior rangers, who've been doing this since before your first sleep away camp. But who knows, one day, you could lead your own team. Maybe even back home…”

Jason felt a chill at that. He'd seen the island in Lake Jesup constantly in his dreams. To maybe return, or even have people make a city in the area again, was more than he could imagine for now.

“I think navigating the other side of the Indian River is enough for now.” Jason smiled, in a manner not unlike how Rossi had been.

1.What the current world population?

2.What the current status of android rights after the war of colombian severance and the fall of sanctuary and has there been any attempt to establish a android state else where such as in space?

3.on the similer note what the status of other non human sapients like the Hrafnar as well as clones in the current point of the timeline

4.What happend to the people of the Si phan don region and other populated islands of laos?

5.on a similer note what happend to the people of dek islands and the other islands of ethiopia?

6. what were the Macians, kilimanjaro, Karlings, the Burgh, and the Kanawha workers republic as shown in the 2128 world map?

7. As shown on the 2128 world map, what happened to arakan, suvarnabhumi, and tupinambaranse?

8. What were the differences between the various states of morocco and cambodia and how did they ended up getting annexed by Mekong federation and Canarias respectively?

This is the final part in a series, read these two first if you haven't https://reddit.com/r/EmptyContinents/comments/1vmsu1x/rossis_breakthrough_2028/ https://reddit.com/r/EmptyContinents/comments/1w6u1ne/hugh_and_olly_2028/

June 17, 2030 Radisson Resort at the Port Cape Canaveral, Florida

Oliver Rossi drummed his fingers anxiously as he waited for the other members of the delegation to arrive. The several board rooms had been the reason this hotel had been chosen as the temporary USPG headquarters in Florida, along with proximity to the port. 2 weeks after first communicating with Councillor Sanchez's staffer, Miguel Aviles, they had laid out a future meeting face to face at the Radisson. A meeting to hopefully secure a stable, sustainable food and labor supply for Florida, involving Miguel's uncle, Adrián, a major land owner on the island, who had a rice farm among his land portfolio.

Talks and plans between the Aviles’ had proved fruitful over the first month, but their decision to include Puerto Rican and US and British Virgin Islander government officials had proved to complicate matters even further.

For the past year, since the world went to hell in a handbasket, the British and U.S. Virgin Islands have been working closer and closer together to survive, since the tiny islands have little else to live off of, and there was even talk of entering some sort of union. On top of that, P.R. was living under the authority coming out of USVI capitol, Charlotte Amalie. With the 2 Virgin Islands armed forces working further in sync, and this union potentially passing, the elder Aviles told Rossi that it could cause quite a storm in Puerto Rico. Rossi had to contend with not just acquiring potential laborers and resources for future rice farms and livestock rearing, but with the political relationship between the newborn U.S. Provisional Government and what seemed like Puerto Rico caught between the 2 distinct yet close Virgin Islands and Cape Canaveral.

Rossi was damn near pulling his hair out over this. He just wanted agricultural assistance for his new, malnourished constituents! Now he was getting involved in Caribbean power politics! He hated even coming up with the stupid plan, and wanted to smack Hugh's stupid face more than ever.

“‘Keep Puerto Rico on side, but be subtle about it!’, he says, ‘Nyeh nyeh nyeh nyeh!’ How about I subtly put my shoe up your ass!” Rossi mocked.

Rossi held his head in his hands. He had to pull himself together. This was going to be the final convention between the parties involved. A convention to finally sort out what Puerto Rico's status would be; how its relationship with Florida, the Virgin Islands, and with itself would be.

Right at that moment, a knock at the door shook Oliver out of his thoughts.

“Yes, who is it?”, he replied.

“Adrián Aviles, and the other representatives from San Juan and Charlotte Amalie”, the voice replied.

“Yes, come in, I've been expecting you! I can't wait to get to business!” Oliver replied hastily.

Into the room came Adrián Aviles, and a few faces Oliver had gotten quite familiar with this past year. From Puerto Rico, Rafael Riefkohl and Manuel Albelo, the House Majority leader and a recently popular voice for increased sovereignty for Puerto Rico, respectively. From the US Virgin Islands, Lt. Governor Tregenza Roach, and from the British Virgin Islands, Deputy Premier Kye Rymer. The 5 member commission was chosen by each island government to be delegates to this important diplomatic meeting, and hoped to broker substantial deals for each side.

The first matter of discussion was the recently proposed temporary union between the two Virgin Islands. This was first proposed by the British Chancellor of the Exchequer, so that the two communities could be closer together, especially economically and militarily, and so that Whitehall would have less on their plate. Oliver knew his history, and that a similar position was suggested among the Canadian maritime provinces, and that such talks led to the creation of the old Canadian nation state. When Oliver first came to Canaveral, he could hardly point out the Virgin Islands on a map, let alone care what government it took, but now he was incredibly invested. If this economic and trading union takes place, it seemed inevitable that the two would become one bloc, and one that would have control over Puerto Rico as well. If that were to happen, then Puerto Rico might go ahead and declare independence over this madness. And why wouldn’t they, Oliver thought. Puerto Rico already had centuries of colonial rule from afar, but even the nominally American-leaning island would balk at having to take orders from such a small government that was technically half-British.

Oliver straightened his suit as he got up to shake all the delegates' hands. On the rectangular table, Riefkohl and Albelo sat on one side, while Rymer and Roach on the opposite side, with Aviles and Rossi on either end. “So, shall we broach the topic shelved in the previous session? About what matters in this emergency, temporary union shall exactly be?”, Rossi said, emphasizing his words carefully. “Yes”, said Rymer. “Let us explain once more to the distinguished delegation that we have only their best interests in mind. British influence over the BVI has diminished so heavily over the past century, and especially these past 2 years, that you have no need to worry about suddenly driving on the left side of the road, or using British pounds. We ourselves have been using the dollar long before this Rapture, it’s a reliable currency. And, our military presence will be minimal at most, with peacekeeping officers only stationed in government buildings in San Juan and other key cities of your island, Mr. Riefkohl. We can only spare maybe 150 men, mostly from the USVI anyways. The rest of the Virgin Islands forces that’ll be used for the islands will be pooled between USVI and BVI.”

“Oh, so a special force will be occupying our offices at the highest levels? To make sure we stay loyal to your tiny island with 1/20th our population? And that’s if you put together both your populations. Naturally you want this plan to go forward, it’ll be easier to project power onto us if you join together, Roach.”, Albelo sneered.

“Excuse me, Mr. Rossi, is that any way to address a fellow member of this delegation?” Rymer said.

“I believe Mr. Albelo was asking this of Mr. Roach, Mr. Rymer. However, I must remind Mr. Albelo, again, not to use the lieutenant governor’s name in the pejorative matter. Am I clear?” Oliver spoke, glaring between the feuding men.

“Understood, sir. I’ll refrain from such remarks, especially as this is supposed to be the final meeting” Albelo said, refusing to meet Oliver’s eyes.

“Very well”, Roach said. “Now, about our future economic ties. I believe it fair that we enter this common union to pool our scarce resources, especially since most of our islands are dedicated to tourism, and there have been over a thousand tourists stuck here with little else to own. There is moderate agricultural yields, and with those and Puerto Rico combined, we can all pull through this emergency.”

“That seems alright, I’m willing to cooperate on that front”, Aviles said. “But remember we also have our new friend in Mr. Rossi to consider, how will we be able to contribute desperately needed food on our own island to feed itself. I only have so many acres of land that are nearly at capacity, and malnutrition and disease have hit us all. Over a thousand excess deaths in our island from starvation, and that’s not to mention dysentery spiking. We already have better medical facilities and equipment than Mr. Rossi, let alone you Virgin Islanders. If there was ever a flu pandemic that knocked out my workforce, then it would be over for all of us.

“I think that could be where an understanding could be arranged”, Oliver chimed in. “Puerto Rico is already the best island for medical care and production in the whole region. If a few of your doctors were to go to the Virgin Islands, and train their medical teams, then everyone could benefit.”

“What, and have even more of our people get sick?” Riefkohl added. “Why should we let anyone enjoy the bounty of our island, when we have the most prosperous island left besides Cuba? And let me guess, you thought for all of 10 seconds of asking them for help, Mr. Rossi? 10 more seconds than I would need, but close enough. Puerto Rico is the best island for any hope of salvation this side of ‘Isla de Castro’, and you all know it. So how about you listen to our demands if any of you want our assistance.

The room sat in stunned silence for a beat. Roach and Rymer both stood up, but Oliver raised his hand, signalling them to stop. “What did you have in mind, exactly?”, he inquired.

“For starters, we don’t want to take such direct orders from anyone in Charlotte Amalie”, Albelo demanded. “If there is something that may threaten the safety and security of P.R. and V.I. alike, then we will cooperate. But keep in mind, we are our own distinct government, and ultimately more powerful; we may do as we please when it comes to legal matters within our own borders. We may also provide some… agricultural assistance, if required, and agreed upon by a joint commission of both island governments. However, here is a new idea that seems risky, but everyone, especially Mr. Aviles may be interested. I understand there is an influx of tourists on both your islands? A cadre of formerly bourgeois layabouts having fun in the sun, now turned destitute? How does turning them into field workers sound?” Albelo asked the room.

Another beat.

“So, you’re saying you wanna make these Joe and Jane Doe’s into farmers?”, Oliver inquired. He had personally considered such an operation, but knew the suburban beach communities he now governed wouldn’t be happy about some city slicker telling them to start planting potatoes in the sandy soil for plenty of reasons. That said, he still thought it had some potential. “I don’t hate the idea, but just know that not everyone will be thrilled about it.”

“Of course,” said Albelo. “This will be entirely voluntary, as will be the subsidies and benefits they get from it,” he muttered. “What was that?” asked Rymer. “You want to entice our people with promises of compensation if they get their hands dirty? What could you even provide for them?” “A place to live. A roof over their heads. The possibility of eating whatever they grow first, before sending off the rest of their produce to the islands. Yes, islands, I intend for your community to benefit from the people who were stranded there for 2 years. And of course, we have not forgotten our Floridian friends.”, finished Albelo.

“Oh?” Oliver’s ears perked up at finally addressing the host country of this convention. “Have you come to an understanding for our demands, among all 3 of you?”

“Yes. I had private, one-on-one meetings, and later with all 3 of us in this hotel before we came to this meeting”, Riefkohl said.

“We will send agricultural instructors to Merritt Island, to help the farming communities make better use of the wetlands that surround them to produce rice crops, along with the appropriate amount of provisions to start such an operation. However, in turn, we want you to conduct a thorough survey of the opposite side of the river, so that my people may know what they are getting into with future farming settlements you have planned.” said Aviles.

“In return, we wish that you respect our sovereignty, and whatever decisions we may come to regarding the future relationship between the USPG and Puerto Rico.” Albelo added. “As I understand it, you’re stretched rather thin, and can’t afford to make any moves to prevent serious decisions we may make regarding Puerto Rico’s future as its own island.”

Oliver Rossi swallowed a grimace, and managed to keep his face neutral. The Puerto Ricans had him dead to rights. The Florida branch of the USPG had just taken dominion over a piece of land from New Smyrna Beach to Sebastian Inlet. There was still St. Augustine, Fernandina, SoFlo, and the Conch Republic to think about, let alone whatever the hell is happening on the Gulf Coast. Rossi had to set his priorities straight. Focus on Florida. Whatever Hugh Desmond may want can wait for another time, another decade. They had to get a hold of matters of import at home first before trying to get Puerto Rico as part of their government. For now, having their dearly needed expertise and resources was just what he was looking for to shore up support at home, and provide a reason to keep the people supporting the new government he was establishing.

“That sounds perfectly respectable to me, Mr. Albelo. I’m glad that one faction is working in lockstep without my assistance, that’s one less meeting I have to attend,” Rossi finished with a chuckle. Rising to shake hands with Albelo, Rossi added, “I hope that the USPG and your people will continue to have a cooperative future together, whatever that may be. And regarding your feelings towards the VI…?”

“We will have to wait and see how this agricultural agreement between the islands fairs out”, Riefkohl concluded. “We will keep you apprised of any developments that may be of interest to you over the secure radio line, Mr. Rossi. Until we speak again.”

“Yes, that won’t be long, I’ll just have one of my secretaries help me write up the final draft of the document this week, and I’ll invite you all back to sign it when we do”, said Rossi.

“You do know we’ll need at least another meeting to hammer out the exact wording, right?” Aviles added. “It took us this long to come to this agreement, we can’t give it up until it’s in black and white.”

“Ah, yes, of course… I just need to remind myself to check back in with the Westrock people in Fernandina again, see how they’re holding up. But yes, we can have a new meeting for it, hopefully it’ll be brief”, Rossi quipped. Lousy paperwork, how can we even do it when there’s next to no paper!, Rossi thought to himself.

Riefkohl, Albelo, Aviles, Rymer, and Roach each rose to leave, shaking hands, and thanking Rossi for the substantial help he provided in these meetings. “I’m so glad I could be of assistance to you all, and in providing such a great meeting place. You know that’s why we chose this as our temporary capitol; so many meeting rooms!” Rossi exclaimed. “Yes, I can appreciate that. However, one last matter, Mr. Rossi”, Albelo said. “Who exactly do you have in mind for this survey? There’s a whole new land, untouched as far as we’ve gathered from British reports. How many people would even have experience in such a place?”

Rossi froze for a second, pondering. As a grin spread across his face, he said “I think I have just the man for the job.”