Here is the link to my class page: MDST 3504.
Sally and Emma, fourth years at The University of Virginia (Class of 2025), impulsively booked a train to go to New York City for Halloween. The girls took the train up, and to their surprise they were not seated next to each other. Instead, Emma and Sally’s tickets paired them with strangers. Emma only wished to rest her eyes for the afternoon, but a chipper old man beside her insisted on making conversation.
"Do they still teach kids about the failed launch of Sputnik? That was always my favorite unit, but every young man and woman from the past two generations has no idea what I’m talking about!”
“Launch of what?” Emma responded.
“You have got to be kidding me! You also have no idea? Have they completely erased it from history, for crying out loud?”
“Geez, I’m sorry. Tell me, what’s the big deal about it?”
“Well, in the 1950s the Soviet Union attempted to launch some satellite… To be exact, in 1957 the USSR had executed a whole plan to put a satellite in space. The concept was obviously ridiculous and would never happen. After the Soviet’s failed attempt, every other country gave up trying to place artificial gadgets on foreign lands.”
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“Wow. That’s actually really interesting. I wonder why no one talks about it anymore?”
“People were so curious about what could be up in space, but once one lead country’s advanced plan and technology failed, everyone else lacked motivation. I think the school systems are trying to keep children in the dark so the next generation does not try.”
“Are you kidding? That is so unfair to us. Now I am so curious!”
“Slow down, I would stop yourself there. I have heard too many theories over my long lifetime about what intellectuals think would have happened to us if we tried to advance our systems instead of ourselves.”
“How do you figure?”
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“Well I just mean that if historians from decades ago chose to waste precious time and resources on irrelevant research, our society would have become far too wrapped up in things that don’t matter. Too much of a focus on the metaphysical would have led to drastic societal effects, I’m sure. I find our scientific ignorance to be bliss, and would rather be able to move objects with my mind! We didn’t know how to use all 10 of our senses when I was a kid, you know! Our culture is so much better now that we know more about our human capabilities rather than if we stuck with trying to learn about the material world.”
“I guess you have a point.” Emma replied.
“Emma, hey! We made it!” Sally yelled, telepathically, to Emma from across the train.
“Wow, people are really going all out for their costumes this year!” Sally continues communicating as she looked in awe outside the windows.
“Agreed, I’m totally rethinking my toilet paper mummy outfit. I think we can do better.” Emma thinks back to her friend.
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Emma struggled to shake off the conversation she just had with her new companion, but knew she needed to brush it off and enjoy her trip. She reminded herself how much easier her life is than her grandparents ever was, for they grew up before the rapid human evolution of the 1960s.
The two girls arrived at their cheap hotel around 4pm on Friday.
The next day Emma and Sally woke up recharged and ready to take on the day. Neither of them had ever been to New York City before, so they were eager to start their day. The two hopped out of bed, got dressed, and teleported to the closest place for coffee and croissants.
All the exploring caused the morning and afternoon to fly by. It was now time for them to transfer quickly back to their hotel to get ready for an exciting evening. Tonight they were debuting their much awaited Halloween costumes. Everyone had gone all-out this year, from the makeup to the hair to the attire. The one they both could absolutely not get over was somewhat disturbing. On the head was the most realistic mask they had ever seen, blue and green in color, with deep black eyes and an over-exaggerated forehead. The body of the costume was more plain, but the look as a whole was startling.
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“Freedom of expression I guess.” Emma said to Sally
“True, I’m not one to judge, I just can't figure out what they are!” Sally responded.
Emma and Sally got over their state of shock and kept walking.
“No way. Look Sally, there’s more over there!”
Emma looked up and down the street to find about five more people in the bizarre costume.
“Who are these people?”
“I have no clue. I’m kind of scared. Well, more just confused. I’ve never seen something quite so realistic.”
“The City doesn’t disappoint!”
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“This can’t be happening.” Sally exclaimed as she pointed in the direction of close to 20 more people donning the mysterious outfit.
Both of the girls were unable to hide their fear at this point. They had never experienced anything like this in the small city of Charlottesville.
Emma and Sally’s conversation was interrupted abruptly by torturous screams. They both looked forward, jaws dropping immediately. Hundreds more of these ‘people’ in ‘costume’ appeared, storming the streets.
“Sally… Do you think these are what the Soviet Union could have found up there in space if the launch of 1957 was successful? Or if other countries like the United States would have encountered if no one gave up on technological research?
“Emma, I have no idea what you are talking about, but I think we may be witnessing the start of a nasty war.” “I think you may be right Sally…And instead of being a World War, I think this could be a...
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