"So, wait a minute. Are you saying that I time traveled almost 450 years into the future? And also traveled to another planet? What happened to Earth? It still exists, doesn't it?"
"Yes, of course it does. It's just that ... well ... since the war with the squids ..."
"War? Earth is at war with those creatures?"
"Not any more. We lost. Now they occupy all Earth territory, including this planet."
Charlie suddenly didn't feel so well. "This isn't a very good future."
"No, it's not. But the human race still exists. So, there's still a chance to take back what's ours."
"How long ago was the war?" Charlie asked.
"Fifty years."
"And you still think you can beat those aliens?"
"We have to. It's the only thing that keeps us going. Now, come on. The sun's going down. We don't want to be out here when it's dark. Trust me."
