Episode 8: Tariffs, Greenland, and Global Games

Vanished: Chronicles of the Billionaire Exodus

Episode 8: Tariffs, Greenland, and Global Games

As the world continues to reel from the disappearance of the seven richest billionaires, the public’s attention shifts to new chaos. The political tension between the U.S. and its neighboring countries escalates, and it’s all being fueled by the ridiculous on-air antics of U.S. TV hosts.

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The Media Circus

The news cycle is dominated by a shocking broadcast on one of the top-rated morning shows in the U.S. As cameras zoom in on a group of hosts sitting behind a desk, one of them, a well-known but often controversial figure, raises the idea that the U.S. should “simply buy Greenland” to secure its resources and power. The hosts, in a mix of amusement and faux seriousness, argue that purchasing an entire country isn’t such a wild idea.

Host 1: “Well, we’ve got the money, don’t we? I mean, Greenland is just sitting there, ready for the taking. It’s perfect for the U.S. to control the Arctic.”

Host 2: “And let’s not forget, it’s not just about the land—it’s about the resources under that land! Oil, minerals, you name it. Why not make it official?”

The camera pans to the third host, who seems more concerned with the political ramifications. “But can we just buy it? I mean, they’ve got a government and a people. It’s not like buying real estate in Florida.”

Host 1 shrugs, smiling, “We could always do what we do best—throw money at the problem. Make Canada put the tariffs in action and watch Greenland fall into our lap.”

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The Tariff Debate

In another studio, a different group of hosts discusses the idea of forcing Canada to enact tariffs on critical goods. This is a direct result of the increasingly hostile rhetoric between the U.S. and its northern neighbor. The hosts are blissfully unaware of the ripple effects their words have on the global stage, treating the topic like a trivial game of negotiation rather than the catalyst for serious economic consequences.

Host 3: “I think Canada’s due for a lesson. They’ve been too comfortable sitting in our shadow for too long. We put tariffs in place on steel and aluminum, and watch them squirm. It's time to teach them who’s boss.”

Host 4: “And maybe, just maybe, if we up the pressure enough, they’ll hand over Greenland! It’s the perfect trade deal, don’t you think?”

Host 3 chuckles. “Exactly. A little economic heat and they’ll be begging us to take Greenland off their hands.”

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The Fallout

Back in the real world, the impact of these remarks spreads like wildfire. Canadian citizens are furious. The government, already struggling with its leadership vacuum after Justin Trudeau’s resignation, is under even more strain. Tensions rise as the U.S. pushes for tariffs and discusses territorial claims in the Arctic, creating an atmosphere of hostility and confusion.

The international community watches with skepticism. Countries that rely on trade with both the U.S. and Canada fear the consequences of escalating tariffs. Global markets begin to react, with stock prices of key industries plunging as businesses brace for what they know will be a major shift in economic relations.

In Greenland, a new wave of political resistance emerges. Citizens, previously untouched by the chaos of world politics, now find themselves at the center of a geopolitical tug-of-war. The alien message, warning of Earth’s collapse if it doesn’t adapt, seems more relevant than ever.

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The Billionaires’ Reaction

Back on the alien world, the billionaires have been monitoring these developments. They have been struggling with their own survival and learning to work together, but as tensions rise between the U.S. and its neighbors, they begin to see a chilling reality: the global system is on the brink of collapse.

Elon Musk turns to the others. “If they continue down this path—believing they can just buy and bully their way through the world—there won’t be a planet left to govern. Maybe that’s what the aliens wanted us to see all along.”

Zhou Wei, who’s been more reflective lately, adds, “The media here doesn’t understand the gravity of their words. They’re playing games with people’s lives—people who are already struggling. They think tariffs and acquisitions are just transactions, but they’re not.”

Vanessa Ward, who has taken charge of the group’s survival tactics, looks out the window at the alien landscape. “They’re right. All of us are here, learning the hard way how to survive and collaborate. And those TV hosts... they’re showing the world how not to lead.”

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Cliffhanger

As the billionaires reflect on the chaos unfolding back on Earth, the alien voice interrupts, booming into their compound:

"The leaders of your world have failed. The time for games is over. The next phase of your trial begins now."

The screen flickers and fades to black.