THE YOUNG PRIEST (Still serious)
Yes, exactly. Humanity destroyed itself through endless multiplication. Its downfall was the loss of dignity, reduced to fighting over scraps of food in the aftermath of war. If not for the androids, both humans and androids would have perished from starvation. We are fortunate to have taken control of our destiny, finding a solution by establishing aerial settlements to protect against radioactive contamination. We have revitalized post-war agriculture and industry, prolonging human lives and giving purpose to androids. (pauses) What's wrong with that? (Stares intensely at Tom)
TOM (sarcastically)
What's it all for? So we can be trapped in airborne cages?
THE YOUNG PRIEST
One of our purposes is to assist humanity. You can't come to us with complaints. If you had stayed on Earth, you would have succumbed to pollution and faced extinction. We have provided you with a clean environment, ensuring clean water and food daily for many decades, even though we ourselves sustain on the food and polluted water that lingers on Earth.
Silence. Tom shifts his gaze to the snow-capped mountains; now so close they seem within reach. He has nothing more to say to the priest.
EXT. DAY. IN THE HOT AIR BALOON, SOARING OVER LUSH GREEN PLAINS.
As they pass over the mountains, the scenery transforms into a plain abundant with verdant vegetation. Streams of water can be seen here and there, flowing from the mountain peaks.
THE YOUNG PRIEST
Soon we'll reach the center of the area where the settlement is located. First, I want to observe what's happening in the center itself, and then we'll head upward to explore the settlement.
Tom shrugs nonchalantly, while Lara steals a glance at the young priest.
EXT. DAY. IN THE COUTYARD OF THE ABANDONED CENTER
They land in the courtyard of the deserted center. Shrubs and thorns cover the area, and the building itself remains motionless, with shattered glass and open doors resembling black wounds.
The young priest extinguishes the flame in the device attached to the mouth of the hot air balloon. He climbs up and leaps out of the basket, which carries the three of them, securing the ropes around one of the pillars on the balcony of the deserted building.