World One: Episode 1: July 15. 2019 from Fourcaster on Vimeo Next »
The first SPORE transmission from the year 2049 reveals a version of Professor Patrick Jagoda who has aged 30 years and is trapped in what appears to be a bunker (presumably, the reason why the Fourcasters in 2019–and Patrick specifically–were warned against watching the broadcasts). He calls himself the “Anchor” and has volunteered for this position. The room contains a cot, shelves, and chests that hold nondescript supplies, various devices made of wires and glass, and a range of old technologies. A series of 24 images adorns the back wall, with four black frames that seem to indicate missing pieces of a puzzle.
In the opening moments of the connection, the Anchor frantically asks whether TERI is present. It soon becomes apparent that he believes that TERI is the artificial intelligence through which all communication from 2019 is mediated, though in fact TERI is comprised of numerous stream participants from 2019. The Anchor begs TERI to help him, to explain why he is stuck in this room, and to assist him in escaping the bunker. After questioning TERI, Patrick discovers that he is in contact with the year 2019, our present. We also learn that he is located in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago.
Patrick is prompted by viewers (as TERI) to explore the room. He finds a lightbulb and screws it into the lap that hangs above the cot pillow. The bulb is a black light that reveals a large X drawn across the pillow, and the numbers 07-15-19. The broadcast cuts as Patrick asks what he should do next.
