Seeing How the Sausage Is Made

I've visited this universe before.

---

"I don't know why you're putting up such a fuss. What would happen if we stopped completely, cold turkey? Mass chaos, that's what." Carrie punched the button to release another metered dose through the vaporizer and inhaled deeply. "See? Better already."

Trixie pouted and held her breath as long as she could. "The hope-industrial complex is practically a monopoly. There's hardly any oversight. I'm just saying we need to act thoughtfully."

"You're overreacting."

"She's not," said Grandpa. He rubbed at his scars. "Processed hope is junk, compared to the real stuff."

"Home-grown. Organic." Trixie smiled.

Grandpa shook his head. "Ours."