“Lend me your ear and I will relate to you of how the Hop Along Nation was formed. Now as we’re all men of science, there is no need to gloss over the finer details and tell the version that every proper young Crowdidyian child knows.” Dr. Rotter said as he stared out over the packed crowd of scientists who sat shoulder to shoulder in the Universities lecture hall. Dr. Rotter couldn’t remember what the name of this particular university was. There was just too many…but if he was ever to achieve the rank of Ambassador and then that of lead scientist, Dr. Rotter knew that he would have to garner the support that he and his people needed. Gathering his thoughts, Dr. Rotter pushed forward with the story that he could now tell in his sleep.

“As you all well know, the nation of Hop Along was founded in 1723 AC (After Crow) and Existed until the year 2023 AC, or what is more accurately known as the Great boil of 2023. But what most of you don’t know, is how a thriving nation came to be in such a short period of time and how it’s demise though noble in the minds of its people, was a tragedy – one that could’ve been prevented.” Here Dr. Rotter paused to let his words sink in.

“Now I know what you’re thinking, that this had nothing to do with you and that our ancestors did what they could to prevent this tragedy; but ultimately failed because the Hop Along Nation didn’t want to be saved. But I ask you this, should they have ever had this right to begin with? Before, you make your decision, let me relate to you the true story of how this nation came to be and then when I’m done, then and only then do you decide if my words ring true and if such courtesies that were denied the Hop along nation should be extended to our lessers’, the Dragtonians.”

Boos and hisses echoed throughout the hall, causing Dr. Rotter to raise his arms for silence. “All I ask is for you to hear me out, and if you like what you hear, then you can join my causse and if you don’t, then you can walk away knowing that you did so with a clear conscience.”

Hearing the murmurs of consent throughout the hall, Dr. Rotter continued. “As I have already mention, the Hop Along nation was formed in 1723 AC, but what is not generally known is that the species didn’t come around until 1700 AC. So, I ask you, how did a nation become unified and form in under thirty years without any help or guidance. That short answer and obvious to this, is that it is impossible and yet they did it. But how, how did they do it?” Dr. Rotter paused, daring one of the scientists to answer but none did. “What no one knows, well then I will tell you the true origin story of the Hop along nation.,”