Jarreau Plateau

The Jarreau Plateau, a rugged mountainous area, stands as a testament to both the bold architectural dreams of New Orange City and the changing tides of political ideology. Situated along the east coast of Oldeshire, this barren landscape conceals the remnants of three volcanoes, with one still exhibiting signs of activity.

Planned Imperial Capital: Unfinished Aspirations

The Jarreau Plateau's transformation into a grand imperial capital was an audacious endeavor that unfolded between 1962 and 1967. The architects and builders envisioned a city that would seamlessly merge with the natural contours of the rocky landscape, blending innovative design with the commanding presence of the geological remnants.

Architects embraced avant-garde principles, giving rise to structures that defied conventional norms. The planned Hall of Justice, a symbol of legal authority, bore architectural motifs echoing the plateau's volcanic heritage.

Education and governance were to converge within the capital center. Plans included state-of-the-art educational facilities designed to inspire the pursuit of knowledge. Housing for politicians, with panoramic views of the natural spectacle, was integrated into the rocky crags.

A soaring executive tower was conceived to stand as a beacon of leadership and vision. An expansive outdoor stage, carved into the rocky terrain, was designed to host imperial ceremonies and speeches. The natural amphitheater would echo with the voices of leaders addressing their constituents against the dramatic backdrop of nature.

At the heart of this ambitious vision was the tunnel beneath the ocean. Connecting Oldeshire to Vallachia, the tunnel was both a practical conduit and a metaphorical link between regions. It utilized old lava tubes for much of its length, helping to expedite construction.

However, as political winds shifted, so did the destiny of the planned imperial capital. By 1967, the first signs of the impending decolonization wave emerged, altering the trajectory of New Orange City's ambitions. The grand vision of the imperial capital remained frozen in time, its architectural wonders left incomplete, bearing silent witness to the changing tides of history.

McNeb Bridge: A Symbol of Capitalist Excess

Constructed as a fully privatized pedestrian bridge, the McNeb Bridge's architectural design mirrored the logo of McNeb's, a once-popular fast-food burger restaurant of the 1950s and 1960s. The decision to privatize a crucial pathway between regions was a bold move, driven by the promise of profit and exploitation of the iconic McNeb's brand.

Commercialization of a Thoroughfare

The bridge was conceived as a commercial venture where crossing came with a price tag. Travelers are mandated to purchase a meal of $5.99 or more at the McNeb's restaurant, strategically positioned at the midpoint of the bridge. This commercialization of a crucial thoroughfare symbolized a convergence of corporate interests and public infrastructure, often at the expense of accessibility and fairness.

As the only surviving franchise of McNeb's, the restaurant perched in the center of the bridge became a symbol of unchecked commercial influence. Its existence depended on the enforced patronage of those wishing to traverse the bridge, reflecting the extremes to which profit motives could shape public spaces.

The McNeb Bridge, while architecturally striking, serves as a stark reminder of the era when unchecked capitalism and business interests wielded disproportionate influence over civic planning. The bridge's legacy underscores the dangers of intertwining commercial ventures with vital public infrastructure, a cautionary tale about the perils of businesses becoming too cozy with the government.

The McNeb Bridge continues to be a source of controversy, sparking debates about the ethical boundaries of private enterprises monopolizing essential pathways and whether public access should be contingent on commercial transactions. Its presence on the Jarreau Plateau stands as a testament to the enduring consequences of an era when profit often took precedence over equitable access and communal well-being.

Present Landscape and Tunnel Legacy

In the present day, the Jarreau Plateau remains sparsely populated, frequented primarily by New Orange City caretakers and maintenance workers. The ocean-spanning tunnel, originally intended to symbolize connection, now serves as a practical conduit for travelers moving between Oldeshire and Vallachia, bridging the geographical gap left by unrealized imperial ambitions.