Government-funded military projects and different universes now. He was starting to wonder if the girl had a few screws loose. It was just all so unbelievable. Then again... he hadn't believed the Lorax at first, either. His face fell slightly at the memory.

Perhaps he should just go along with her. If she was nutty, well, that was no skin off his nose. But on the off chance that she was right, he'd probably regret not staying by her.

The Once-ler sighed. "I'm still not sure I believe you, but I guess there's no harm in going along together. Besides, you really should get some medicine for that rash; it looks nasty."

Something occurred to him. "Actually, I don't think we've introduced ourselves. I'm the Once-ler." He offered his hand for a shake.