the final compromise

Part 3

A newspaper clipping from The Fourth Estate (Translated to English)

THE FOURTH ESTATE THROUGH THE EYES OF DR. V. FERGUSON

Date 5023.0007.0001

"I'm a walking history book"

'Doctor Ferguson kindly let me visit his lab for our interview today, willing I was considerate of the scientists working on the other side of the glass, and that I washed up before entering. As I walk in the large metal door, I see the glass wall he speaks of, with young-looking scientists on the other side, working efficiently. Doctor Ferguson kindly greets me from inside in a shrill, unpleasant voice, ushering me to a table near the wall. He is wearing a long, white lab coat, his hair in a frizz, and an eerie expression on his face.'

Interviewer - How are you today Doctor?

Doctor - Fantastic, how are you?

Interviewer - I'm doing fine, you know I've heard, you're one of the oldest people to go through The Resurgence, is that true?

Doctor - Yes, it is.

Interviewer - How does it feel witnessing so many historical events throughout your life?

Doctor - I've been told I'm a walking history book, but I hardly witness much, I prefer being locked up in my lab most days.

Interviewer - I know you are high up on the board at GKO, and was wondering about your relationship with the GKO's director, Aiden Copper?

Doctor - Mr. Copper and I are close, personal friends. I've known him since I started working for the government ages ago.

Interviewer - And I know the board has already spoken about this, but there are still rumours going around that The Resurgence Advancement Tests are the causes of these dissociations happening throughout the world. Care to debunk?

Doctor - I can assure the public, we've done hundreds of tests, and there isn't a single link between the two. I constructed The Resurgence Advancement Tests with such flawlessness, that would be impossible.

Interviewer - Do you have any plans or ideas relating to this global issue?

Doctor - Yes, in fact, we are working on it right now.

Interview continues on pg. 5

GKO

We are standing outside at the deepest hour of night, half a mile away from the GKO headquarters. The only things protecting our vision from pitch-blackness are 8 foot tall poles with glowing lights attached to the tips. One on each side of us, creating a pathway forward, all the way to the entrance of GKO. A vague looking man stands with us, his eyes full of suspicion, waiting patiently for a particular person.

The 'last steps to begin the first steps', said Dr. Ferguson. This meant exactly what it meant it to, for only days after, the preparation had begun. The preparation for what, you might ask? Well only four people in the entire world knew that. And there's one of them walking this way.

"Hello," says Vincent K. Ives, a lively look in his eyes, despite the strange time of day.

The other man does not introduce himself, but instead whispers, "I have the people you need."

"Good, and remember, you shall never mention this to anyone."

"Is that a threat?" The unknown man asks.

"It can be." Says Vincent Ives who is then given a long piece of paper from the man. From where we're standing we can see a list of scribbled names written on it. He walks away from him, back to the GKO headquarters, the first step complete.