The Prometheus Effect Read Online Free
Author: Jonathan Davison
offered a silent smile and then thanked the slim woman as he sloped off back to the elevator. Joshua exhaled sharply, it was his turn next.
“ So, Mr Regan. Tell me about yourself.”
The large, round faced man spoke in increments, each word appeared to be prepared to perfection. He sat behind an intimidating large rectangular desk between two other peripheral figures. They did not speak, they barely moved. They were grey and statuesque. Joshua felt very small indeed in his solitary chair, marooned in the centre of the office, no desk to hide behind.
“ Thank you. Well, I am currently 37 years old. I have worked as a journalist since I was 22. I began as a freelance writer for a popular e-zine, 'Science Friction', combining my passion for writing short story fiction and the media. I won several awards and was fortunate to be invited to work for 'The Flag' in June 2009. I became the Chief Science Correspondent in 2012 and won the 'Mischka' Prize the next year for my investigative work which led to the 'Hannzoil' scandal and subsequent inquiry...you may have read about that one.”
Joshua grinned proudly, he knew that there was no way on Earth the panel would have been unaware of his input in that global affair. The rotund Mr Fernandes appeared to be ambivalent to Joshua's greatest achievement and instead chose to focus on the interviewee's personality and work ethic.
“ I have here your reference from your previous employer. To say that it is 'gushing' might be an understatement. Your previous employer obviously thought very highly of you, however, they do mention a worrying propensity to be 'obsessive, pedantic and occasionally confrontational'. What do you have to say to that?”
Joshua was stunned into silence, his knees were jumping up and down of their own accord.
“ To that I would say that these are all the properties of a great investigative journalist. I have, on occasions, stepped over the line of professionalism when the situation presented was of a highly emotive nature. I am not one for suffering fools gladly or standing by whilst injustice is apparent but remains unchallenged. I am an 'old school' reporter, my role is the search for truth. If the truth can only be revealed by pushing the envelope and taking a risk or two, for me, that is a small price to pay.”
Joshua completed his answer and swallowed hard. He knew he had just exposed himself completely to cross examination, he had revealed the nature of his ambition but also the frailties of his nature. There was a prolonged silence as Fernandes chewed over the response, his lips puckered as he ordered his thoughts.
“ You interest me Regan. I can see a place for you here at The Messenger. What areas hold particular interest?”
Joshua perked up, Fernandes had just hired him, now it was his opportunity to haggle for his position and no doubt his salary.
“ I am particularly interested in the new emissions act and the influence of the power companies on its conception, the impact of Chinese influence in the manufacture of nuclear weapons in the Middle East, the role of the American government and implications of complicity in the 9/11 terrorist attacks...”
Fernandes coughed loudly and brought Joshua's wish list to a halt.
“ Aliens.” He said, as if it were a dirty word.
“ Aliens?” Replied Joshua, unsure of where the conversation was heading.
“ That is your first story. Alien sightings and reported abductions are on the increase. The public is fascinated by them. Have your initial ideas on an E46 and in the Deputy Editor's in-box by next Monday. Come back tomorrow at 10 sharp for a brief induction and a tour. I'm not going to discuss salary yet, I don't know what your worth. I'll put you on a basic 40k package for the first three months then we can talk.”
Fernandes stood up, quickly followed by his minions and Joshua clambered to his feet, taken by surprise by the
“ So, Mr Regan. Tell me about yourself.”
The large, round faced man spoke in increments, each word appeared to be prepared to perfection. He sat behind an intimidating large rectangular desk between two other peripheral figures. They did not speak, they barely moved. They were grey and statuesque. Joshua felt very small indeed in his solitary chair, marooned in the centre of the office, no desk to hide behind.
“ Thank you. Well, I am currently 37 years old. I have worked as a journalist since I was 22. I began as a freelance writer for a popular e-zine, 'Science Friction', combining my passion for writing short story fiction and the media. I won several awards and was fortunate to be invited to work for 'The Flag' in June 2009. I became the Chief Science Correspondent in 2012 and won the 'Mischka' Prize the next year for my investigative work which led to the 'Hannzoil' scandal and subsequent inquiry...you may have read about that one.”
Joshua grinned proudly, he knew that there was no way on Earth the panel would have been unaware of his input in that global affair. The rotund Mr Fernandes appeared to be ambivalent to Joshua's greatest achievement and instead chose to focus on the interviewee's personality and work ethic.
“ I have here your reference from your previous employer. To say that it is 'gushing' might be an understatement. Your previous employer obviously thought very highly of you, however, they do mention a worrying propensity to be 'obsessive, pedantic and occasionally confrontational'. What do you have to say to that?”
Joshua was stunned into silence, his knees were jumping up and down of their own accord.
“ To that I would say that these are all the properties of a great investigative journalist. I have, on occasions, stepped over the line of professionalism when the situation presented was of a highly emotive nature. I am not one for suffering fools gladly or standing by whilst injustice is apparent but remains unchallenged. I am an 'old school' reporter, my role is the search for truth. If the truth can only be revealed by pushing the envelope and taking a risk or two, for me, that is a small price to pay.”
Joshua completed his answer and swallowed hard. He knew he had just exposed himself completely to cross examination, he had revealed the nature of his ambition but also the frailties of his nature. There was a prolonged silence as Fernandes chewed over the response, his lips puckered as he ordered his thoughts.
“ You interest me Regan. I can see a place for you here at The Messenger. What areas hold particular interest?”
Joshua perked up, Fernandes had just hired him, now it was his opportunity to haggle for his position and no doubt his salary.
“ I am particularly interested in the new emissions act and the influence of the power companies on its conception, the impact of Chinese influence in the manufacture of nuclear weapons in the Middle East, the role of the American government and implications of complicity in the 9/11 terrorist attacks...”
Fernandes coughed loudly and brought Joshua's wish list to a halt.
“ Aliens.” He said, as if it were a dirty word.
“ Aliens?” Replied Joshua, unsure of where the conversation was heading.
“ That is your first story. Alien sightings and reported abductions are on the increase. The public is fascinated by them. Have your initial ideas on an E46 and in the Deputy Editor's in-box by next Monday. Come back tomorrow at 10 sharp for a brief induction and a tour. I'm not going to discuss salary yet, I don't know what your worth. I'll put you on a basic 40k package for the first three months then we can talk.”
Fernandes stood up, quickly followed by his minions and Joshua clambered to his feet, taken by surprise by the
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