The Prometheus Effect Read Online Free Page B

in Islington was comfortable and he got a good Wi-Fi signal from the local net-point. His job at The Messenger would eventually require him to move from his home in Oxford into the city of London. Oxford was a great place from which to commute into the capital but if he was to ingratiate himself into the culture of the city, he would need to live in and breathe the smoggy air of the most populated English conurbation.
     
    Joshua began his project at the earliest possible moment in order to give him the best chance of collating enough information to at least appear interested in his designated task. One of Joshua's finest qualities was the ability to research and retain relevant facts and figures and before long he was delving deeply into both official archives and various forums and message-boards.
     
    It was clear that there were a number of trends that were in place, a collective picture of what an 'alien' was. The origins of the belief that extra terrestrial life existed began centuries ago. Proliferating in the early part of the twentieth century and brought to the minds of the public by such events as H.G. Wells controversial radio broadcast, stories of UFOs dramatically increased during the 'space age'. The comic books and films of the 1950's onwards ignited the public’s imagination and although aliens came in many shapes and forms, ideas converged into a stereotypical image of what a typical extra terrestrial would look like. By the 1960's and 70's, a theme of alien abductions began to come to the fore, and later the speculations regarding the infamous Roswell incident in the U.S. cemented the image in many people's minds.
     
    The typical alien example was a smooth skinned, grey, sexless humanoid figure with a vast, telepathic intellect. They were technologically advanced, their motives were seemingly unknown although many argued that it was global domination or resource gathering. The argument that this collective image of what we determined an alien to be was due to persistent media exposure was a strong one, however numerous sightings across the globe appeared to suggest that a common theme existed and transcended cultural and geographical borders.
     
    Reading the varied and lively forums produced more than a few belly laughs from the eager journalist. Despite some high profile, credible individuals coming forward to state their case for an alien presence, the majority of individuals that were most vehement in their beliefs were the more intellectually challenged, marginalised section of society; the ones who perhaps took too much stock of what the tabloids printed; the ones whose imagination was limited to what they had witnessed on TV. This article was going to be an immense challenge; to filter out the tripe and leave the best cuts remaining would take many hours of patience and a dedication unseen in the average man on the street.
     
    Joshua was keen to be on time for his ten o’clock appointment, an induction and tour of the 'Messengers' offices. Retaining a smart yet slightly more casual approach to his personal presentation, he skipped breakfast and sauntered outside to the busy street. The ubiquitous fine drizzle of London rain greeted him as he thanked the porter who graciously held the heavy glass door for him as he passed.
     
    Hailing a cab, at first unsuccessfully, he suddenly realised that the hotel would have rang a local company for him, sometimes he had to do things the hard way. He persisted however, he was not one to admit defeat. Catching the eye of an alert cabby, the black vehicle pulled alongside and the window scrolled down.
     
    “ Fleet Street.” Joshua called out, bringing a thumbs up from the driver. Climbing into the heavy carriage, Joshua noted how much better London taxi's had gotten since a previous visit.
     
    “ Plush. This is a nice one.” He said to the driver as he fumbled with his seat belt.
     
    “ Oh yes, just got this one in last month. She's a beauty.” The grey