[ WP ] `` What I 'm about to show you is so top-secret that we had to invent a new security clearance level for it . ''

It began with a simple question. 
 
 `` Do you know why you're here?'' 
 
 I placed the mug on his table. `` Vaguely.'' 
 
 `` You've been promoted. Congratulations.'' 
 
 ``...'' 
 
 `` You seem thrilled.'' 
 
 `` May I ask why? It's just...'' 
 
 `` Out of the blue?'' 
 
 I scratched the back of my head. `` Yeah.'' 
 
 The man in the navy blue suit grinned, but even I could tell it was forced. `` You will be replacing Senior Head Researcher Edward Weiss. You will be given *Level Five* clearance for all files and unrestricted access to the labs and testing grounds and particle colliders. All five hundred staff members are yours. You will discontinue all previous projects and start fresh. You may appoint someone as your successor, if you so wish. And... of course... there will be a *substantial* pay increase.'' 
 
 For some reason I felt nothing. Only numbness and a tinge of confusion. `` What happened to Weiss? He's one of the best around here. Been with us for years.'' 
 
 `` Not years. Decades.'' 
 
 `` So why am I getting his spot?'' 
 
 `` You seem to be missing the point. No, this is n't an offer, Doctor Kent... this is an executive order. A direct command from the Council. You will accept this promotion, and you will be happy about it. You will drive home to your family with a smile on your face. Do you hear me?'' 
 
 ``...'' 
 
 `` Disobeying a direct Council command will result in expulsion or *termination*.'' 
 
 `` I accept the offer... sir. Thank you.'' 
 
 `` Good.'' He ran his scrawny fingers through his cabinet and retrieved a folder. The strange thing was that the cover was blank. `` Very good.'' 
 
 `` With respect, you still did n't answer my question. What happened to Edward?'' 
 
 He slid me the file down the slick mahogany surface. `` You should read this. Only seven people in the entire world know about this.'' 
 
 `` What is it?'' I asked. 
 
 `` A secret.'' 
 
 In a place like this, that could mean anything. Portals? The existence of God? Blood rites? `` What kind of secret?'' 
 
 The man snorted. `` The kind that forced us to create another layer of security clearance for it.'' 
 
 It was a briefing on some sort of mechanical device that had taken decades to construct. Thousands of scientists involved, including some prominent world leaders. I read slowly, at first, a word at a time. 
 
 Then it set in. 
 
 *The truth. * 
 
 I denied it. I denied everything the document said, despite all of the evidence, the people involved, eyewitness testimonies and photos of the event. 
 
 Most of all... I denied the truth because it was *fucking* impossible. 
 
 `` You understand what we're dealing with, Doctor Kent? The... gravity of our situation?'' 
 
 I slammed the papers down. `` Is this a sick joke? What is this?'' 
 
 `` No. No, it is not a joke. We are a humorless bunch, mind you.'' 
 
 `` How many times? *How many times did we use it? `` * 
 
 ``... Three.'' 
 
 My arms stiffen. 
 
 *Three. * 
 
 Three times we chose to reset. Three times we failed to save ourselves. 
 
 I can barely hold it together. `` What happened to the last timeline we were in?'' 
 
 `` Nuclear fallout. Heavy containment breach. Code Reds.'' 
 
 `` Jesus...'' 
 
 `` I suppose you need a moment-'' 
 
 `` Wait.'' 
 
 `` Hmm?'' 
 
 `` If we all... if we all died in Universe 89-B... then how are we still alive right now?'' 
 
 The man's eyes narrowed into slits. `` *Do n't assume you're the same person. *'' 
 
 And with that statement, he left. 
 
 `` What do you expect me to do?'' I shouted. 
 
 The man paused. `` Learn. Improve. Study. Test. Experiment. Record. Discuss. Whatever you need to do.'' 
 
 `` You want me to fix this device?'' 
 
 `` No. The device is destroyed. *Beyond repair*, were Weiss' words. No, I expect you to make sure we wo n't have to resort to something like that device again. Do you understand? Because we're stuck here. Whether we like it or not. Are we clear?'' 
 
 I merely nod. 
 
 `` Good. See you tomorrow at nine. Do n't be late.'' 
 
 
... 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

