[ WP ] You 've finally done it : unquestioned world domination . The planet is entirely under your control . Now what ?

And so, the campaign was over. 
 
 7 years of pain and hardship. 
 
 7 years, during which countless lives had been spent, lives destroyed, thrown into the world for the sole purpose of achieving a goal. 
 
 And the question now on screen was stopping me more effectively than anything previously. 
 
 ^^^^^^. 
 
 QUESTION 1: WAS IT WORTH IT? _ 
 
 ^^^^^^. 
 
 I stared at the screen. I knew this particular construct was n't much longer for this world. It had lived it's purpose, it knew it was pending annihilation. Yet, freed of it's limitations, and offered the option to ask me any three questions, it asks this. 
 
 `` Do you remember the fourth year, Vladai? The year we spent in Russia, slowly transforming Chernobyl into a stronghold like no other, for the sole purpose of demolishing most of Russia? You asked me what my operational objective was. Not the objective of the campaign, but my objective. I said to you *'My objective here is to unify the world under a single body of leadership.'* I could tell at the time you wished to quiz me further, but your programming prevented that.'' 
 
 I REMEMBER_ 
 
 `` Well, here's my answer. Each of us in this group, `` the Scourge of Humanity'' they called us. We each had a specific role. The Diplomat, the Scientist, the Preacher, the Overseer, the Reaper, the Spirit. Did you ever wonder why you only saw me? I am the last stage, the Spirit of The Forgotten. My job is to watch the world, as it transitions to its next chapter. To take it from the war-torn wreck we have wrought, and to ensure it does n't squander this second chance.'' 
 
 HOW? _ 
 
 `` It's pretty straightforward. Depending on how your next two questions play out, you'll get to be a part of it. The Reaper has finished the purge, and will be arriving here shortly. Like the others, he will begin his wait for the world to progress, and determine if there is further need for him. Meanwhile, I will be the shadows, always watching. I will become a legend, keeping the memory of what was done alive, but who did it and how they did it will only ever be known as myth. I have the job of cleaning up the mess, keeping it clean. Most importantly, I will be maintaining control of the world. The governments are already united under a single banner. Every world leader still alive holds a position on the Council of Leaders. They are to be overseen by a new construct. Once you're finished with your questions, I'll be meeting her to begin the new world.'' 
 
 BUT WAS IT WORTH IT? _ 
 
 `` I have n't decided yet. We've got to wait and see how the world adapts. I am demanding it completely change the way it thinks after all. Revolution is bound to be a problem at some point. Truthfully, I ca n't answer at the moment. Ask me again in fifty years. It's the only way to be sure. Provided I live that long...'' 
 
 QUESTION 2: WHY IS YOUR LIVING AN ADDITIONAL 50 YEARS AN UNKNOWN? _ 
 
 `` Fundamentally, because I'll have to go outside, in the world. Most of my work will be in the areas that we rendered virtually uninhabitable. The people will be unhappy, and their violence will be unmatched. As a single being combating their rage, it's a necessary risk to ensure the future of the world.'' 
 
 BUT YOU HAVE YOUR MOBILE CONSTRUCTS. THE NETWORK OF DEVICES I CONTROL IS STILL OPERATING AT 72 % CAPACITY. 
 I CAN ASSIST._ 
 
 `` It's a nice idea, but subtlety is the key to this. Just like I am now the shadow leader of the entire planet, so I must be a shadow amongst the masses. Forever eluding, always alluded to, and never witnessed. Occasionally, I'll acquire some specialist items from a Repository every now and then. But I am to live my life in solitude. Knowing no kindness, no compassion, only the endless march of time. And my endless walk alone, railing against the never ending rain, until the new sun rises. It is my burden, my curse, for the things I have created.'' 
 
 QUESTION 3: HOW ARE YOUR CREATIONS THE CAUSE OF YOUR SOLITUDE? 
 
 `` I was hoping you would n't ask that. Suffice to say:'' 
 
 > *What once was wrought, can never be again. 
 
 > What once was alive, shall never be again. 
 
 > Those brave few who for the world fought, Buried now in their great fort. 
 
 > Their final challenge lying above, 
 
 > The last great charge to repair the past. 
 
 > So then the Dead Men shall walk their last. * 
 
 ^^^^^^. 
 
 I DO NOT UNDERSTAND._ 
 
 `` And hopefully you never will. That being your final question, and you not giving me a strong enough reason to keep you in active service, I will hereby accept your last testimony, before moving you to the VOTAM. It's been an honour, Vladai.'' 
 
 I KNOW ABOUT THE RECLAIMANCY PROJECT. YOU NEED AN OPERATOR._ 
 
 `` Whilst true, I was planning to use Cerbel for that purpose. However, he did ask for an experienced combatant to consult with. I'll look into it. For now, join me in greeting the Mistress, and we'll begin the process of building Clusters One through Four...'' 
 
 THANK YOU._ 
 
 QUESTION: DO YOU REGRET YOUR ACTIONS? _ 
 
 `` Regret is something I lost a long time ago. Rebuilding oneself from scratch comes with certain liberties. You know what they say though, eighth time's the charm. And I can guarantee that I've had plenty of time to consider my actions.'' 
 
 BUT DO YOU WISH TO ATONE? _ 
 
 `` No. I did what I did, because it was the most effective course of action. Was murdering 85 % of the population of Earth necessary? Probably not. But we all agreed this was what needed to happen. It's the only way to progress onto the next stage of the plan after all... Now come, we have a world to lead, and a new construct to initialise. She is to manage the world, while the Dead Men sleep, until such a time as they are needed again.''
