Extracts from The Diaries of 'Professor' Cornelius Crane

Good news! In fact, fantastic bloody news!

The meeting with Steve went well! He has decided to accept my offer to come work for me. In fact, he even mentioned that he, being highly impressed with Global’s track record, had been planning on contacting me for the very same purpose.

I would never have guessed!

I’ve killed two birds with one stone.

I’ve spared Steve the fate of meeting, and therefore marrying, the beautiful harpy. And secondly, I’ve made the first steps towards befriending Steve and thereby ensuring the construction of the Consciousness Projector.

The main difference with this timeline is the fact that Global has been well-established for a number of years now. So the partnership that we originally had isn’t necessary.

Although, depending on how matters develop, I will probably offer him a good-sized chunk of company shares at some future date.

It was strange seeing him after the passing of so many years, and yet he is much younger than the last time I had seen him.

That was on the night of August 17th, 2014 when he had strapped me down and slid me into the womb of the Consciousness Projector.

His was the last human face that I had gazed upon in that first lifetime. He had smiled to put me at ease, but his eyes could not conceal his concern and despondency.

I was lucky to have known such a good man.

It’s gonna be wonderful having my once, only true and trusted, best friend back again.