The Forkes Enigma: A Study of Cryptoprophecy Noir.

From Plastic Tub

A scholarly approach to interpreting the Dutch Forkes novels of Stimes Addisson, published in 2002. Authored in concert by Nicolas Scarlotti with experimental A.I. software, a complicated interface was used to analyze the metaphorical content of the work in order to correspond with contemporary events and historical mysteries -- all undertaken with the presumption of Addisson's prophetic ability. The results were printed out in analog form and transcribed by Ham Radio to a lone-nut Alaskan Ruggedeer who, after neatly collating and encrypting the data, trekked the rough ten miles to his nearest neighbor with telephone access whereupon he faxed it to Scarlotti's next door neighbor, who was out of a job at the time.

Everything Has A Beginning

Though Addisson himself never laid claim to an ability to foresee events or otherwise possess overt prophetic ability, the author nevertheless was able to secure several personal interviews to support his analysis. It was difficult to transport the A.I. construct, so Scarlotti carried with him an enormous punch-card which raised the eyebrows and consternation of airline personnel, forcing him to ride the rails.

An Adventure Outside of Time

The punch-card, though roughly five by nine feet, was still flexible enough to be bent slightly, allowing it to be transported through spaces one might normally raise a dubious eyebrow towards. It could not, however, be bent too far, let alone rolled up, or the contents would be irrevocably damaged. Thus, even at the railway turnstiles, Scarlotti was unable to pass. He wrestled with the thing, though gently, as one might wrestle with a baby, for nearly fifteen minutes. When it became clear to the station security guards what was happening, they pushed through the wailing throng and ejected Scarlotti from the premises.

Perplexed as to his next move, he retired to a local soda shoppe, punchcard in tow. On the way, he passed a travel agency and was struck by a series of posters. He gazed at them, a haze around his head, as if in a trance. When he came to he yelped in glee and scuttled off down the road. A youth, curious as to what had so transfixed this obviously mad Italian, looked up at the posters and saw the image of a man on a newfangled "hang-glider" sailing contentedly over a snow mound upon which rosy-cheeked children rode their swift toboggans.

Excerpted


The Sleeping Dreamer