The next morning found the Pulse Sparrows arguing over the Ghost's decision to execute Mr. Signate, but they were interrupted by Kip.
"GUYS SHUT UP AND WATCH!"
Kip turned on the news and upped the volume.
"Our top story today, the Free City Expanse Committee as found new space to begin branching out to and reclaiming."
"Yes Dave, this will be the one place that was hot button issue during the reign of the NWO, the location, a small city called Ottawa, it was hit by the New Watt Energy Laser in 2027, seven years after the founders began their rebirth process. The city has laid dormant for a while other than a single monument stating, Here lies the brave souls of Ottawa, who fought till the bitter end."
"Carol, seems to me that this monument could have only been laid by the last living resident of the city, our very own Ghost of Ottawa! An unknown source leaked this information to us and the committee in the hopes of learning what the city was like, and what he'd have to say about the remodel and revamping of his dead city."
The group silently looked to Ghost as he stood up and looked out the window.
"GH, I'm sorry man..."
"No, I know nobody here leaked my information to the press, I've been too cocky, too bold, now I have to own the consequences."
"What will you do?"
"Ottawa has laid in ruin for my entire time on ice. Free City is running out of places to house people, but I'm not sure..."
He was interrupted by knocks and shouting outside the building. Opening the door, news crews and plenty of camera were in his face all demanding to know his answer. LQ did his best to get everyone back away from the Ghost, but their persistence eventually paid off.
"Mr. Ghost! What would your conditions be to allowing the committee to move forwards?"
"My conditions? There will be a monument and streets dedicated to those who died fighting for what they believed in, furthermore, I want exactly two things brought back from the dead, The Reddick Mansion and the Lincoln-Douglas Monument."
"That's all?"
"Other than the fact that I will own the damn city."
"I'm sure the committee would happily oblige you."
Once the noise settled and the reporters left, blacked out vehicles rolled up and out stepped the Expanse Committee. They walked up eager to pry Ottawa from the Ghost's hands.
"As you can see our outlined plans for Ottawa only benefit the people, no back door deals, nothing like the NWO would have offered you."
"Yea, there's always a catch, and I'm guessing you want me to hand over Ottawa to you?"
"Well...yes, I'm sure you're aware of how costly such a project will be..."
"Let me stop you right there, there will be no deed signing, you will rebuild Ottawa to my specifications, I will pay you, you will leave me alone. Deal?"
"Sir be reasonable.."
"Will you accept my counteroffer?"
"We really..."
"Last chance pal."
"DEAL ALRIGHT DEAL! FUCK, MR. GHOST YOU DRIVE A HARD BARGAIN."
The committee leaves and the others watch as the Ghost laughs.
"Gh? Still sane?"
"Yea, just can't believe they didn't even offer me any cash and I walked over them with my deal."
They laughed as they awaited the shuttle to take them to Ottawa.