November 10, 2002:
-------- Ending #5: conflict resolution and its aftermath --------

In this ending, New Age conflict resolution techniques are employed, with unexpected results.

"Then I'll tell you. A gentleman, little man, lets ladies go first." Red face, clenched fist, waiving in front of your nose.

"Wait!" A woman steps forward, elderly but energetic, looking remarkably like Ruth Gordon in "Harold and Maude."

"Conflict is often the result of misunderstanding. The two of you need to see this situation from the other's point of view. I suggest you trade places for a week." She waves her hand and, because she's actually you in disguise, it becomes so.

The week transforms history. Mark's experience designing wargames allows him to define superior tactics for the coming transit workers' strike. Instead of refusing to drive, an approach which effectively targets other workers, they allow everyone to ride for free, an approach which denies income to the company while simultaneously building solidarity. Following a few days' mass-picketing in defiance of the Taft-Hartley Act, they win. Their victory reverberates throughout California and the Southwest.

The movement reaches its apogee in May, 1968, when a general strike in sympathy with the students and workers of Paris paralyzes California industry. Governor Reagan deploys the National Guard, who are won over to the revolt. Workers and guardsmen descend on Sacramento in a caravan of city busses, setting fire to the governor's tie, and boxing his ears. Photos of him cowering beneath his desk appear on front pages worldwide. California socializes PG&E and PacBell; adopts a proportional income tax; and passes the Equal Rights Amendment. The state flag becomes a golden bear before a red background. Every cook becomes a participant in government. Their first act is to outlaw professional team sports.

Reconnected with his inner child, our driver organizes shelters for runaways, many of whom, under his influence, become bus drivers. He adopts Mark, solving several of their problems in one go. During the rebellion, he leads the caravans. It's he who boxes the governor's ears.

Mark and the two sisters live together in an urban collective, where they explore the implications of romantic triadism before puberty. Clifford becomes the youngest cross-country gold medalist in Olympic history. They all live happily after.

-------- Analysis --------

There's one in every crowd.