The Photient

By Mei

The needle in Karl’s arm is a ticket to peace, denial, oblivion. Anywhere but here, basically. And for the most part, being a junkie is pretty great. His body might be a mess and his love life woeful, but getting high offers him something no amount of psychotherapy ever did: Freedom. That is until the smack sends Karl hurtling into the body of Brenda—a contestant on Big Brother—and he knows he’s finally lost his marbles. Lucky for Karl, one man’s bad trip is another man’s adventure, and his latest delusion might not be the bizarre fantasy he thought it was. It turns out Karl is a Photient, capable of inhabiting the body of any person broadcasted on live TV. Sports finals, rock concerts, even space travel; anything is possible.
But beyond the bright lights and camera lenses war is brewing between the gifted few, and those who wish to control and corrupt them. Fighting by Karl’s side is Tara, a woman whose bravery is only matched by her desperate hope to find a place that’s safe for them all.
For the first time in his life Karl has something to fight for, and everything to lose.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mei
• Release date: Jan 3, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370829545

Mei

Most writers lose themselves in fantasy; it’s the troubled, semi-deranged ones that find themselves in the glaring light of the truth. Mei escaped the mean streets of Tottenham to become a successful musician and TV Line Producer, leaving the grit and grind of the working class behind in the pursuit of creative freedom. But for all the towers of gold and starry sunsets, Mei has found his greatest treasures in the dark, dirty spaces most are quick to pass over. His debut novel, Cherry Smack, follows the story of a young man trying to crawl from society’s gutter, only to discover his greatest enemy is one that might just follow him everywhere.

Book preview

THE PHOTIENT

BY

Mei

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Copyright © 2017 by Mei

Chapter 1

Awakening

At first he thought he’d OD’d on vials of O, liquid heroin, drifting solitary into the ether; but this time was different. This time he was definitely awake. He could taste Absinth on his tongue. He could feel hot sticky leather beneath his skin. He looked down at his lap. His hand and clothing were all different, someone else’s. He felt between his legs and jumped out of his skin terrified as if possessed by a demon. It was only a flash but long enough to know it was not a dream. He threw the drugs away and wrestled with the experience all night breaking into a cold feverish sweat.

The door rang midday obliterating the silence knocking him conscious. He brushed last night’s fears to one side convinced it was merely a bad trip. An unassuming cute blond knocked on the door, Tara, masquerading as a chugger, plugging a charity for orphan children. He breathed a sigh of relief, things had returned back to normal. They sat in the lounge and he glugged a small measure of Southern Comfort into a lowball. Sorry you don’t mind do you?

It was barely midday but she shook her head with downturn lip, non-judgemental. He liked that, he liked not being judged and after a short while signed up without fuss thinking it more a case of good timing than a clever sell. Karl still had the TV on from last night watching Big Brother live. Not wanting to appear rude he reached to kill the volume.

No leave it. She whispered. He saw a twinkle in her eye. It was curious to say the least. Do you mind if I try something?

He shook his head subdued. No.

Close your eyes. He did as he was told oblivious, not knowing what to expect, not caring. Fact was he was still pre-occupied with last night’s episode, nothing could be worse than that. She looked innocent, a new-age hippy free and easy, he felt safe.

She unscrewed a tiny jar of Tiger balm. The sweet picante of ylang ylang and lavender intoxicated, welling his senses. Relax, clear your mind. She dabbed some on his temple, smeared it across his forehead and rubbed it in. It was soothing, icy hot. She tapped his forehead lightly. It felt warm. His head became light, his eyes heavy, he grew faint then blacked out.

Seconds later he came to, startled, scared just as before. Fuck, my god.

He was thrown back into the abyss. He panted hard trying to catch his breath phasing in and out of consciousness his vision blurred. He saw Tara standing above him offering a glass of his Southern Comfort and knocked it out her hand clearly shaken.

Get away. What did you do to me?

Sshh..I’m sorry Karl really I am. We agreed the only way to convince you was for you to experience it yourself.

We? Who the fuck are we? What is this? He felt shaken, scared of what? he was not sure. Get away from me, get out.

She got up to leave disappointed she had failed. She stopped and looked back holding out for one last chance. "The encounter you had last night was real. You should know it won’t stop,