The Secret of the Lost Pyramid: How One Believer Can Change the World

By Denver Wilson

This is the story of a man who has devoted his life to the pursuit of science, and the security of verifiable fact, devoid of faith. His world is abruptly shattered, and his mind strained to its outer limits by encounters with the myths he has so furiously labored to debunk: Angles and Demons. He is perpetually haunted by ever increasing doubts as the world in which he could never believe is thrust into his face.

Dimensions collide in this riveting tale as demons hunt for the only person who can stop them from destroying all life on the planet, known only as The Prophesized One.

Up against an evil that the world has never before seen, Dakota Smith (Cody) finds himself standing at the edge of the abyss as the Secret of the Lost Pyramid is revealed.

This critically acclaimed piece packs excitement and intensity akin to an Indiana Jones saga, with the heightened element of supernatural beings in a heated battle for the fate of the world. Once you open this book, you will not rest until you have navigated the twists and turns of this plot and discover for yourself the Secret of the Lost Pyramid.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Nov 4, 2008
• ISBN: 9780595877171

Denver Wilson

Denver Wilson lives in Michigan with his wife of thirty-four years. There he is employed as a design draftsman and works on his writing, music, science research and art in the evenings. During college he had a class in creative writing which helped inspired him to write this novel.

Book preview

The Secret of the

Lost Pyramid

If you want to get out of prison, the first thing

you must realize is: You are the prison.

A Novel

Denver Wilson

iUniverse, Inc.

New York Bloomington

The Secret of the Lost Pyramid

How one believer can change the world

Copyright © 2008, 2010 by Denver Wilson

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

iUniverse books may be ordered through booksellers or by contacting:

iUniverse

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.iuniverse.com

1-800-Authors (1-800-288-4677)

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any Web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

The Secret of the Lost Pyramid was copyrighted by

Denver Wilson on Dec. 22, 2000

© Copyright #TX u978-868

This book was started in 1988 and finished in 2010

ISBN: 978-0-595-43391-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-0-595-87717-1 (eBook)

Printed in the United States of America

iUniverse rev. date: 09/01/2010

Contents

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 24

CHAPTER 25

CHAPTER 26

CHAPTER 27

CHAPTER 28

CHAPTER 29

CHAPTER 30

CHAPTER 31

CHAPTER 32

CHAPTER 33

CHAPTER 34

CHAPTER 35

CHAPTER 36

CHAPTER 37

CHAPTER 38

CHAPTER 39

CHAPTER 40

CHAPTER 41

CHAPTER 42

CHAPTER 43

CHAPTER 44

CHAPTER 45

CHAPTER 46

CHAPTER 47

CHAPTER 48

CHAPTER 49

CHAPTER 50

CHAPTER 51

CHAPTER 52

CHAPTER 53

CHAPTER 54

CHAPTER 55

CHAPTER 56

CHAPTER 57

CHAPTER 58

CHAPTER 59

CHAPTER 60

CHAPTER 61

CHAPTER 62

CHAPTER 63

CHAPTER 64

CHAPTER 65

CHAPTER 66

CHAPTER 67

CHAPTER 68

CHAPTER 69

CHAPTER 70

CHAPTER 71

CHAPTER 72

CHAPTER 73

CHAPTER 74

CHAPTER 75

CHAPTER 76

CHAPTER 77

CHAPTER 78

CHAPTER 79

CHAPTER 80

CHAPTER 81

CHAPTER 82

CHAPTER 83

CHAPTER 84

CHAPTER 85

CHAPTER 86

CHAPTER 87

CHAPTER 88

CHAPTER 89

CHAPTER 90

CHAPTER 91

CHAPTER 92

CHAPTER 93

CHAPTER 94

CHAPTER 95

CHAPTER 96

CHAPTER 97

CHAPTER 98

CHAPTER 99

CHAPTER 100

CHAPTER 101

CHAPTER 102

CHAPTER 103

CHAPTER 104

CHAPTER 105

CHAPTER 106

CHAPTER 107

CHAPTER 108

CHAPTER 109

CHAPTER 110

CHAPTER 111

CHAPTER 112

CHAPTER 113

CHAPTER 114

CHAPTER 115

CHAPTER 116

CHAPTER 117

CHAPTER 118

CHAPTER 119

CHAPTER 120

CHAPTER 121

CHAPTER 122

CHAPTER 123

CHAPTER 124

CHAPTER 125

CHAPTER 126

CHAPTER 127

CHAPTER 128

CHAPTER 129

CHAPTER 130

CHAPTER 131

CHAPTER 132

CHAPTER 133

CHAPTER 134

CHAPTER 135

CHAPTER 136

CHAPTER 137

CHAPTER 138

CHAPTER 139

CHAPTER 140

CHAPTER 141

CHAPTER 142

CHAPTER 143

CHAPTER 144

CHAPTER 145

CHAPTER 146

CHAPTER 147

CHAPTER 148

CHAPTER 149

CHAPTER 150

CHAPTER 151

CHAPTER 152

CHAPTER 153

CHAPTER 154

CHAPTER 155

CHAPTER 156

CHAPTER 157

CHAPTER 158

CHAPTER 159

CHAPTER 160

CHAPTER 161

CHAPTER 162

CHAPTER 163

CHAPTER 164

CHAPTER 165

CHAPTER 166

CHAPTER 167

CHAPTER 168

CHAPTER 169

CHAPTER 170

CHAPTER 171

CHAPTER 172

CHAPTER 173

CHAPTER 174

CHAPTER 175

CHAPTER 176

CHAPTER 177

CHAPTER 178

CHAPTER 179

CHAPTER 180

CHAPTER 181

CHAPTER 182

CHAPTER 183

CHAPTER 184

CHAPTER 185

CHAPTER 186

CHAPTER 187

CHAPTER 188

CHAPTER 189

CHAPTER 190

CHAPTER 191

CHAPTER 192

CHAPTER 193

CHAPTER 194

CHAPTER 195

CHAPTER 196

CHAPTER 197

CHAPTER 198

CHAPTER 199

CHAPTER 200

CHAPTER 201

CHAPTER 202

CHAPTER 203

CHAPTER 204

CHAPTER 205

CHAPTER 206

CHAPTER 207

CHAPTER 208

CHAPTER 209

CHAPTER 210

CHAPTER 211

CHAPTER 212

CHAPTER 213

CHAPTER 214

CHAPTER 215

CHAPTER 216

CHAPTER 217

CHAPTER 218

CHAPTER 219

CHAPTER 220

CHAPTER 221

CHAPTER 222

CHAPTER 223

CHAPTER 224

CHAPTER 225

CHAPTER 226

CHAPTER 227

CHAPTER 228

CHAPTER 229

CHAPTER 230

CHAPTER 231

CHAPTER 232

CHAPTER 233

CHAPTER 234

CHAPTER 235

CHAPTER 236

CHAPTER 237

CHAPTER 238

CHAPTER 239

CHAPTER 240

CHAPTER 241

CHAPTER 242

CHAPTER 243

CHAPTER 244

CHAPTER 245

CHAPTER 246

CHAPTER 247

CHAPTER 248

CHAPTER 249

CHAPTER 250

CHAPTER 251

CHAPTER 252

CHAPTER 253

CHAPTER 254

CHAPTER 255

CHAPTER 256

CHAPTER 257

CHAPTER 258

CHAPTER 259

CHAPTER 260

CHAPTER 261

CHAPTER 262

CHAPTER 263

CHAPTER 264

CHAPTER 265

CHAPTER 266

CHAPTER 267

CHAPTER 268

CHAPTER 269

CHAPTER 270

CHAPTER 271

CHAPTER 272

CHAPTER 273

CHAPTER 274

CHAPTER 275

CHAPTER 276

CHAPTER 277

Your mind is the secret prison,

if you can stop talking to yourself

then you will see the world as it really is

and not through your judgments.

I would like to acknowledge the use of a concept from the book,

Letters from a Skeptic by Dr. Gregory A. Boyd.

With gratitude to my family,

This book is dedicated to my family,

My wife, Connie, and to my children, Devon, Diana and David

They are my real treasure and God could not have given me a better family.

I also want to thank these talented people for all their encouragement and criticism.

Ralph Brozzo

Lynne Chantiny

Phil Konkle

Zachary Limoges

Shawn Marks

DDS David Rouleau

And I want to offer special extra big thanks

(with a cherry on top)

to these people for checking my grammar.

Doug Glazier

DDS Karen Gougeon

Charles McClure

M.D. Tammy Phillips

Cara Neal

Paul Roth

BOOK I

THE LOST PYRAMID

CHAPTER 1

DREAM, DREAM, DREAM

Dakota Smith’s muscular six-foot body laid glued to the floor in his own warm blood, his life’s blood was seeping out from many wounds. He could not remember how he was reduced to this pitiable state. For some unknown reason, he was unable to move, he was helpless.

He yelled, Somebody, anybody, please, help me. I need to get up.

He listened to his voice echo and fade. He waited but there was no reaction.

What is holding me down? I’ve got to get up … this floor … cold hard concrete.

A dim light flickered from the other side of the large concrete room and it caught his attention. He was able to move his eyes towards the light. There across the shadowy prison room, stood a bizarre creature. It was like a human but its head was that of a horned goat. Its flowing white robe reflected the room’s torch lights, but it face seemed to radiate its own, sickly greenish-yellow glow. Moving without effort, it glided toward him and its white robe billowed out behind it like waves behind a speeding boat.

It’s gliding, coming toward me. I’ve got to get away … can’t let it touch me!

Floating just off the floor, its erect human form was totally hidden beneath the vast folds of its garment, but its head, its imposing head was that of a horned goat. And its eyes …

Its eyes … and they’re on fire.

I must get away… What is holding me down? I can’t get up! Oh … No! It‘s coming toward me. Somehow, I know that if it touches me … I’ll die. I don’t know how I know, but it will… it will … steal my soul.

It’s getting hard to see, can’t see clearly. Must be blood in my eyes.

How do I know that?

It raised its face to the ceiling and a knowing evil laugh came from the towering goat head. Its deep-throated laugh sounded like was coming from inside a long metal tube.

After awhile it stopped and it looked down at the bleeding man, it sneered at the wounded, defeated, dark haired man gazing back up in disbelief.

It’s getting hard to think, everything’s going fuzzy. Mind in a daze … must fight to stay awake … don’t give up … cannot give up ….

Must, must get up. Get up and run … don’t let it touch … it’s coming … toward me. Don’t want … to die ….

It bent down till it was directly in front of him,. Slowly it bent over and looked him in the eyes. The creature evoked a feeling of icy terror. It’s eyes were filled with a cold blue icy hate, it was filled with a hellish smoldering disdain.

It’s pure evil

It reached for him with one skeletal hand then it’s stopped a foot from his face.

Slowly it pointed one finger at him and started laughing, mocking his vulnerability. Slowly it reached out with its finger towards his forehead. It leaned slowly forward, inch by agonizing inch.

"NO! NO! DON’T TOUCH ME! No … stay back … no."

His vision faded until the only thing left was inky blackness.

* * *

Suddenly awake, his bright brown eyes snapped open and glanced quickly around the room, searching for the monster. Dakota Smith’s strong body lay there, weak and shivering in a cold sweat.

It was another … nightmare. I am ok - I am still here, in my room at the moon base.

He quickly surveyed the small metal walled bedroom. All its furniture, the desk, the chairs, the bed, everything was as he remembered. He got up and studied his reflection in the mirror.

He looked at his hardy features, and saw a face that most people would not call handsome, but in a tough way, women couldn’t help but find attractive. His body was lean, taunt, with rippling muscles, for he worked out. His dark hair stuck out in every direction, like tall weeds after a storm and his stubble was shady enough to make him look like he was wearing a disguise. He wet his fingertips with his tongue and combed his hair back like some sort of wood duck preening its feathers. He lifted his strong chin and checked the bags under his eyes.

He said aloud to no one, as he rolled his head slowly taking in both puffy eyelids, I’ve got to get some help. He shrugged his shoulders weakly as he turned away from the mirror and said sarcastically, Later.

He jumped back in bed, rolled over on his side, pulled the covers up, tight to his chin and fell back to sleep.

* * *

The dark stellar sky flashed bright as three meteors streaked through the moon’s thin atmosphere to crash behind a large crater. After a couple of minutes, three tall burly workers appeared on foot walking up from behind the crater’s rim. These three workers appeared normal in every way except that they wore no spacesuits. They talked to each other as they walked.

Rohab, it’s been a long time since we had such a big assignment! the one named Jacob said.

The shortest of the group but with the strongest build ran his fingers through his curly black hair and said, Yes Jacob, we must meet the enemy and defeat him at all cost!

Even at the loss of our own lives.

The tallest of them and the fairest, Uriel, looked at each of them with a careful regard. He considered their words and said, I’m sure there is no cause for alarm, this is merely a routine mission.

Then as if he heard Rohab’s thoughts, he said as an afterthought, No ones going to die today.

Rohab’s head rotated to stare up at the hansom blond Uriel. He looked him in the eye and Uriel gave him a sideways glance and raised one eyebrow.

They walked in silence, contemplating the possibilities of what could be waiting for them. They crested a tall rise and saw the moon base. From the surface, it didn’t appear as much. There were five large tanks connected by a series of pipes and a large square-launching platform. Beyond that sat three large bunkers that looked like rounded sand hills with garage doors in the ends. Each bunker had a wide ramp leading down to a large steel door. Behind them sat a larger bunker six times as big as the others. It appeared the same except for the long horizontal window slits on its side: and beyond that stood two large towers and a large geodesic dome. Some distance behind that laid another longer landing strip, with blinking lights lining each side. They looked at each other and smiled briefly.

Jacob stopped and pointed at the largest bunker. His medium build with light brown hair, seemed the perfect blend between the other two.

He said, It’s time to go to work.

Rohab nodded his assent, and they all walked toward the largest bunker. As they approached, they did not waver but walked right through the side of the bunker wall and disappeared within.

CHAPTER 2

MATCH YOUR UGLY BLOOD

Everything feels so familiar. Is this, a Déjà vu? Am I awake now, or was I awake before? Is this a Déjà vu or part of the nightmare?

Dakota’s continued dreaming. He was back lying on the cold hard floor in the dungeon. Restlessly he tried to turn from side to side, trying desperately to break free from the invisible force that held him tight to the floor.

Then it started all over again.

Its eyes… their pure evil! Must get away. Can’t get up. It‘s coming toward me. I don’t know how I know … but I will die … it will steal my soul. Can’t see clearly. Must be blood. Now … how do I know that?

The goat head atop the white robe raised its face to the ceiling and gave out a deep-throated laugh. When it finally stopped, it looked down at Cody, it saw a wounded, defeated man.

It’s so hard to think. Everything’s’ going fuzzy, my mind is dazes. Can’t let it touch me. It’s coming. Don’t want … to die. Blood taste like rust. Have to get up. Must focus, must get away. Must not, let it touch me.

It glided toward me. It’s moving without effort. It stopped it directly in front of him and it reached out to touch his forehead.

NO! No … stay back. NO!

In a cave as dark as an old bloodstain, lit only with torches, a tall figure stood facing a wall that was covered with mirrors. As he studied his reflection, it wavered and danced before him. He was quiet except for an occasional quite insane chuckle. He awoke from his reverie when the two small stone doors at the end of his small cave reverberated with the sound of three slow resounding knocks. He swiveled around and clicked his fingers. The small chamber instantly changed into a vast palace ballroom. His form also changed into a massive human with a red lion head. He strutted a few feet toward his throne and sat.

He said quietly but regally, Enter.

Two massive fifty-foot tall doors opened slowly to reveal an black demon that stood eight-foot tall and looked like a reptile with great leathery bat wings. He slowly strode forward with his strong chin held high, dressed in a bright yellow uniform, complete with a host of weapons attached.

General Lohr. How’s my fine General today? the half-man, half-lion creature said.

Lohr hesitated to speak before the master.

Taking a deep breath he replied, Fine, my Lord.

Inside Lohr felt deathly afraid, he saw him kill many times with no emotion, purely for entertainment, even when it was someone he valued.

The red lion headed man changed into a great snake with a goat’s head and he called out, Why have you come?

Lohr thought to himself. It’s always so hard to guess what he’s thinking when he never shows his true self. He is always changing his shape and behavior.

Without risking a fate worse than death, he replied, Sire, I come to tell you that our Special Forces at the moon base are activating, phase one, even as we speak.

Good! Finally, after all the work, all the planning, and all the lies … my vision will be fulfilled. What of the enemy?

They have not been spotted yet, but we are ready for them.

Good, good, good. That is a new uniform isn’t it, General. What a bright color for a General.

Careful Lohr, is this innocent or is he baiting you? Remember he is just using you. Watch your tone of voice. Yes sire, I found that my troops are having a hard time finding me in the middle of a battle. The bright yellow can be seen from a great distance.

My, aren’t we getting brave. Do you think that is wise, Lohr?

Now he’s an Octopus! It is so hard to look at his constantly changing shape. I know he’s just trying to throw me off my guard and find an excuse to kill me.

Sire, my troops, they must be able to see my commands.

Now Lohr, Think about it … if the troops can see you from a great distance, so can the enemy.

His waving tentacles are changing into wings. Is this just a clever ruse to throw me off?

"Sire, I will change my dress if you so desire."

No, Lohr… I like the color, but when you go to war, I suggest a somewhat more discreet, maybe a burnt red color.

It will match your ugly blood when I kill you slowly for plotting my overthrow, he thought to himself.

Yes sire, I will keep that in mind. May I have your permission to leave; I must attend to my troops.

Go and prepare phase two. Soon the enemy will have so many problems that they won’t even see the big picture!

Lord.

He turned and strode out of the opulent ballroom thinking to himself.

Soon the arrogant fool will make a slip up and when he does, I’ll be there.

I’ll find a way to kill him and take the throne!

As soon as Lohr left the ballroom, the doors closed by themselves. The master changed into a silky black cat and the room changed into a dank dark cavern. The sleek cat jumped up on the arm of the stone throne and proceeded to clean itself.

CHAPTER 3

SAVE HIM

Unseen to human eyes, three ugly black bat winged demons who looked like hungry bloodsuckers appeared and dive-bombed Dakota Smith’s head as he slept. In the spirit dimension their shrieking and roaring echoed through the small efficiency apartment under the moon’s surface.

The largest one heinous laughter stopped as it hovered above Smith’s head. He pointed down at his target; his malicious smile pushed his pitted cheeks up, and his bulging yellow cat eyes filled with devilish glee as he scanned back and forth between his fellow conspirators, seeking their silent approval. They answered his silent question by cocking their heads back, and filling the apartment with an uproar of vulgar laughter, laughter that was Cody’s death toll.

The leader took a deep breath and dove with his outstretched arms at Smith’s head. His long pointed claws smashed through Smith’s dark hair into his temples, Dakota’s lean muscular body gave a sudden jerk and omitted a deeply pained sigh. His body shuttered but did not wake. Suddenly his body stiffened, his back arched and he started to shake, slowly at first, then violently all over. He swung his arms about wildly, trying to strike back at his unseen enemy. The two smaller demons found this to be wildly entertaining and howled with unbridled amusement. They laughed so hard that they dropped to the floor holding their bellies and rolled with laughter.

Dakota’s nightmare went into overdrive and now it was about to kill him. His body reacted with wild wrenching pain while the huge demon rode him like a cowboy riding a crazed Brahma bull.

All his focus was on killing the human and so deep was his concentration that his forehead looked like a relief map of the Grand Canyon. His grip was so tight that his thick strapping arms bulged with the strain and his body began dripping like a leaky water pipe.

He was so intent in putting all his spirit into killing, that he did not notice the three workers enter the room through the wall.

* * *

Tall blond haired Uriel said, Remember, we are here to observe and keep a low profile.

I’m sure that our Lord did not send three of his greatest warriors to just stand by while demons steal our great hope, Rohab said.

Jacob said nothing, he quickly pulled out his sword and it glowed and began to hum with a life of its own.

The sword’s bluish white light drew the attention of the two smaller demons. When they saw who had entered the room they stopped laughing and barred their teeth. They looked at each other in silent agreement that the enemy must die.

They got up on their hands and knees and pulled out their gleaming green swords in answer to the unspoken challenge. Glancing at one another quickly, they acknowledged their eagerness to cut the enemy in two and they jumped at the tall strangers’ throats.

Jacob‘s glowing sword appeared out of nowhere and smashed down hard on their green swords, knocking them both to the floor.

Outraged Rohab, strong arms grabbed them both by their necks, squeezed hard and soon their snarls turned to whimpers. Their yellow eyes bulged as they weakly clawed at his hands clutching their throats. Disgusted with touching the unclean things, Rohab threw them at the nearest wall. There was neither crash nor any sound of impact as their ethereal bodies slid through the wall without a trace.

A new anger filled the large demon when he saw the dark curly haired Rohab choking his cohorts.

He was itching to draw his sword and have some sliced angels for dessert but right now, he wanted to finish dinner. He redoubled his efforts to kill the human.

Uriel calmly tapped him on the shoulder and said, And what do you think you’re doing?

The demon’s large catlike eyes grew wide, and changed from yellow to red. They flashed with hate, as he screamed, I’m almost done! Why couldn’t those little idiots have kept you busy for just another minute?

Uriel said, I don’t know why, maybe you could tell me?

He withdrew his claws from Dakota’s head, pulled his sword, and roared, Now you’ll have to deal with me!

The other angels looked at each other and chuckled. This infuriated him and he unfurled his gigantic bat wings and rose up in the air. He snarled and then stuck out his reptilian tongue at them and hissed. His huge wings began beating faster and faster, and the wind they produced grew in power. They raised their swords up in a defensive position and leaned into the wind to steady themselves. They shielded their faces with their free hand.

The big demon’s sword glowed with its own humming green power.

Rohab covered his nose from the stench and said; You stink. Don’t you ever take a bath?

Enraged the huge demon attacked deadly fast. First, he tried their defenses, seeking for an opening and all three had to work hard to parry this bloodthirsty maniac.

Captain Uriel stood in the front, taking the brunt of his attack. Jacob and Rohab protected his sides and back. Just when it looked like a stand off, the two smaller demons came running through the wall like lunatics. They slid into Rohab and Jacob, knocked the legs out from under them, and ended up sitting on each of their chests. The small demons pounded and clawed. Rohab swung his sword wildly but it was useless in close fighting.

The big demon’s face showed his renewed resolve. He yelled, Attack, kill, kill them all!

CHAPTER 4

WRATH

Their leader’s renewed resolve spurred the smaller demons to attack even more viciously.

One little demon yelled out as he slashed at Jacob, Kill him quick, Jorri. Then we can return to our fun.

Uriel quickly looked at Rohab, and in that glance, a whole conversation took place.

Uriel’s face told Rohab: they’re do not know!

Rohab’s expressions answered, there on a joy ride. They were torturing an innocent.

Jorri’s huge attacking mass and his barrage of swift sword lunges drove Uriel back.

Uriel stopped as his foot bumped into Jacob still pinned on the floor.

The ebony monkey demon on Jacob pulled a short knife and raised it high to slam it into his chest. Jacob hit the monkey demon hard first and hurtled it a few feet away . The monkey demon started to get up, suddenly he felt his sword lying on the floor near him and he raised his head to look at his enemy and smiled. Uriel and Jorri, locked in a heated battle, backed over Jacob without even noticing him. After they passed, Jacob jumped up with astonishing speed and grabbed his sword just in time to block the monkey demon’s attack. The monkey let out a hiss of frustration and renewed its crazed attack with startlingly swift moves. His attack seemed irrational, out of control, zigging and zagging and lunging, spinning and running so fast that even Jacob’s incredible speed could only just scarcely block its blows. After a few minutes of attacking at full speed, the monkey tired. It realized that it could not keep up that speed and retreated to catch its breath.

Jacob saw his chance and quickly took four steps, raised his sword over his head, readied for a killing blow, the small fiend dropped his sword and stepped under Jacob’s arm. He blocked Jacob’s sword arm with his left forearm and grabbed his elbow with his other claw. The blocking arm then grabbed Jacob’s wrist, he stepped under his sword arm, and twisted to face the same direction that Jacob was moving in. The monkey’s hand that had grabbed the elbow moved swiftly to grab Jacob’s left shoulder, he quickly lowered his body down and Jacob flew over his shoulder to the ground with bone jarring force. The monkey demon quickly stood and recovered his bloodied sword, and now it was his turn for a killing blow.

Rohab was trying to twist his body and knock the dog demon off while it continued to claw at his face. He blocked with both his forearms. His arms and face were bleeding from deep scratches and his lustrous sword lay ignored next to him.

The giant black demon, Jorri grew insane, because he wasn’t able to break through Uriel’s defenses.

He roared in frustration and came at Uriel like a destructive whirlwind. Uriel blocked his every blow with cool calm efficiency, never leaving an opening. This infuriated Jorri growled. He pushed harder still and Uriel’s only recourse was to back away and keep blocking as fast as he could. Uriel was backing up when his foot bumped into Rohab and he stopped. The dog demon on top of Rohab, crazed with its need to strike, grabbed Uriel’s leg and bit down furiously. Uriel howled and struck back at his new attacker. It left an opening and the black giant swung his sword. Uriel noticed it out of the corner of his eye, but he only had time to lean back, and it sliced open his worker uniform.

Another inch and that would have been me. I have to focus.

The creature biting his leg made him grimace but he put it aside and concentrated on blocking the frontal assault. Rohab had his chance and rolled free. He grabbed his sword and instantly he was filled with determination. He stood shaking, ignoring the pain of his many cuts. He wiped the blood from his eyes and saw Jacob on the ground with the monkey demon grabbing its sword off the ground.

He was too far away to reach him in time, so he yelled, Jacob, get up quick! Grab your sword, he’s coming for you, on your left.

While trying to fend off the frontal assault from the massive demonic powerhouse Uriel was slowed down by the grinding pain still stinging. Uriel shook his leg hard trying to dislodge the small devil dog but it had clamped on to his leg and wouldn’t let go. Together the two demons were overwhelming him and he was losing strength. Uriel had very rarely felt fear, but now he was afraid he might fail.

Hang on Captain! I’m coming! Rohab yelled.

Just hearing Rohab’s words filled him with hope. I am not alone. We are a team.

Rohab’s words created a strange calmness in Uriel, his sword glowed brighter and his demeanor changed, all of a sudden he felt freed from the fear and pain. He stood more erect, and forced the fight to the larger demon. His next blow cut the demon’s side. This hit encouraged him and his blows came tremendously faster and faster. Jorri was shocked at how Uriel’s attack speed grew and he was doing this to him while dragging the devil dog still biting his leg.

Now he was struggling for his life. He received a cut on the shoulder, then his leg, and then his arm. He was receiving too many cuts and he knew if it did not change his tactics soon, he would bleed to death.

Rohab took three quick steps and with one swipe of his bluish white sword, cut off the head of the dog demon that still had its teeth clamped into Uriel’s leg. It disappeared in a shower of exploding green smoke. Uriel smiled to himself as he was now fighting harder and faster, but to him it seemed natural and without effort. Rohab turned to help Jacob and saw him rolling away from the monkey’s deathblow. Jacob had no sword and could not escape his fast attacker.

Rohab yelled, Jacob move, get out of there.

Rohab yelled again, Uriel, Jacob’s trapped. The urgency in his voice screamed to Uriel that Jacob was about to be killed.

While Jacob was kicking at the monkey’s legs, the monkey demon opened his abdomen with a vicious slice.

Uriel quickly rolled on to his back repeatedly, until he was standing next to the monkey. It was cutting furiously at Jacob’s belly. He pierced it through the heart and it let out a horrible cry. It fell dead on Jacob’s chest and it too went up in a puff of green smoke.

Now Uriel and Rohab were on their feet confronting the huge black demon. They circled Jorri from different sides. It tried to back away but bumped into Jacob lying on the floor. It spread its wings and hovered above them, growled. It made quick slashes at them to keep them at bay. Uriel winked at Rohab and Rohab nodded.

Uriel ripped off his worker uniform and revealed his pure white uniform. He spread his majestic white feathered wings, leaped up, flew above Jorri’s head, and began a furious attack. Unexpectedly the brute defend himself but and each slice of Uriel’s sword strategically forced him downward, towards the floor.

He had to concentrate on Uriel but knew the other enemy warrior was still nearby and it swung its long green sword behind itself occasionally, trying to keep the unseen Rohab at bay.

Uriel whistled and Rohab let out a sudden flamboyant yell. The large beast turned to see if Rohab was attacking but Rohab backed away, it stalled in confusion.

Today is the day I send you back to the pit! Uriel yelled.

The demon laughed, turned back to confront Uriel and it bellowed with confidence, You’re not sending me anywhere. The yellow cat-eyed leader remembered it must keep a cool head and try to foresee what the enemies’ next move would be.

They have to be planning something. I wonder where the other one is.

It began another furious frontal assault and tried to get back up in the air above Uriel but only managed a few feet above the floor.

CHAPTER 5

HE WATCHED IN

SILENT HORROR

Jorri chanced a quick look behind but saw no one. Then he looked down, and horror struck his face. Abruptly it realized his mistake. The hovering black giant saw Rohab lying on the floor directly underneath and now it knew what all the whistling and yelling was about, it was to distract him and it had worked but now it was too late, Rohab’s sword shot straight up and pierced his thigh and he howled in pain. His anger made him forget Uriel and it stared at Rohab with a threatening expression. Uriel whistled loud and Jorri glanced back up and saw Uriel sword arm cocked back ready to strike. Time seemed to slow down. Uriel gave him a short nod in salute and then swung his sword with great power and it strobed through the air as if in slow motion. The demon’s yellow cat eyes opened wide in terror, knowing it was about to die. He desperately tried to change his position to bring its sword up to block; there wasn’t time because his body was completely faced downward.

In silent horror it watched as Uriel’s sword silently swept through the air and sliced his throat open. He dropped his sword and staggered backwards, clutching his throat as green blood oozed between his claws. He crashed to the floor with a crunching thud.

The two workers stood over him and watched as he slowly melted into a puddle of green goo. All of a sudden the goo caught fire and burned. Lazily the green smoke rose and slowly disappeared.

The stockier and well muscled Rohab put on a stern face, but it was obvious he was growing faint from the loss of blood. If he did not rest soon he would fall down.

Rohab sit down, before you fall down. Catch your breath, Uriel ordered, and Rohab obeyed.

Uriel rushed to Jacob’s side and knelt down. Both his arms were crossed over his body and clutching his belly as if he were trying to hold his body together. Jacob grimaced from the pain. Uriel bent down and felt his neck for a pulse, and then he checked his ripped-open belly and he lowered his head in sorrow.

He’ll never make it.

Rohab crawled over next to them and said, How is he? Can we move him?

Uriel looked up slowly at Rohab; a tear fell from his eye. He shook his head slightly back and forth, giving Rohab the signal that he would not last long. Rohab lowered his head and with his eyes clamped shut he cried silently.

Jacob forced down the pain and opened his eyes; he asked brightly, Did we win? Did we save the chosen one?

Uriel gently put his hand on Jacob’s shoulder and said, Yes Jacob, we won, now rest my brother.

Jacob closed his eyes, smiled, his body slumped and he disappeared in a cloud of white mist that swirled upward and passed through the ceiling.

Uriel stood up and realized that he too was feeling faint. Rohab noticed and hastily reached for him and caught him just as he was about to fall. He steadied him and they both limped over to Dakota Smith and looked at him lying there shivering in his bed. Uriel reached over and touched his temple. Dakota’s tough face softened and the panic left his body. He stopped shaking, breathed deep, and fell into pleasant slumber.

The two angels turned and limped over to the wall. They stopped and looked back at Dakota.

I wonder if he will ever appreciate what just happened, Rohab said.

How will he ever know?

Rohab nodded and they both turned and limped through the wall.

* * *

Dakota Smith’s dreams drifted back to this childhood. It was late summer in Michigan and it was hot. The thermometer read ninety-six degrees, and although a large army of fans had invaded his Grandpa’s House, they could not defeat the overwhelming moist Michigan heat.

In his mind’s eye, he remembered his father’s face flushed with heat and anger. He was yelling at his father, Cody’s Grandfather. Grandma and Cody’s mother stood a little ways off observing the one-sided attack. The hurt and fear he felt was overwhelming, as he remembered his father’s face scowling with anger and wet with sweat.

Cody’s father smacked his fist into his open palm and shouted, I’ve had it, no more pie in the sky, for me and mine.

He glanced down at Cody and saw the fear in the little boy’s face and he relaxed his face and his tone. He took a deep breath and paused, then added, Don’t worry son, I still love Grandpa.

Cody’s eyes twinkled with delight, and a small smile made his face dimple. He looked so cute his father softened his voice even more, "I work for my pay and with it I buy food, clothes and a house. God does not give me … he does not provide anything.

I don’t want Cody’s head filled with your religious fantasies about some invisible, all seeing God that is going to ride in at the last moment on a white horse and save the day.

Cody’s Grandfather remained calm all through his son’s attack. He just stood there calmly with his arms crossed. A slight smile on his lips because he had been through this many times before and realized that his son was quick to judge and even quicker to anger.

Cody’s father continued, Why has Christianity done so much harm? Where was your loving God when the Christians were slaughtering during the Holy Crusades?

Cody’s grandfather tilted his head down, put his hand on his chin, and thought before he answered. Everyone waited silently, wondering what he would say.

Finally, he spoke, "God can not be held responsible for what the Catholic Church or any church or any religion has done or shall do. God is love and that means he has given total freedom to his creation to choose, as they will. We are the ones that choose to love or hate. Our feelings come from what we choose to emphasize, and people choose for themselves, I would call that selfishness, but I suppose you could call it evil. God doesn’t force anything down their throats.

The main thing here is the fact that we are not robots who simply fulfill a scripted-out play. If the opposite were true, we could never choose to love or be selfish. God is not responsible for our evil-even when, the evil that is committed, is in his name."

Consciousness tugged at Cody, it was calling to him. He opened his eyes and looked around.

He was in his apartment at the moon base and everything seemed normal.

He swung his legs over the edge of the bunk and slowly stood and tested his balance.

Reaching up unconsciously, he rubbed his temples and said aloud to no one, "now why did I remember that?

I should get help.

I’m going to sick bay!"

CHAPTER 6

HER EYES SCREAMED

The metal corridor rung with each limping step as Dakota Smith headed groggily toward sickbay. His bad knee pained him with each step.

Hiding in the shadows, Uriel and Rohab analyzed his every movement. Rohab looked up at his fair-haired companion and said in a low tone, This is the one? He doesn’t look the type. What’s he got that makes him so special?

Uriel stared down at him, stopping his idle chatter with one look. Rohab saw judgment in the Uriel’s eyes and he looked away feeling guilty for making such a quick condemnation.

* * *

After a long aching walk down an array of uncaring metal corridors, listening to nothing but his magnet shoes making a repetitive clank, stick, drag, release, over and over, Dakota finally entered the door marked sickbay.

He took one tentative step into the dark waiting room.

Hello, is anybody here?

He hard no answer, only a slight echo. He made a quick swipe on the wall to the right of the door, feeling for a light switch. He found nothing. Then he noticed a thin beam of dim light coming from the bottom of the wall on the other side of the room.

That must be a door, maybe somebody working back there.

Just on the off chance, that he missed the light switch he took another swipe on the opposite side of the door and his hand connected with a freestanding lamp. He heard a dull crack and then a slow crunching sound as it hit the floor and bounced back up in the low gravity.

Damn, I didn’t mean to do that - I might as well see if anybody is back there.

He looked like a lost Frankenstein monster with his arms extended, slowly feeling his way through the darkness, not wanting to break any more lamps.

He called out louder, Hello, anybody home?

Again, there was no reply. He made it to the doorway with no more accidents, feeling along the molding his fingers found a light switch and he turned it on.

Standing alone in the sterile reception room, he looked around. Plastic grey chairs and simulated wood grain tables decorated the space. The bright flowery wallpaper and the overpowering smell of antiseptic made him feel nauseated. It brought back bad memories of when his father died. He and the rest of his family had spent too many days in a hospital waiting room just like this.

No one was in sight so he called out hello three more times and got no response.

I guess I’ll check the back room.

He opened the door leading into the back and started to yell hello, when suddenly he felt a hard bump on the other side of the door and heard a rattling and a series of slow crashing sounds of metal parts hitting the floor. Carefully, he peeked around the door and saw a slender brown-haired woman dressed in a nurse’s uniform. She was looking down at a large group of surgical instruments slowly bouncing off the floor, flying, every which way, in slow motion. The tray she was holding slowly slipped out of her hand and hit the floor with a brash clank and she looked up at him with smoldering anger brewing on her face. Her eyes screamed out silently condemning him.

Sheepishly Dakota stepped back and said, I’m sorry, but I called out three times and no one answered, so I thought I’d look for some help back here.

He looked down at the scattered instruments making slow floating arcs back towards the floor and said, Let me help you gather those up.

They both bent down at the same time to catch a spinning hemostat and they bumped heads. Both said ouch. They both were rubbing their heads when their eyes met.

Her soft brown eyes penetrated his soul, a strong feeling of recognition overcame him, and he thought he heard the sound of faint bells in the distance.

He couldn’t take his gaze off her. Her beauty mesmerized him like a mystical alluring siren’s song.

I know her, but that can’t be. We have never met before, but somehow, I know, this is the woman, that I will love forever.

He stared at her in wonder.

Trying to hold back her anger, her mouth contorted, making her beautiful face look like a pressure gauge ready to blow.

She was on the edge, readying herself to tell him off, when she became aware of his dumb stare and unexpectedly she became self-conscious. His scrutiny was too much and she looked down, saw the instruments lying motionless, scattered all over the floor. She bent over again to pick up them up, her nursing cap fell off, and her long dark brown hair swept down to frame her face like a lion’s mane.

She is so beautiful.

CHAPTER 7

NOT AGAIN

As she picked up the instruments, she said harshly, I just cleaned these, now I’ll have to do it again. Look Mr. Noisy or what ever you are, you need to leave and come back when we’re open.

Surrounded by dummies, why do I always have to deal with the ignorant?

Well Miss Good Looking; the name’s Dakota Smith but all my friends call me Cody.

Well Mr. Smith, come back after we’re open.

Not wanting to leave her presence, he said softly, So is this the way you treat people seeking medical help?

His words stuck her like a vaccine injection; she gulped down the rising bile in her throat and composed herself. She quickly became the cool professional.

She picked up the tray and squeezed out, And how can I help you? It’s Cody isn’t it?

He may be klutz, but my god, he’s handsome!

Again, he looked into her eyes and froze. Finally he croaked out, Yes it’s Cody.

Her eyes are so beautiful. I should say something but it’s so hard to think.

I should help her pick up.

He bent down on one knee to help pick up the instruments. After putting them all back on the tray, they looked at each other and silently appraised each other.

After an uncomfortably long silence, he said hoarsely, I really don’t know if I need any help, I just haven’t slept well in four or five nights and was wondering if I could get some sleeping pills.

You say you’re having trouble sleeping-what’s the problem.

I’m having nightmares.

Do you want to talk about them?

A long silence occurred between them and Cody’s attention seemed to wander. He dumbly scanned the wall and then his shoes and finally he looked back at her.

She is so beautiful. I have to arrange to see her again.

I could fake being sick. No that wouldn’t work; she’s a nurse, she could tell right away.

I know I will ask her out, take her to the movie or something. She is expecting a response. Say something.

Cody said, No, not really. You’re right I should go. By the way, I was trying to find the light switch in the waiting room but it was so dark and I knocked over a lamp. I will pay for it if you give me a bill.

With that, he turned and started to leave. She was not sure why but she was drawn to him and she said forcefully, Stop, don’t go, I need to get your information.

Half way out the door, he stopped and swung around. His elbow caught an electronic monitor on a wheeled stand. It flew wildly out into the waiting room, caught the edge of a chair, crashed down hard on to a coffee table, and exploded into a million pieces and all of them silently floating slowly upwards, arching and then drifting back down to the floor.

Not again. I am so sorry. It was an accident. Please … send me the bill for that too.

She was clenching her fist repeatedly and pursing her mouth trying hard to control her tongue. When she finally looked at him again, her eyes flashed with anger.

At last, she forced out between her clenched teeth, I saw and it was an accident, but you will have to fill out a form. You will not have to pay for that. Come over to the sign-in desk and let me find the form. She walked by him miffed.

Cody admired her from the back as she walked with her nose held snobbishly high while her magnetic shoes did the click, stick; drag release all the way over to the desk.

She acts so superior, but I find her confidence irresistible.

He followed her over to the sign-in desk where she stood behind it and him in front. She opened cabinets and flipped through sheaves of papers, grumbling under her breath while shaking her head no. Lastly, she bent down below to the bottom and found the form. It was the last one.

She slapped it down in front of him and said like a cop giving him a ticket, Fill this out and hurry it would you, we’ve got a surgery planned for this morning and I have to sterilize those instruments again and clean up this mess.

Her eyes scanned the room behind him with a judgmental authority that said he had just committed a heinous crime.

CHAPTER 8

NOT IF YOU WERE THE

LAST MAN ON EARTH

The nurse did not say much and when she did it was to the point, uncommon for a woman but Cody liked that.

He patted his clothes, searching for something and after a few moments he asked, Do you have a pen?

She rooted around under the counter and came up with a pen. She slapped it down on the form. He picked up the pen and shot her an over-enthusiastic smile. He started to fill out the form and soon realized that the pen was not working. He shook it and ink drops splattered on her pure white uniform. She looked down at the black drops scattered down her front and sighed and shook her head. She looked back up at him smoldering hotter, her eyes squinting with anger, she said, I think it would be best if you left, right now!

He stuttered out an apology. He saw some paper towels behind the desk, so he rushed around, and grabbed a few and said, Let me clean that off. He started to wipe off the ink spot.

She said alarmed, Wait, don’t.

However, before she spoke, he smeared the ink in long slashes, making the staining much more obvious.

Look what you’ve done. Don’t you ever think before you act?

You saw what I was trying to do; you know it was an acc …. Please don’t ….

She bent down to find something else to write with, her cap fell off, making her angrier, and she put it back on haphazardly. She found a pencil, stood up and handed it to him.

I want you to fill out that form if you have to write in the border and then get out of here, so I can clean up your mess!

He noticed her hat was a skewed and said, Let me help you with your hat, as he leaned over the desk to straighten it. He adjusted it and stepped back to check his handiwork. The hat was now straight but it had attained two big black ink smudges that had a strong resemblance to his thumbprints. He bit his tongue, trying not to laugh. He sneaked a quick look at his hands and they had ink smudges all over them.

He blew air out the sides of his mouth as if he were saying; I cannot believe this is happening to me. He picked up the offending pen and threw it at a wastebasket behind the desk. His throw was too high and it bounced off the wall, and arched threw the air to slowly land on the desk chair.

She did not notice and sat down with her arms folded and glared at him to finish. Hurry up and fill out the form.

Let me pay for a new uniform please.

What?

I was trying to throw the bad pen in the wastebasket and it landed in the chair you’re sitting on.

What?

She jumped up and twisted about, trying to see her backside. She could not twist far enough and so she pulled her uniform’s skirt around until she saw the stain.

You bungling idiot-that’s it. Get out of here.

Let me make it up to you, by taking you out to dinner!

Are you crazy? I wouldn’t go out with you if you were the last man on Earth!

He shot her a big cheesy smile. The same smile that always worked on his mother when he got in trouble and said, What if I was the last man on the moon?

With a raging chainsaw anger, she turned her eyes to the ceiling and growled softly through clenched teeth, Please, just go.

He is so good looking and it was an accident after all, maybe I should forgive him? Well I’ll call later in the day and take care of the damages. Maybe we could talk after you’ve cooled down?

She looked up at him and silently shook her head no.

She pointed at the door and forcefully said with authority, Go!

CHAPTER 9

STRUGGLING FOR BALANCE

He forced himself to look away from her and took a step towards the door, then stopped. He turned back and said, How about a movie?

No!

She pointed at the door again. Now please, just go!

His shoulders slumped, and his smile wilted as he tucked his hands in his pockets, frowned and turned to go. A half step is as far as he got, when his shin hit the edge of the coffee table. Three large stacks, of magazines tottered. He hastily reached to steady them but knocked one stack into the others and they all slid off the table and did a slow bounce along the floor. They fanned out in an array that looked like a magician’s card trick.

He stepped on a magazine, lost his balance and fell sideways. Both arms went out instantly to brake his fall, but he hit the wall hard and all the paintings on it bounced off their nails and slowly did a modern dance toward the floor. He slid down the wall in a heap knocking three chairs away like a bowling pins.

She came over and confronted him with both fists on her hips. She said, Look at this. She glanced around the room. Is your name mister clumsy? Look at this mess.

He struggling to free himself but his limbs were tangled in the chairs.

Barely able to control her anger, Give me your hand. You need help, a lot of help.

His face turned red as he tried to stutter out, sorry. He reached up and took her hand. She braced herself and pulled. Slowly he came up from the tangled mess. As he was starting to stand, he slipped on another magazine and fell forward into her arms. He wrapped his arms around her trying to steady himself.

He pushed back from her a little, looked her in the face and said jestingly, Can I have this dance?

She tried twisting herself free but he tightened his grip. He started humming a tune and began to mock dance with her.

She tried twisting away again but he held on tight. She was not laughing.

Let me go! she growled.

He smiled and said, Just to the end of the song.

She tucked both her arms in front of her body and pushed on his chest.

No! she shouted.

She pushed a second time even harder when he was letting go. When the second push came and he fell backward too fast and slipped on another magazine but managed to steady himself. He shot her a smile that said he had just won a small self-conceited victory. He took a step backwards and said, Maybe I’ll just sit the next dance out. His next step backward caused him to trip over the first lamp he had knocked over and now he was waving his arms like he was back pedaling in the water and he shouted, No, no, not again.

He was still struggling for his balance, when he smashed into the wall with the back of his shoulders. All the paintings on this wall jumped and drifted downward hitting the chairs under them. They bounced to join what looked like a sprawled mess that resembled a Jackson Pollack painting on the floor. He lay there in bitter defeat.

Her face turned white with anger as she slowly surveyed the reception room.

It looks as if a stampede ran through here.

His small weak voice broke her reverie, Sorry, I tripped.

She turned on him, smoldering with irritation. Scowling she pointed at the door and said, That’s it! I want you out of here, now! I do not care if you have to crawl. Get out!

A thick condemning silence filled the room as he untangled himself and slowly stood. He looked at her seeking understanding and found only rage. Everywhere he looked, everything was cracked, broken, busted, scattered or smudged. His eyes slid to the floor and he brushed himself off as if he was removing guilt. He set his mouth in a strong straight line and looked back up at her. He met her infuriated eyes and gradually he turned and walked clanking, stick and drag to the door. In the middle of the doorway, he paused and looked back and saw the room as if for the first time.

What a mess!

He offered a weak statement, I will pay for this, all of this, just tell me your name?

Her silent rage was his only answer. Her eyes drilled through him like an unflinching laser beam. She pointed at the door again.

The hardness he saw in her eyes made him reconsider, he gave up and left.

When he was twenty feet down the hall she yelled, You can come back after five o’clock to get the sleeping pills; another nurse will be on duty then.

He quickly turned and smiled. Her expression hardened and again she pointed. He shrugged his shoulders and said, I will pay.

He turned and limped away.

CHAPTER 10

KNOCK, KNOCK,

WHO’S THERE?

In the dimly lit recesses of the moon’s survey-docking bay, two small black demons were hilariously trying to hide their voices and choking on their laughter. One was short and fat, the other thin and gangly. From shadow to shadow, they crept, avoiding even the dim exit light. They were like insects that thrived in the dark recesses.

Finally, standing on the side of their objective, they smiled and laughed at each other like juvenile schoolboys, about to throw toilet paper into a neighbor’s tree. The fat one bent down by the motorcycle like object and opened a small panel door on its side. The thin one nervously stretched his scaly neck above the seat and quickly scanned the room.

Hurry, they may be near by.

The fat one leisurely reached his clawed hand into the small access door and whispered viciously, Don’t rush me!

* * *

Cody slowed down as he approached the door to the base’s survey office because he did not want to appear anxious. He slowly shuffled in the room and walked over to his old-style wood-drafting desk haphazardly covered with papers. Cody sat at his drafting board and pulled his computer on its spring arm down towards him to where he could work with it. He flicked it on and while it was accessing the file he was working on yesterday, he looked around the small survey room.

This place is a crowded mess. Four people shoved into a room designed for two. Then to top it off, we’ve got six desks crowded in here with four filing cabinets, five chairs, bookshelves and so many piles of paper that only a small walkway is left. This place is a fire hazard. We’ve got way too much stuff crammed in here, and then add four people and of course visitors.

He sighed aloud and thought to