Welcome to the Septi-Verse: Unannounced House Guest

By Paul William DaBill

A case of mistaken identity leads to the wrong man being swept across the
universe. From planet to planet he finds himself meeting new and very diff erent
intelligent creatures. Some are kind others want to kill him, while he remains oblivious
as to why. Th ough pictures will tell him his face belongs to another, bounty hunters and
entire star systems will say diff erent. Through his journey he will meet some he can trust,
others are just looking to get rich. Will he find his way back home or will he find himself
at the mercy of most ruthless Sovereign? Can he evade the numerous amount of bounty
hunters searching for him? Or will his curiosity get him killed first?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 16, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503543683

Book preview

Welcome To The Septi 59233.png Verse

UNANNOUNCED HOUSE GUEST

Paul William DaBill

Copyright © 2015 by Paul William DaBill.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2015902369

ISBN:      Softcover      978-1-5035-4367-6

                eBook             978-1-5035-4368-3

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 05/15/2015

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Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1,

UNANNOUNCED HOUSE GUESTS

CHAPTER 2,

WELCOME TO THE SEPTI-VERSE

CHAPTER 3,

AN UNEXPECTED FRIEND

CHAPTER 4,

A HOUSE IN THE SKY

CHAPTER 5,

ENTER THE ZEMITITION REGIME

CHAPTER 6,

THE PROBLEM WITH ZEMITITIONS

CHAPTER 7,

AN INVITATION TO DINNER

CHAPTER 8,

A GIFT FROM THE PAST

CHAPTER 9,

A GOOD PLACE TO HANG MY COAT

CHAPTER 10,

FLYING WITHOUT A NET

CHAPTER 11,

BUILDING AN EMPIRE

CHAPTER 12,

A NEW HOME

CHAPTER 13,

JACK IN A BOX

I am happy to dedicate this book to my father, my wife for believing and my children for their love.

1

UNANNOUNCED HOUSE GUESTS

THERE IS NO TIME; YOU HAVE TO LISTEN TO ME. A man’s voice spoke loud and forcefully.

Time is of the essences, explanations will have to wait. It is imperative you trust us and come now. A women’s voice then spoke.

Thirty minutes had passed since walking in the door and taking a shower. Spending nine hours listening to people complain about their food, followed by a seventy-five minute commute in bumper-to-bumper traffic takes a lot out of you. On top of all of that madness, voices from nowhere saying to go with them did not make it better.

This evening was supposed to be simple, sit down on the couch with dinner, the television remote and a drink. Spend a little time relaxing then maybe slip into unconsciousness. The same routine as many nights before this, why change what works? Amazing how your whole life can change in one instant, even if it does defy the laws of logic.

Right, go with you. I yelled jumping off of the couch, There is no chance that’s going to happen.

Disturbed, far from relaxed, and franticly searching the room for someone who is not there. To make things worse the floor wore what used to be a hoagie, what a waste of a perfectly good food. Looking down at it only fueled the frustration; this was not the way to start an evening. The first thought was to eat it anyway, then again when you haven’t vacuumed your carpet in weeks, eating something from off of it, probably is not a good idea.

"Someone owes me a sandwich." I mumbled looking away.

Frustrated, hungry, and confused. For someone with little patience this was a terrible combination of issues. Only there was no one to yell at, which made it even worse. One thing stood clear, whomever they may be they wanted someone attention they got it.

After standing there for a moment, it became obvious maybe the voice came from out in the hallway. On any other day, there would not be an issue with walking over to the door and looking out of the peephole. The problem, nothing about that voice sounded normal. His voice was deep and forceful; not being able to find them has caused fear to take over. The kind of fear a child gets when he knows he has a spanking coming.

The motivation needed to walk to the door was gone, replaced by a feeling to go hide under the couch. Like in a movie, scenes of dozens of police officers standing outside the door raced through every thought. Stunned by the rotten thoughts, it took moments before the shock set in. You know you are in trouble when your mind turns against you.

"What is wrong with you? I asked myself, You haven’t done anything wrong."

Why would a police officer just sit outside someone’s door and yell like that?

You know very well that if they wanted you all they would have to do is kick the door in and stick a knee in your back.

This whole talking to yourself thing can’t be good either, I screamed at myself, "There is nobody out there trying to get you."

Slowly, walk towards the door, disregarding everything inside that wanted to stay on the couch. It did however take an extraordinary long amount of time to walk ten feet. Moving towards the door locks, as a strange feeling inside screamed to stop. Forgetting the importance of breathing helped to worsen the mental meltdown going on inside. This madness was not going to end; opening the door seemed the only way to stop it.

Looking instantly confirmed what something inside already knew. There was only one person taking up space out there, nothing to justify all of that stress. In his normal position, drunken and passed out in the corner of the stairway. He has his issues but he usually is not one to attract attention to himself. One whiff from him said he wasn’t speaking to anyone until morning. The unfortunate part was he was too drunk to be of any help.

How easy someone’s life can change without any warning. He was once a man of wealth and power, now not so much of either. He and his family were gunned downed one night; he was the only to survive. The pain from being the only left caused him to begin his downward spiral. Constantly drunk, he sits talking with his family as if they were at a dinner table.

Stranger then that he occasionally he introduces a man named Casindien to people of the apartment building. A man, he explains speaks to him from beyond the stars. Talk about making people uncomfortable, it wasn’t until Casindien began telling jokes that people warmed up to him. It may sound as if everyone needed to seek therapy; the truth is we just wanted him to be happy.

"I guess his spacemen got bored and now he wants to get to know me." I thought making a joke.

"Then again, maybe he was yelling in his drunken stupor. I continued reasoning with myself, He could have sat up, yelled, and then passed back out again."

Shaking my head in disbelief, once again my explanation wasn’t satisfying me. How could it? Trying to find someone who is not there could work on anyone’s nerves. Just looking at him told me he did not yell anything, sure wish he did.

If it wasn’t you old man then who was it? I asked not expecting him to answer, "Your voice isn’t that deep." I thought to myself.

"Now I’m talking to a man who just went to the bathroom all over himself." I said watching him sleep,

"If this keeps up, I’ll be joining him soon."

Bending over the railing to get a better look down the steps proved useless. Call it satisfying an urge, leaving it unchecked would have caused problems. It did not take long to deduce that the stairway was lifeless, which only reinforced the thought any sanity left was slipping away. Confused and feeling sick, locking everything apartment seemed like that right thing to do.

Is somebody here? I shouting as loud as my voice could go before walking in the door.

What do you want? A voice from in the hallway shouted back.

Not you. I yelled back while simultaneously slamming the door shut.

"Great, now he is probably going to tell everyone that I am losing it and yell at myself at the next building meeting." I said punching the door frustrated.

Quickly locking the door, the feeling of eyes watching was unnerving. Standing against the door, adrenalin caused every muscle to shake nervously. Someone is out there watching paranoia take over, hiding, and waiting until any guard is down. Having the feeling that this was just all a dream, which did not did help the problem.

Looking around, there is not too much to this apartment. Sitting to the left of the door, was a stained peach colored loveseat. Three inches of space separates the chair from blocking the door from opening. A small table with the only lamp stands in the corner next to the chair. The entertainment center stands against the far left wall five feet in front of the couch on the opposite wall. The pitiful excuse of a kitchen is only about three feet from the couch.

A wooden table accompanied by two mismatched chairs takes up most of the space in the kitchen. A trashcan straddles the border of both of the rooms, for lack of a better place to put it. Cooking is a feat of its own, it did not take many times of backing into the corner of the chairs before learning to work around them. After several years of the pain, it became something to learn to deal with.

Cobwebs dangled from the corners of the only window, which both rooms shared. Trying to see if someone was on the fire escape with a window as dirty as this one is was, was not going to happen. Trying to brush away the dust only put dust all over and the window worse. That was until a two-inch spider sitting in the corner of the window stirred demanding attention. Seeing this creature staring with all of those eyes was all it took.

Feeling overwhelmed as it was having this furry little eight-legged monster sitting in the way cause a bit of frustration. Gathering the courage and then the broom the spider did not stand a chance. With a hand full of paper towels and a splash of hot water, seconds later a clean spot appeared. Trails of dirty water down ran the window leaving streaks behind. Enough was clean to be able to see around the area if someone was lurking.

Surprisingly enough, not seeing anyone running down the fire escape seemed about right on with was happening. What did seem a bit strange though, there was not one kid playing on the playground below. Something felt wrong, no little girls playing double-dutch, the boys who pick on them were nowhere to be seen either. The old man in the building next door who sits by his window rocking back and forth, wasn’t there neither. Three floors above him, the little old woman who hangs out of her window and watches the kids play, for some reason was not there.

Trying to open the window to get a better look proved useless. If it did not open five years ago when there was a grease fire, it most certainly is not opening now. Padlocks on the security bars would make saving anyone in here particularly difficult, especially if using the fire escape was necessary. A slight oversight on the property owner’s part, adding them with the lease may have been too easy. The thought of trying to open it another way burned within looked down at the chair. After considering it for a moment, it was time to calm down and think. Remembering how bad winters can get around here changed that thought. To break through the bars would surely take more than a chair.

"Whoever is here, there is no other place for them to hide." I said myself.

The bathroom and bedroom were the only rooms left to search. Trying to walk softly down the hallway attempting to be as quit as possible was hard when your breathing heavy. Thinking about who could be in here was all the reason to find some help.

Reaching under the couch, my hand searched franticly while watching the hallway. Relief as well as an inflated sense of power filled within upon finding what was under there. Mr. Louisville slugger baseball bat, which makes its appearance only when it is a special occasions that require his expertise.

Every step down the hallway seemed to take longer than the last. Ice filled my veins as fear tightened its grip. Goosebumps popped up all over as the little hairs stood on end.Like Mike Schmitt sending one to the upper deck, someone’s head was going to be outa here.

"Someone jumps out of either door, I’ve got something for them." I said squeezing the bat harder.

"What if they don’t open the door?" I asked myself, "What if their waiting for me to open it?"

Sometimes my own mind can propose questions that bother even me. The big question is how to open the door and swing the bat? It took a moment to be comfortable holding the bat with one hand, and opening the door. Squeezing the bat was staring to hurt; the fear of what might be waiting on the other side superseded any of it.

Using the wall for balance and with a kick, the door swung open and the bat entered first. After breaking the mirror, toilet paper holder, and glass shower doors, reality returned. It is funny how after you do something dumb you realize it. Even if someone wanted to hide in the bathroom, it would be next to impossible.

This was smallest bathroom ever built; there was not room enough for even the clothing hamper. Sitting sideways is the only way to handle business. It would certainly have been a good trick if someone were able to hide in here.

With the element of surprise gone, whoever they are, they now knew one door remained. As the bathroom door slammed shut, my head slowly turned towards the bedroom. If someone is here, this will be the last place they will ever see clearly again.

Standing, staring at the door as a bead of sweat worked its way down my cheek. Trying to find something intimidating to say when you are not very scary was hard.

If you are in there, this is your one and only chance to come out, now! I yelled at the bedroom door still holding the bat ready.

I won’t hurt you. I said obviously lying.

Five seconds passed, still there was no sound coming from the other side of the door. Shaking in anticipation of someone jumping out, bad thoughts just continued to flow. The nerve to open the door was gone, replaced by the feeling of sickness. The thought some psycho would break in was uncomfortable to say the least.

The nervousness became worse reaching for the knob once again. Opening the door was the only way to bring peace. Getting through the door as fast as possible seemed logical. Who would be expecting that? The sound of the doorknob embedding itself into the drywall echoed down the hallway.

The next few seconds were a blur, fear, and adrenalin clouded any judgment. If somebody was in the room, they did not stand a chance. In a blind fury, the bat was cutting through the air with every ounce of strength within. Getting up from several head shoots with a bat is not happening. It certainly would have ended the paranoia, only if there had been someone to hit.

Before there was an opportunity to see no one was in the room, the bat was already swinging. Unfortunately having your eyes closed while swinging a bat can turn out costly. The bedroom lamp, dresser mirror and several pictures became victims before the bat stopped swinging.

"Of course there is no one in here, anything to help speed up the process of my losing my mind." I thought to myself spinning around searching the room.

Unless they were hiding in the small pile of dirty clothes next to the hamper, there was no chance someone in here. Looking at the bed, which is only a mattress and pillows, was refreshing.

"Hiding under there would be a great trick." I thought still smiling.

Like the rest of the apartment, there is no place for someone to hide, there is barely enough room to live.

Where in the hell are you? I yelled.

Come on out I have something for you. I yelled in a poor attempt at a tough voice.

Slamming the door did very little to ease the frustration built up inside. Having to pay for it provided the restraint needed from punching a hole in the wall.

"I did hear a voice, right?" I asked myself.

Reality seemed to be slipping away; this was more than just some simple paranoid issues induced by sleep deprivation. It is documented that strange thing happen to people when they are tired. Perhaps this is one of those moments and none of this is real.

That can’t be right. I began thinking. "It couldn’t be in my head," I answered back, "Everything shook violently when he spoke, that doesn’t happen when a voice speaks to you in your head." I said trying to be logical.

If there was a reasonable explanation, it was not coming fast enough. The idea that a spirit or someone from the grave was trying to communicate only made things worse. Perhaps mom could have been trying to pass a message, well then again, maybe not.

"You see, it’s thoughts like these that gets people put in one of those funny hospitals." I said placing the bat on the couch within arm’s reach.

Not seeing anyone or finding an explanation for the voice was inconceivable. Maybe it was time to call the police, then again maybe not. Looking for someone who is not there may force them to arrest the wrong guy.

This would seem like a bad dream if it not for the hunger pains. One finds little solace in the thought they may be losing their mind. There is even less when you have to clean the only meal in the house off the floor.

"What a waste." I mumbled as my dinner slid into the trash.

After washing up, sitting on the couch and relaxing seemed like the right idea. Relaxing evidently was not on the agenda, someone had different plans. Finding an explanation for what was consuming me was not going to happen. Logic dictates someone has to be here, regardless of what my eyes say.

"Why not go with the, it didn’t happen, and no one can prove it, approach?" My little voice suggested, Sounds good to me.

This idea seemed most satisfying; why not forget a voice spoke at all? It would save a lot of stress if he never spoke again. Like a flash of lightning it dawned on me, this could be something else altogether.

The neighbors down stairs have wanted their son to have this apartment. Maybe the husband had broken in put a speaker, and maybe even a camera. Both are sitting watching their plan come full circle. It could be a distinct possibility that some one down stairs just hooked up a new radio. Maybe the neighbors bought a new television and turned it up too loud.

"I need to get a grip; some things should not do to one’s self." I said hoping to regain some composer.

"I need something to get my mind off of this crap before I lose it completely." I said reaching for the remote, still perched on the edge of the couch.

It was hard to focus on any of the programs; nothing worth watching is ever on. A comedy show should be the needed distraction from thinking about this. In case it was not clear already, something did not want that to happen.

What little grasp of reality there was inside, slowly it was slipping away. Small glowing lights appeared at the top of the wall across from the couch. Ignoring the obvious hallucination proved useless; there was nothing to compare this with.

The two dots began to move, shifting from left to right faster and faster. After a few moments, they stopped moving and began vibrating. Amazingly, they broke up into four smaller dots. Fascinated, by these objects and what it is they were doing being afraid was not an issue. Just as the two dots had done, the four smaller ones began shaking back and forth rapidly then became six.

As if they have not seen one another in years, the dots moved around seemingly greeting each other. Their little celebration did not last very long before each of them went a separate direction. Watching curiously, they each seemed to have their own predetermined path they were supposed to follow. Wiggling from left to right, up and down back and forth, keeping up with them was nearly impossible.

Everything inside wanted to get up and run away, now the feeling hits. For some reason watching them was more entertaining than living. It took only a little while to realize they were carving out what appeared to be a jigsaw puzzle on the wall. Which meant only that something not good was going to happen, and it was happening now.

Stuck, like a deer in headlights, glued to the dots as they worked their way to the bottom of the wall slowly. It does not take a genius to tell they were not pleased. Then again the average person probably would have gotten up by now and gotten out of the room.

"Now that’s something you don’t see every day, or at all for that matter." I said while placing my hand over my mouth.

Seconds passed as the entertainment center and stereo system joined the wall in becoming a part of this amazing jigsaw puzzle. Working their way to the bottom of the wall, the lights rejoined one another. Instantly the light became brighter, and moments later, the wall exploded. This was scary yet confusing at the same time, one hundred thousand of pieces of the wall blowing outward and no sound.

Everyone has a different perception of reality; when does one start questioning theirs. Something exploding without making a sound, where is the answer for that? It would appear as though the little black cloud above is working overtime. Perhaps a cat scan is in order, this is pretty much proof enough that something maybe wrong.

With no time to debate on how it could have exploded and why there was no sound. Self-preservation took over, but getting up to run was not happening. The only thing now was to attempt to try to become at one with the couch. Digging in between the back of the couch and the seating cushions was the only protection there was available. Fitting on the other hand was the big problem.

Forgetting to breath and waiting to die, an important thought came to mind. This was perhaps the most important thought of the day, or ever in fact. Not that there was a complaint, who would like to be a human pincushion? The laws of reality on the other hand say there should be about ten thousand splinters in the wall, the couch, and worst of all, the fool still sitting there.

The absence of sound was still confusing; nothing explodes without making a sound. About to die, and it is the lack of sound that is a priority of thought. Something was a little off; it was hard to make sense of any of this. Then again, what has make sense since this began?

"There was a voice, but not a person around," I thought to myself, Then the wall explodes without a sound and none of the pieces touch me. Who do you call for help?

We all have that little voice inside of our head that tries to talk us into doing the right thing. We may not listen, but it is there. Not listening to what it was saying caused it to resort to screaming. Repeatedly it screamed to stay in the couch and do not move a muscle.

At some point, people have to learn to control their sense of curiosity as well. Obviously, this was not the time for that lesson. The voice was right; looking was not only a bad idea it also created more issues.

Three feet away floating in the air motionless was the wall, entertainment center and everything that was on it. It truly is amazing how things can get complicated in the blink of an eye.

"There is no explanation that was going to make me understand how any of this is possible." I said shaking my head staring at the pieces.

All that is supposed to represent reality, just went out the window. The debris was floating, it was as if someone pause life, just before the pieces created the first human porcupine. Incredibility, somehow Seinfeld was in ten thousand pieces and still on.

Just as fast as the wall blew out, the pieces were gone without a sound, no dust, no debris, no remnants of it at all. The lamp laid on the floor in the corner flickering and buzzing, just over the subtle sound of the hyperventilating couch. The wall was gone; occupying its space was some kind of multi- colored swirling hole.

"Well, what do you say about that? I asked myself, A tie-dye shirt came to life, and it decided to throw up all over my wall."

"Great." I said staring into my future.

"Didn’t see this coming and I’m not even into hippie things." I said as I sat with my head in my hands.

"Things like this only happen to people in the movies, nine times out of ten it doesn’t end well for them. This is not movie entertainment; there is nowhere to run and no place to hide. What do you say when something like this appears, and no one will believe this. This only leaves one question that desperately needs an answering." I thought.

"What the hell am I going to do?" I asked myself.

Stuck and terrified, there was no telling of what could happen. What was this thing? Why is it here? Questions continued to come, there was no answer for any of them, but they still came. The only thing that would not come was the answers.

It did not take long before deciding not to just sit anymore. Listening to myself wonder about what will happen was starting to cause issues inside. Getting out of here would be nice, if my body would move. Then again, how do you run from something that can suck you into oblivion?

Standing up was a project of its own, since my legs did not want to listen. Slowly it became obvious; this thing was not trying to pull anything in to it. Then again, getting any closer to it find out was not going to happen. On the same note, at least nothing was coming out.

"This has to be a dream, I tried convincing myself, A very weird and amazingly vivid dream, but it has to be still only a dream." I told myself and began rubbing my eyes franticly.

"When you take your hands down, this will all have been a dream this is real life not Hollywood, this kind of thing doesn’t happen to people in real life." I told myself.

"WRONG!" The little voice echoed inside my head.

It would seem a much bigger problem appeared with it. To my amazement a man, a very large man, has come through the swirl and is standing a few feet from me. This was definitely something one does not expect to see. Talk about caught off-guard; this would be the greatest example.

My jaw dropped open, my hands pressed against my cheeks and the sudden urge to go to the bathroom filled within. His giant eyes fixed right on me, as my brain struggled to find something to rationalize this. Shaking my head in disbelief, this was truly happening. Regardless of what logic has to say this cannot be possible.

It was clear he was not from around here, standing ten feet tall and weighing at least two ton. His arms were the size of tree branches folded across his giant chest. A compact car is the only comparison that would give justice to the size of his torso. This man had no neck, only a big baldhead followed by muscles piled on top of more muscles. What worried was the extremely angry look he had on his face.

"I’ll close my eyes, I said, When they open, this will have just been a dream, and you won’t be standing here." I said hoping this was just some day-mare.

"Nope still here." I said disappointed.

Through the flickers of light, shadows said he did not come alone. Again, the lack of control over the burning desire to know who they were took over. The need to find out what these others looked like was overwhelming. Which meant not listening to that voice that said mind my business. Not wanting to look away from the bizarre man, leaning to the side slightly gave a well enough view. The big man after a moment realized what was happening and stepped in front of the view.

Evidently, someone felt as though just sending this monster was not enough, four others joined him well. The first of the four was a woman, wearing a form-fitting black body suit. In her hands, she held what looked to be a red glowing whip. Then again, there was no need to make her want to give a demonstration. Hanging from her shoulders two weapons dangled just shy of her waistline.

Slightly to her left two men stood side by side, these were two very intriguing looking characters. Dressed in the same attire from the trench coats, down to the facemasks they dawned. The matching cowboy hats were a nice touch, but the behemoth cannons they carried were intimidating. The two of them looked as if they were seriously tuff, and seeing as they are hanging with this giant monstrosity of a man they probably were. The only difference in the two, they wore the opposite in color. One was dressed in deep black, while the other in brilliant glowing white.

The forth stood motionless behind the others, almost as if he was trying to hide. Draped in a black cloak, with the hood pulled up it looking rather intimidating the way it hung over his face. The shadows made it impossible to make out what exactly he looked like, his green eyes pierced through the darkened silhouette sending shivers down my spine. Did he have to stand there as if he were the grim reaper? Our eyes met for a brief moment, something that should not happen again. For a couple of moments it felt as though our thoughts had become one. This was a little more than an uncomfortable feeling.

Shocked at first then the fear began to flow through me like a colander. Looking back to the walking muscle, he had not moved just stood staring. Maybe one of them can explain what is happening, if they do not kill me first.

"What am I supposed to do?" I thought to myself.

"Should I say something? I wondered, Would running be a novel idea?"

"Then again, where was there to run to?" I asked myself.

"Out the front door would be a good enough start!" I quickly answered myself.

Three feet separated them from where the couch sat, although, it was two feet to the door. Getting up and making a break for the door came to mind, then left just as quickly. The screaming would probable let them know which way it was they needed follow. The reality of the situation, everything inside froze.

You need to relax and listen, The giant muscle finally spoke.

His voice throb like a bass speaker sitting on my lap, tremors rattled throughout my body. There was no doubt that this was the owner of the voice from earlier. The hard part, which to be more afraid of the fact he his standing here or the fact he could speak.

You have to come with us, please. Spoke the muscle once more.

Therapy will never be able to help what has happened here tonight. Going anywhere with him or his friends was not going to happen. Though something said he was not the type to take no for an answer.

What if I didn’t want to go? I asked him.

After it came out did it click that keeping inside may have been a better idea. He looked stunned, suppose not too many have question him before. Seconds passed that felt like hours, it almost felt as if time had stopped. My sight started to get blurry, and within seconds, everything became bright white. Either this was trauma-induced blindness, or something was about to happen. Unfortunately, any explanation that he may have given was now going to wait.

This day just seemed to be going downhill fast, just wish there were brakes. The white blur completely enveloped my body holding it taunt. It did not take long to figure out that struggling to move was pointless. As a newborn swaddled in a blanket, the more squirming, the more the pressure squeezed.

How does someone get kidnapped by a giant marshmallow? I asked myself trying to be funny.

The better question should have been, where this thing going? Worst-case scenarios began corrupting every thought, so much for being on my own side. One thing was very certain, no way that eating a marshmallow would ever be the same again. Trying to deal with this new neurosis, keeping my eyes open became increasingly difficult. Sleeping was going to happen and no amount of fighting was going to prevent that.

2

WELCOME TO THE SEPTI-VERSE

Days passed, or at least it certainly felt like many of them had. Hoping all that has happened was a bad dream had to be a huge understatement. My mind felt as if it went through a washing machine, rung out then tumbled dried. The giant had an explanation though the chance to find out why is gone.

The confrontation played out repeatedly as the marshmallow continued on. A split-second before sleep took over was all it took to start wishing for death. Never before has pain ever before felt this badly. The pressure was tremendous, my eyes felt as if they were going to pop out. Who is it that you call when your brain starts to drizzle out of both of your ears?

There was only one thing left to do, stay on the floor and curl up in a ball and sleep. The pounding continued as it took everything inside not to start to cry. After falling into a deep sleep, the pain did not matter anymore. There was no way to tell how long the nap took; all that mattered was that the pain had gone. A strange smell brought me out of my sleep; thankfully, it was not a bad one.

"Oh my, what is that wonderful smell"? My brain asked, as the sweet smell of a women’s perfume filled my nostrils.

Blurry eyes and a dry mouth was possibly a residual affect from the marshmallow. Rubbing them was not helping; trying to search the surround area in this condition would be too dangerous. Then again being here could cause them to panic and then do something painful. Then the next thing you know there are guards everywhere and someone has a new head for his or her wall.

If no one has noticed a body lying on the floor by now, staying quite to keep it that way is a good idea. Not knowing where the marshmallow brought me was one problem; not being able to see was the other. It was a little too much to handle.

Where is my couch? I wondered missing it.

Laying back down seemed like the smart thing, not knowing the surroundings could end badly. Hoping this is not a permanent problem, being able to see is rather important. If not, then someone finds me and executes me for trespassing in someone’s bedroom. There is always the chance of starvation, or dying of dehydration. This could not be what was in the cards, at least not right now.

The soft subtle sound of breathing told said she was close and sleeping. The only question is will she scream or just shoot first. The last thing any man wants to do is be in a strange women’s room when she wakes up. This is where the problem lies, my body wanted sleep.

It was hard to tell how much time had passed as my eyes opened slowly. My vision had returned and yet for some reason it was not a good thing.

Awe hell, I said in disbelief.

Well, guess I’m not in Kansas anymore I said mumbling to myself.

Five feet away from where the marshmallow had dropped me was a giant bed.

As big as this bed is and the marshmallow decides to drop me on the floor. I said getting upset, Look at all of the pillows, you could have dropped me on some of them. I continued to yell at the marshmallow.

Golden candelabras stood around the bed, giving the feel of romance. Judging by the smell of the women who was here, it worked for her. The candles did not illuminated the room very well, which would explain why upon seeing the four man kneeling down my heart skipped a beat. The muffled scream may have been a bit much though.

"Statues, they are statues!" I shouted to myself in relief.

Getting a better look at them made me smile for getting frightened. Reaching out to reaffirm that they were statutes made the situation jump from silly to downright ridiculous. Unbelievably life like statues sat at the four corners of the bed, feeling so life like as if they were actual men frozen in time.

Each statue meticulously created from four different metals. It was not hard to figure each was standing as a symbol to the work each does. The first a farmer, made from iron, the second a soldier made from gold, the third resembled a blacksmith, he was cast in silver, the fourth a fishermen, was bronze.

One could not help but to appreciate the significance between the different types of materials used to make them. Each one in the kneeling position heads down and arms extended upwards, as if they were making an offering. Their hands were open as they proudly clutched crystal vases, each brilliantly carved with gold outlines.

The outlines on each of the vases depicted scenes from the lives of the statue holding it. The first was a farmer pictured in fields of fruits and vegetables. In the fields were these fantastic looking six legged creatures plowing. Beyond the fields, a forest with people carved harvesting the lumber. Two different sized suns sit in the sky; the smaller sun looked as if it was rising, as the bigger sat above in the noon spot.

Moving around the bed, the soldier stood next, represented by two crossed swords that hung on a silver and golden shield. A decorated helmet on top represented the respect this warrior earned in battle. The picture on his vase, thousands of men with swords and pikes locked in mortal battle with some very ugly looking creatures. Archers carved onto perches in trees, forever firing their arrows into the air. Giant cannons in the backdrop firing flaming projectiles into the ranks of the humans. Hundreds of dead laid in red pools at the feet of those still fighting.

The fact that someone would carve such a violent scene had me shaken a little, yet for some reason; there was no way to look away. Soldiers mounted on the backs of yellow beasts with four horns growing from the side of their heads. Armor plated, and ten times the size of the man riding it, an alien version of a rhinoceros maybe.

On the third vase, two hammers crossed together mounted above a giant anvil. Hundreds of swords hung around a giant furnace. These were highly detailed with cravings; this one added a depiction an enormous man hammering out a piece of iron. The detail itself must have taken years; you could almost feel the heat from the furnace.

The fourth, a bronze angler, his vase was a phenomenal oceanic panorama complete with dozens of men on boats, raising full nets from out of the water. Only instead of fish, they looked more like mutated versions of giraffes with two heads. Most had no fins, and dozens of tentacles each equipped with a claw.

Staring from one to another, the less like fish they looked. These creatures were undoubtedly the ugliest things to swim in the sea, starving would be preferable. Patches of fur and spots of barbs covered the next; he came to the party with eight eyes each sitting on a six-inch finger looking extensions. His mouth had four hose like tubes that acted like little vacuum cleaners. The detail was impeccable like the others; a lot of time went into making these, and judging by that, probably a lot of money as well.

Flowers of different shapes and sizes adorned the vases that sit in each of their hands. These flowers were as unique as the vases the hold them. Several types with red with purple stripes, two different assortments of yellow flowers with blue polka dots, blue and green striped flowers with spotted orange petals. In the middle of each bundle was a single and more glorious flower then the others.

The center of the flower had four stamens rising eight inches from the center. The petals were a spectacular sight of their own, each petal switched to the color of the one before it after a few seconds. Traveling around the flower in clockwise rotation each took on a new pattern and color scheme. The most intriguing part of this plant, each of the stamens looked like little people.

Spread thinly throughout the floral arrangement, dozens of striped blue and green flowers with yellow dots. When touched, a mouth containing hundreds of sharp little teeth opens three inches wide on the tips of each of the leaves.

We as children learn not to touch strange things; this is to keep us safe. Why is it when we grow older we feel as though some rules no longer apply? It took only a split-second to remember every time they said those words. There is nothing better than a trip down memory lane, this one cost the tip of my pointer finger.

OUCH! Son of a bi… I screamed before quickly covering my mouth, almost forgetting she was still in the bed sleeping.

Such a gorgeous plant, too bad it was about to die. Just as my hand reached out for a candle to even the score, a sweet smell filled my nostrils. Instantly my eyes began to look for the food as hunger pains began to hurt.

The floor shimmered beautifully; it took a moment to realize the floor too was gold. The reflections of the candles danced, it was almost hypnotizing. Just the thought of the amount of money my feet were standing on helped forget the pain.

"If only there was a jackhammer, a wheel barrow and a way to get back home." I thought to myself looking around stunned.

This hardly seemed fair, tons of gold at my fingertips and not a guard in sight. Is there someone protecting this place? Then again if someone were to rob this place there was nowhere for them to go?

This is amazing, I said aloud.

What did you say master? A woman’s voice spoke from behind.

Who….m…me? I stuttered.

Are you alright master? She asked.

Master? I repeated a bit baffled.

Who are you? I asked her.

Sire, are you well, shall I call for your physician? She asked with a tone of concern.

Sire? I said still rubbing my head, elated that my headache was subsiding.

That will not be necessary. I answered quickly.

Could you give me a moment to clear my head? I asked nervously.

You should be check out, the doctor could do it. She offered.

She believes her king stands before her, now it would surely be in my best interest if the truth would elude her. A doctor who has known him for his life would be able to tell who the true king is. Shortly after that comes more problems than anyone needs, no one wants to see a grown man groveling for his life.

Asking anyone to believe this story and expecting them to may be a stretch; they have me in front of a firing squad for impersonating their king. With this story, chances are good people are not going to believe any of what they hear.

What happened, where am I? I asked the woman walking towards me.

You fell in the hallway sire; your royal guards placed you here, in your chambers. She explained.

Who fell? I asked already knowing she had no clue, A marshmallow took me from my living room and then just dropped me on your floor. I said under my breath.

Did you say something, sire? She asked unsure of what she just heard.

Never mind. I replied after rethinking.

Perhaps I should call for your physician, just to be sure you are well? She pleaded as she started walking towards the doors.

No, I will be fine, I said a little panicky, hoping she take orders from me, A little sleep should help me. I said pointing at the giant bed.

She moved slowly and gracefully, the flickers of candle light bounced from her bronze silky skin. Her outfit took me off guard, although, complaining about it would not be very bright.

Oh, my! I mumbled keeping my eyes glued to her.

Her clothing was simple, yet breathtaking. A crimson colored silk sheet partially draped over her shoulders, hanging as if privileged to be there. Standing there like a schoolchild, my hand involuntarily slid over my mouth, which at the time was hanging open in awe. Control was gone, not even my eyes would listen to stop staring at her. Her long jet-black hair shined in the candle light as a breeze blew back her hair. She stood unfazed by my staring, and then walked getting inches from my face.

Unexpectedly, she lifted her hand to my face, causing me to jump. Her fingers were soft and gentle as she wiped a smudge of dust from my cheek. The room started to get warmer; this was not an everyday occurrence. Acting like someone who is afraid of her touch may give me away.

Taking another step, her face inches from mine. The air felt as if it started getting thinner, it was either that or someone was standing on my chest. People like me do not attracted women like this; she was far too beautiful. Her breath