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Chapter 1

The chamber appears infinite and without form, reason, direction, or purpose. It seems immeasurable, yet without light, matter, constructs, definition, or energy—a desperate void of nothingness, devoid of color, temperature, atmosphere and, most of all, life.

The man’s mind searches for something rational, for reason or direction … for a compass, for something to tell him where he is. Is it real? A daydream? He has no point of reference, nothing to hear or grasp, to hold, touch, feel, or experience. So, what is the purpose of this void? It pushes him beyond any sense of reality, until all reason is gone. Time doesn’t exist. Is he lost? Desperation begins to take hold. Hopelessness, confusion, and anxiety gnaw at him as a rabid dog, until he fears all is lost, hopeless, and utterly ruined. He cannot escape the dread, the deep, awful, all-consuming dread.

Something stirs—something other, utterly unlike him—raw indescribable power, all consuming. His senses are intensified, bristling, overwhelmed, uncontained. Descriptions fail. The void pulses with radiant energy; it builds, even stronger, beyond all capacity. He feels as if he’s aflame. Then the words—commanded with unyielding authority…

Let there be light.

The great void groans, heaves, and surrounds him. Life begins: light, form, reason, defined purpose. Bursting forth from all points, the expansive void glows with power and form. Matter is revealed. He perceives purpose; he’s not alone. But who is this? Who spoke these words? Light and intense heat emanate from all directions. He tries to close his eyes, but he cannot escape the ever-brightening light. He feels his heart beating … heavy now, faster … faster still. He cannot contain the feelings and emotions. His senses, which were as good as dead, are now beyond capacity and comprehension—unmanageable, adding to the crescendo. What must he do?

The One who spoke now quietly breathes into him: “Wake up.”