Awakening: Dead Forever Book 1 by William Campbell Page A

questions for you, that is all.”
    “What kind of questions?”
    “Specific questions that we will ask, which we hope, will expose your considerations, so that we may confirm your state of mind before advancing to the next process.”
    Something about this reeks of sinister intent, but his calm demeanor is contagious. The scribbling needle seems to agree, drawing a nearly flat line across the slowly rolling paper.
    “Look, I can appreciate that you have questions, but I have plenty of my own. And I don’t like being tricked, either. What was all that nonsense with Vinnie?”
    “I apologize for his part in this, but it was necessary. Our questions must be answered under precise conditions, to ensure that you attain the proper end result.”
    “You could just ask. What’s with all the deception? Why not send in a counselor or something, instead of the big act.”
    The needle jerks and scrawls a few jagged slopes.
    “Again I apologize,” he says, “but it was necessary, and I hope that will suffice as an explanation.”
    It doesn’t, but somehow I doubt arguing over it will do any good at this point.
    “Fine, but who are you people, and what do you want with me?”
    The leader glances at the other businessmen. They nod. The leader says, “We are members of the Association, the body governing this system, and many others. We are entrusted with maintaining the conformity of our civilization here, and beyond. This is an ideal handed down by our ancestors that we take great pride in carrying forth into future generations. The program in which you are enrolled exists to establish individual consistency within our organized society. We take great pains to eliminate variation from the populace, a social flaw that causes confusion and unmanageable cultural problems. Our goal is a pure society, rid of these negative aspects, bringing contentment to the peoples we govern.”
    I don’t like the sound of this. I’d call it wiping out the dissidents. Sure, they’ve removed every scrap of variation, and created the most boring society anyone could possibly imagine.
    “That’s swell. What’s it got to do with me?”
    “You are no different from the many citizens we process on a daily basis. The program is for your own benefit, helping you understand the value of conformity, and in doing so, eliminate the harmful deviations you have acquired, all of which are cause for unrest, for you, and those around you. We are pleased to inform you that your journey is nearly at an end. After a series of questions, your processing will be completed, and you will be free to go.”
    I like the free to go part, though rather doubt their definition of free matches my own. These creeps are oppressive, and proud of it. However, that opinion needs to stay private. Better to cooperate, and in the process, learn all I can about these pigs.
    “Okay, let’s get started.”
    The leader almost smiles. “Very good, Carl. I can see by your eagerness to participate that you have advanced to a higher state of consciousness. I am proud of you.”
    Proud of me? Oh please, don’t make me sick.
    “Let’s just get on with it.”
    “Very well,” he says. “For our first question, please, tell us what you know about death.”
    My heart jumps. “I wouldn’t know. I’m not dead yet, and I’d really like to stay that way.”
    Though a few close calls thanks to the goon patrol. Is that what they want? Right, have me experience near-death just so I can describe the terror. A bunch of sadistic bastards. The doctor’s machine goes wild, the needle scrawling peaks and valleys across the paper. Is that thing reading my mind? I hope not. They won’t like what’s hiding in here.
    “Of course you are not dead,” the leader says. “But please, Carl, tell us your beliefs. What happens when a person dies? Where do they go?”
    “They don’t go anywhere. They turn into worm food.”
    The needle scribbles a few peaks, then calms down. The businessmen glance