Andy stood in the doorway looking like he’d just discovered the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. “By damn, Dillon, this is exactly what we need. There’s plenty of room for the ring and the work-out equipment and a shower room to boot!”
    You don’t have to convince me. I love it! Shilo’s gonna shit a wheatie when she sees it. There’s no doubt about it. Your friend Mel’s a flamin’ lifesaver. Hey! Speak’n of Shilo, we better ramble on over to the diner. We were s’posed to meet her and Bridgette there an hour ago.”
    The men entered the busy diner and made their way through the crowd to a table at the rear of the room. Shilo smiled as she saw them approach. “Well? Don’t keep me in suspense!”
    Dillon’s face was expressionless. “Uh, well . . .I’m not so sure babe. The place might not quite be what we’re look’n for.”
    Andy supressed a grin as he listened. Disappointment showed in Shilo’s eyes. “Oh. Well . . .I s’pose we’ll just have to keep looking. There’s gotta be a place for us somewhere!”
    “I dunno baby. I’m not sure I wanna look anymore.” Dillon did his best to appear dejected.
    “What? I thought . . . “ Shilo’s voice trailed off as tears formed in her eyes. Bridgette sat next to her, sadness showing in her eyes.
    “C’mon now, babe, I was just tease’n ya. Finish your coffee and we’ll go take a look at your new gym.”
    Shilo peered at him intently. “You asshole!” She exclaimed. I ought’a beat you half to death!”
    Bridgette and Shilo were like kids in a toy store as they stood in the middle of the building, pointing and giggling as they considered how to fit everything in. “This is just SO perfect! I can’t wait to get started!”
    A week passed as the construction crew installed interior walls, painted and lay carpeting throughout the facility. As the second week came to an end, the ring, production gear, lighting and office space were completed and they were ready to begin operations.
    As Dillon, Andy and Shilo stood surveying the new facility a man walked through the door. Andy turned to see Brad approaching. “Well, well. I wondered how long it’d be before you came sniff’n around!”
    “Hello Andy. Long time no see. So this’s the new home of the NAWWA? It’s impressive.”
    Dillon and Shilo gave him a quizzical look. Andy scowled slightly as he introduced them to Brad. “Dillon, Shilo, this’s Brad. He’s another local wrestling promoter. Brad, this’s Dillon and Shilo.”
    They shook hands and Brad stared intently at Shilo. “You do bear an uncanny resemblance to Brandy. It’s truly amazing.”
    Shilo’s eyes met his. “Well Brad, life comes with a lot of surprises. I guess you could say Dillon and I are just a couple of them. Well, us and the revival of the NAWWA.”
    Brad’s expression hardened slightly. “I agree. This is a surprise for sure.” Glanciing at his watch, he continued. “I’d like to stay and chat, but I’ve got a show to get on. Best of luck to you both!”
    They watched him disappear out the door. Andy shook his head. “Once an asshole, always an asshole.”
    Dillon grinned. “So THAT’S the guy, huh?”
    “One in the same, my friend.” Andy exhaled loudly. “He treated Brandy and the other wrestlers like shit. When she and Vincent broke away and started the NAWWA the son of a bitch did everything he could to run them outa business. He got pissed off all over again when their shows began outdrawing his. The dumb bastard tried everything he could think of to discover their secrets. Funny thing is, the more he tried the more he fell on his ass. Brandy got an invite to do shows in Vegas and he damn near had a coronary occlusion. Piss on him! He’s noth’n to worry about.”
    “Who’s worry’n? We got plenty to do without giving him another thought.” Dillon grinned. We’ve got a party to plan. We need to celebrate!”
    It was late evening and Al’s diner was nearly empty. Two men sat at a table, arguing good-naturedly about which was a better autombile, Ford or Chrysler. At the end of the counter sat an attractive brunette, staring at her cup of coffee. Tears ran down her face as she slowly stirred her coffee. A man rushed out of the diner’s kitchen and turned up the volume on the television set above the counter. The Friday night wrestling show was playing and the man watched intently as two women took their places in the ring. “Ha! There she is. That’s my gal!” Hey Roy! Ed! Denise’s match is on!”
    The two men at the table moved to the counter watching the screen intently. One of them spoke. “Hey Al! Which one’s Denise?”
    “That one!” Al pointed at a woman wearing a colorful robe, standing with her hands on her hips. “That’s Denise. She’s somethin’ else I’m tellin’ ya. This’s a ‘loser leaves town’ match. It should be damn good!”
    “I dunno Al, that gal across the ring looks pretty tough.”
    Al scowled. "Bullshit! Denise’ll wipe up the mat with her!”
    The three men bantered back and forth as the action on the screen intensified. Victoria glanced up, mildly intrigued by what she saw on the television. The women growled and squealed, sweating and struggling as they fought. Twenty minutes elapsed before the match ended and Denise’s opponent was declared the winner. Al’s face mirrored his dejection. One of the two men at the counter shouted. “Heh! That’s five bucks you owe me Al! I figured that big gal’d win!”
    “Piss on you, Ed! Go figure, huh?” Al layed a five dollar bill on the counter.
    “Don’t be bitter, big guy. Just bend over and take it in the . . .” His voice trailed off as he realized Victoria was sitting near by. “Hey! We’ve gotta go. See ya tomorrow night?”
    “Hell yes! Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Al had been going to the Saturday wrestling shows ever since Denise first made her debut in the ring.
    He wiped down the counter top and glanced toward Victoria, realizing she was crying. “Why so blue, sweet lady?” Al asked with a gentle smile.
    Victoria dabbed her eyes with a napkin and stared at him for a moment. Al reached out and placed his big hand on her arm. “Is there anything I can do for you?”  
    Victoria shook her head. “No, not really. I’m just scared. I don’t know what to do or where to go.”
    Al gave her a puzzled look. “I’m not sure I understand.”
    “I have no place to stay and I have no money. I’m not even sure where I am.”
    “Well! Sounds like you came to the right place then. You can stay here if you like. I’ve got a studio apartment upstairs that no one’s using right now and my waitress left town with her boyfriend two days ago, if you’re looking for work.”
    Victoria peered at Al. “Thank you. I will accept your offer for both lodging and employment. I can be a very good waitress.”
    Al smiled. “I’m sure you’re a fine waitress. Now. If you’re gonna live in my apartment and work for me I need to at least know you’re name.”
    “Oh! Yes! I am Katrin . . . I mean Victoria. My name is Victoria.”
    Al gave her a knowing smile. “It’s okay. Around here you can be anyone you want to be.“ 

    “Yea what!” Dillon growled into the phone, running his hand through his tangled hair as he heard Andy’s voice booming in his ear.
    “Good lord, man! Are you two still asleep? You got any idea what time it is?”
    Dillon groaned. “Yes! I was asleep and no, I’ve got no flame’n idea what the hell time it is other than it’s earlier than I intended to wake up.”
    “You and your lovely bride need to drag your butts outa bed and meet me down here at the diner. We’ve got big fish to fry, mister!” Before Dillon could respond, Andy had terminated the conversation.
    Shilo propped her head up on one elbow and gave Dillon a sleepy smile. “What was that about?”
    “Andy. He’s got a bug in his ass. Says we need to get down to the diner pronto.”
Dillon grinned wickedly at Shilo as he fondled her exposed breast. “Damn I’m horny! Shall we fool around a little before we go?”
    “M’mmmmm baby! I am in the mood to tear you a new asshole, but Andy’s gonna go apoplectic if we don’t show up soon. But don’t you worry. Once we’re done with our business you’re all mine!”
    An hour later Shilo and Dillon arrived at the diner. As they entered they saw Andy seated at a large table, joined by Bridgette and two other women. A warm smile spread over Shilo’s face as she saw her old friends, Christi and Denise. Both women sat staring in disbelief at Shilo and Dillon. Christi exhaled loudly. “Shit girl! It IS you! I can’t believe this. I’ve got to be hallucinating!” With that she leaped to her feet and first gave Shilo, then Dillon a hug. Denise did the same.
    Denise hopped from foot to foot giggling and shrieking with happiness. “I just can’t believe this. When Andy called to tell me the news I was in shock. Now I don’t know what to say. You’re so much like Brandy and Vincent it’s just amazing!”
    Conversation bubbled over like coffee percolating on a hot stove. There were countless questions. Andy beamed with pleasure as he watched the scene unfolding at the table. Finally, unable to restraiin himself any longer, he interrupted. “Hey! I hate to poke a hole in the festivities, but I’ve got some things I need to bring you up to speed about..”
    Gradually the conversation ceased and Andy began. “I’ve been busier than a one-legged man in an ass kick’n contest .” With that he reached into his shirt pocket and retrieved a check from his shirt pocket, laying it on the table for all to see.
    Dillon’s eyes widened. “Jump’n Jesus, man! Are my eyes deceive’n me?”
    “Not one damn bit.” Andy grinned proudly. “I told ya. I got a damn good price when I sold the promotion. I took most’ve the proceeds and invested in some stock investments that took off like a god damn rocket. So here it is, lock, stock and barrelhead. Here’s the best part. You’re gonna love this. A guy named Frank Graves bought the promotion. He’s got a couple’ve strip clubs across town and he figured the wrestling promotion would fit in with the clubs. Fact is, it didn’t. Not that it couldn’t have if he hadn’t cheated the girls on their pay and jacked them around every way from Sunday. A few months later the poor bastard had no good talent left and the whole thing went to hell in a handbasket.”
    “So you’re say’n his loss, our gain?” Dillon chuckled.”
    “That isn’t the half of it! Frank was bang’n half the gals in the club and his wife found out. She divorced his ass, cleaned out his bank account and left town. Now here’s the best part. Shortly after that he got his butt in a sling. Seems some of his dancers were soliciting the guys in the club and he got busted for promoting prostitution. Lost his liquor license and ended up selling all the promotion’s equipment to a friend of mine.”
    Shilo smiled. “So there’s a chance we can get all the stuff?”
    “I’m way ahead of ya! My friend Mel’s got everything stored in the back room of his boxing gym. He’s been look’n for a buyer for the past few months and I made him an offer this morning after I left the bank. He took it and I’ve gotta tell ya. We got one HELL of a deal.”
    Christi and Denise stared intently at Shilo and Dillon. “So this means the promotion’s back in business?”
    Tears formed in Shilo’s eyes. Dillon reached over and pulled her close. “C’mon baby, this’s all good stuff here!”
    Shilo dried her eyes. “I know that! I’m crying ‘cause I’m happy, silly. I just can’t believe this is happening and I s’pose I’m kind of  scared at the same time. I’m carrying all of Brandy’s wrestling experiences in my head, but baby, you realize I’ve NEVER been in the ring? What if I can’t pull it off?”
    Before he could answer, Bridgette responded. “You’re gonna be fine. A few days working with us and you’ll be wrestling like the pro that Brandy was. I promise!”
    “For sure! Christi insisted. “You’ve got noth’n to worry about. You’re gonna knock ‘em dead, same as Brandy used to. Now stop worry’n and start smile’n.”
    The rest of the day was a blur of activity. Dillon and Shilo were beginning to fully realize the amount of work Brandy and Vincent had expended as they put the original promotion together. It was late evening when they returned home, exhausted, yet exhilarated. They collapsed on the couch, too tired to go any further. “Damn, baby, I’m used up!”
    Shilo gave Dillon an evil grin. “You are? H’mmm. This morning you were horny. Now you’re used up?” She pouted playfully as she pulled off her shirt and unfastened her bra. “I s’pose you’ll be wanting to just go off to bed and sleep then?:”
    “Now let’s don’t be hasty my chick-a-dee.” Dillon panned a grin as he affected his best W.C. Fields imitation. “I think I’ve got enough strength left to make you beg for mercy.”
    “Oh really? We just might see about that!” Shilo leaped off the couch and ran to the bedroom with Dillon close behind. They landed in a heap on the bed, giggling and laughing as they playfully disrobed each other. Moments later, Dillon found himself spread across the bed, Shilo lying across his torso as her hands urged his pulsing cock fully erect. She slowly lowered her head and let her tongue gently caress the tip of his erection. Dillon groaned loudly as his breathing quickened.
    “Ohhhhh baby, you definitely don’t play fair!” He wrapped his hands in her hair and tugged her closer, trying to move out from under her. It was no use. Shilo continued, her mouth closing over his throbbing love pole, her lips and tongue urging him closer to an orgasm. Gradually she shifted position until her thighs were able to encircle his head. Dillon eagerly pressed his face to her quivering muff and his tongue thrust into her steamy love canal as they lay locked together sixty-nine fashion.
    Shilo was relentless. Her head bobbed up and down at a rapid pace as she pumped her hips and ground her legs together, anxious to maximize the exquisite pleasure she felt surging through her body. Dillon worked with a rapid rhythm, his tongue and lips lighting a fire of passion in Shilo’s honey hole. Suddenly his body stiffened and his body shuddered wildly as love liquid burst free shooting into Shilo’s throat. Not satisfied he’d had enough, she continued to tease and lick, knowing it was driving him crazy. She could feel herself nearing eruption and she raised her head as a guttural scream pierced the air. “Ohhhhhh baby! Ohhhhh!”
    Dillon could feel Shilo’s body quivering uncontrollably as hot love juice bubbled up from deep inside her. He could feel her taut muscles gradually relax as she slowly made her way up his sweat soaked body. The sounds of heavy breathing slowly subsided into the night air as they lay together, drifting off to sleep.
    Somewhere in the night the sound of a train whistle could be heard and a sleek, black locomotive appeared, pulling seven rail cars behind. Shilo and Dillon found themselves in that same familiar place deep in the desert, standing on the boarding platform of an abandoned train station. The train slowly came to a stop and a familair looking conductor stepped down from the first rail car. He smiled slightly as he saw them approach. “Good evening to you both!” He said with a deep, baritone voice. “It’s always a pleasure to see you. Your table ini the dining car awaits you.”
    Dillon returned the smile. “It’s always a pleasure to see you to, Jensen. You’ve been well, I assume?”
    “Quite well indeed. Thank you for asking!”
    Shilo pulled him close and kissed his cheek. “It’s wonderful to see you again you sweet man!”
    Jensen blushed slightly. “It’s certainly good to see you to, Shilo. A day without your presence on the railway is like a day without sunshine.”
    As Dillon and Shilo made their way to the dining car, Dillon noticed a brunette woman with strikingly beautiful features staring at them. Her eyes followed them until they took a seat at the table by the window. He glanced up and met her gaze. Her bold expression made him slightly uncomfortable, yet somehow she seemed vaguely familiar. It was an eerie feeling to be sure. “Do we know the woman sitting over there?” Dillon motioned toward the woman’s table.
    Shilo looked up, peering across the aisle. “I don’t recognize her . . . but . . . there’s something sort’ve familiar about her. Why do you ask?”
    “She’s been staring at us since we boarded.”
    “Why don’t you go over and ask her if she knows us?” Shilo grinned, knowing Dillon’s inherent reluctance to talk to strangers.
    “YOU go do it! You’re much better speaking to strangers than I am.”
    “I’m not sure. I think she might have a thing for you.” Shilo loved to tease her man.
    Dillon feverishly searched his memories. It was possible she was someone from Vincent’s life, or perhaps Amos’s. There was no way to know for certain. He glanced up only to find the woman was still staring at them.
    Shilo noticed as well. “Okay, I’ll go invite her to join us.” Before Dillon could respond, Shilo got to her feet and made her way to the woman’s table. “I couldn’t help noticing you staring at us as we came aboard. Do you know us?” Shilo asked with a friendly smile.
    The woman’s expression didn’t change. “I’m Victoria. I’ve done sex with that man.”
Victoria motioned toward Dillon.
    “Say what?”: Shilo growled with a shocked expression on her face.
    “I’ve done sex with him and you both. I remember it.”
    Shilo’s eyes narrowed. “I’ve shared my man with VERY few women and you sure as hell weren’t one of them!”
    An expression of confusion spread across Victoria’s face. “I did sex with you both. It was very enjoyable. I want to do it again.”
    Shilo shook her head. “What’s with ‘doing’ sex? You HAVE sex with someone. You don’t DO sex with them. And who the hell ARE you?”
    Victoria’s face fell and she leaped out of her chair. “I don’t understand! I am defective! I don’t understand!” She continued to scream the words as she ran from the dining car.
    Shilo stood staring as the woman ran away. “What in the hell was THAT about?” She mumbled quietly as she took her seat.
    Dillon had a thoroughly puzzled expression on his face. “Do you s’pose we should follow her and make sure she’s okay?”
    They bolted from their chairs and hurried after the woman. They made their way from railcar to railcar the full length of the train, but there was no sign of Victoria anywhere. Dillon stood quietly staring out into the darkness. “That was just TOO damn weird. Where in the hell could she have gone?”

    There was a vague hint of apprehension in Andrew’s piercing gray eyes as Vincent and Victoria seated themselves at the table. As he glanced up and smiled at them, Andrew’s concern seemed to fade imperceptively away. .”Vincent, my old friend. It is good to see you again.”
    Victoria sat peering at Andrew as he shook hands with Vincent. Andrew met her stare and motioned toward the pot on the table. “May I pour you some tea?”
    Victoria didn’t respond, staring into Andrew’s eyes with a quizzical expression. Finally she responded. “Are you human, or like Vincent, a spirit guide?”
    Andrew’s eyes widened slightly and he turned to glance out the window for a moment before answering. “Vincent and I are both spirit guides. We’re also human but alive in a dimension other than real time.”
    Victoria leaned back slightly in her chair, hesitating while she analyzed his explanation. “All of this seems illogical. I will need more time to analyze the data.”
    Vincent shook his head slightly and glanced at his friend, Andrew. “And so I ask you. Where do we go from here?”
    Andrew turned and gazed out the window of the dining car, watching the sun slowly set over the desert. After what seemed an inordinate length of time he responded. “It will be a most fascinating undertaking my friend. We truly are sailing in uncharted waters. You do realize that?”
    “Sweet Jesus! Do I ever!” Vncent scowled slightly as he slowly lit his cigarette and inhaled deeply. “Had I not lost touch with Anthony’s soul this would be so much simpler.”
    “Think of this as an opportunity, my friend. An opportunity for you and I to assist Katrina in her transition to her next lifetime and allow Victoria to evolve into human form. It’s more than Anthony could have ever imagined, don’t you think?”
    Vincent’s scowl deepened. “I think Anthony should have kept his penis in his flaming pants. If he had I’d be enjoying some solitary time with Brandy at Boiler Bay.” 
    “Have patience, my friend. This will all be resolved soon and you’ll be cavorting around the cabin with your beloved before you know it.”
    A soft blanket of moolight lay over the desert as the train came to a stop and they disembarked. Victoria’s eyes widened as she stepped down onto the boarding platform. Staring into the night, she smiled. “It is so beautiful here. Can we stay for awhile?”
    “We can. Come. We’re near our destination.” Vincent gently took her hand and led her into the darkness, walking slowly up the path next to his friend Andrew.
    A short while later they arrived at the cabin. The sound of laughter could be heard as they neared the doorway. Vincent led Victoria through the open door and grinned at Brandy and Katrina. “Welcome to our sanctuary, Victoria.”
    Victoria slowly surveyed her surroundings. She smiled as she ran her fingers over the soft texture of the tapestry hanging on the wall. “Everything is so beautiful.”
    Brandy approached Victoria with a warm, wide smile. “You must be Victoria. Vincent’s told us all about you. I’m Brandy and this is Katrina. Come and sit with us.” The women seated themselves at a large, rustic-looking table. Vincent and Andrew wandered out to the porch, deep in conversation.
    Andrew stared up into the sky. “It will soon be time, my friend. The moon’s nearing it’s high point.”
    Vincent shivered slightly. “And if this doesn’t work?”
    “Well then, as you’d say, I’ll probably hit myself in the head with a milk bottle!” Andrew grinned mischieviously.
    “Just what I need right now! A blink’n god damn comedian!” Vincent flashed his friend a wry smile. If this Genesis Theory of yours doesn’t work we better set sail and plan to be gone for a god damn good long time. You do realize that?”
    Andrew panned a concerned expression. “Oh ye of little faith.”
    “Damn straight! I’m about as nervous as a whore in church.”
    “H’mmm. I’d say the whore part of your comment’s reasonably accurate. Shall we go back inside?”
    Vincent reached out and playfully shook his friend. “Very funny! You’re just a bundle of laughs!”
    Vincent and Andrew joined the women at the table where Brandy was sharing her experiences as a wrestler with Katrina and Victoria. Apprehension showed  Victoria’s face. She stared at Vincent for a moment. “There is so much for me to learn. How will this be possible?”
    Vincent swallowed hard, silently hoping his own misgivings weren’t showing. He smiled. “No need to be concerned. Soon you will possess all of Katrina’s thoughts , emotions, memories and knowledge.”
    “But I will still be an android. I won’t be what you call human. I want to be human.”
    Brandy smiled reassuringly. “It could happen. All of this is new to us to. You need to have faith.”
    Confusion clouded Victoria’s eyes. “I don’t understand. What is faith?”
    Suddenly the sound of a long, lonesome train whistle cut through the night air. Vincent glanced up. “It’s time to go. The Hitchcock Railway will arrive soon.”

    The room evoked a kind of visual cacaphony. Notebooks and sketch pads were scattered across a massive mahogony desk, interspersed with overflowing ashtrays, a cup half full of cold, black coffee and scraps of paper filled with unintelligable scribbles.
    Next to the desk was a computer table with all manner of equipment stacked on it. The shelves behind the table were stuffed with manuals and hard-bound books of all size and description. A countertop ran the full length of one wall and was strewn with various pieces of hardware and gadgetry. A chalkboard contained a patchwork of strange looking formulas and calculations.
    At the center of this intellectual vortex sat a tall, thin man wearing a rumpled shirt and faded trowsers. His hair was long and unruly and he peered at his notepad through wire-rim glasses. His work seemed to devour him. The street noise reverberating through the room had no effect on his work. Anthony was lost in a world of math symbols and electronic components.
    Months had faded into years as Anthony continued to pursue the vision that had haunted him for as long as he could recall. His religion was robotics and his holy book the notebook filled with sketches, printouts and illustrations of all manner and type.
    Mark Jernagan, a wealthy investor who managed a highly-regarded venture capital firm approached him and offered to finance research and development of Anthony’s project. It was, on it’s face, a simple, straightforward business arrangement.
    As time passed Anthony and his team of researchers painstakingly developed his theories and after a series of failed attempts a prototype emerged. A crude reflection of true human nature to be sure, but Anthony’s creation exhibited amazing capabilities. Anthony named his creation Basil and spent countless hours devising the programming necessary to refine the robot’s functions.
    The day slid slowly into night and Anthony leaned back in his chair, his feet propped on the desk and his eyes closed. His body’s need for sleep overtook him and he felt himself slowly slipping into that strange, recurring dream he’d encountered several times in as many weeks.
    Anthony found himself once again alone in the desert, staring up at the star-laden evening sky as moonlight washed over him like mist from a distant ocean. There it was, as if on cue, that long, loud sound in the distance. The sound of a train whistle. Moments elapsed and into view came a sleek, black locomotive pulling seven railcars behind. A furious burst of sight and sound swept around Anthony and suddenly he found himself aboard the train and seated at a table in the dining car. Across from him sat a man as big as a bear with long brown hair, bushy beard and eyes that seemed to see his very core.
Anthony smiled nervously. “Hello Vincent. Once again you’ve startled me out of a year of life expectancy.”
    Vincent’s expression shifted slightly as the hint of a smile appeared. He nodded and turned to peer out the window exhaling slowly as he pondered something unknown in the night. “It seems your research has produced some amazing results, my friend.”
    “It has! I can’t begin to tell you where this could lead. It really is amazing!” Anthony could scarely contain his enthusiasm and excitement.
    Vincent’s eyes reached out and gripped Anthony’s consciousness. “Make no mistake, Anthony. I know well where your creations can lead. I’ve been a spirit guide far longer than you can imagine and with time comes wisdom learned over many lifetimes. I’m suggesting to you the convergence of science and human emotion can be a dimension with unfathomable consequences. Move forward with a measure of prudence and forethought.”
    Anthony appeared puzzled. “So you’re suggesting I abandon my research?”
    “Not in the least. Just give thought to what is requested of you as theory becomes reality.”
    The sound of telephone ring tones roused Anthony awake. It was Mark, anxious for an update on the robotics project. Anthony gave him a brief recap, speaking in animated tones as his creation, Basil, listened intently from a chair nearby. The conversation terminated and Anthony turned to his robot with an excited smile. “Basil! It’s time! Within hours you’ll have received the programming necessary to give you human emotion. Not only will you have the ability to calculate and reason, you’ll have a full range of human feelings. Happiness, joy, anger and sadness. All important stuff to be sure!”
    Basil’s expression was as benign as ever. “As you wish Anthony.”
    It was well into the early morning hours before the programming process was completed. Anthony was anxious to revive Basil and test his work. Basil’s eyes opened and as his eyes focused on Anthony it smiled. “Hello  Anthony. I feel positively immortal!”
    Anthony grinned. “I shouldn’t wonder, Basil. You ARE immortal.” Several hours passed as Anthony continued conversing with Basil, amazed and fascinated by how human Basil’s characteristics had become.
    Another day of testing followed. Basil’s functions were working amazingly well. Anthony was ready to give Mark and his associates a demonstration. At the end of the week, Mark and his entourage arrived at Anthony’s office. Basil greeted them with a cheery smile and a friendly demeanor. Mark was astounded. “This is simply amazing, Anthony. My god! Basil seems so lifelike. Hell! This is BEYOND amazing.” Mark and his business associates were absolutely giddy with excitement.
    Months of testing and additional programming passed and Basil was proving to be an incredibly valuable invention. Anthony embarked on the second phase of his research, which was to create a female counterpart to Basil. At last one late and stormy night on the second day of December, Basil’s female counterpart became reality. She was what many would surely consider a physically perfect female. Tall and shapely, with facial features that magically blended a cornucopia of ethnicity. Victoria, as she was named, was a creation comprised of science and art and innovation.
    As days passed, Victoria and Basil became inseparable. At first Anthony found it amusing, but as time passed he found it increasingly difficult to continue his research. Basil and Victoria both exhibited unruly behavior, choosing to be alone together for increasingly long periods of time. Judging from the sounds eminating from their quarters it was abundantly clear they were taking sexual activity to an entirely new level. At first Anthony honored his self-imposed directive giving his creations complete and total privacy as they explored their sexuality together.
    For several weeks Anthony continued allowing Basil and Victoria all the privacy they needed. Early one morning he woke once again to the shrieks, growls and squeals of their love-making, Anthony decided to indulge his voyeuristic craving and quietly watch as they tore into each other. It was amazing. Anthony was astounded by Victoria and Basil’s voracious appetite for sex. It appeared neither had the ability to become totally satisfied. Each orgasm drove them to another, more powerful, all-consuming crescando of pleasure, which would then drive them to experience another. He was unsure what caused them to finally cease their incredibly intense behavior. They simply stopped, sat up, dressed themselves and left the room as if nothing had happened. Anthony was reasonably certain they hadn’t seen him watching, which would rule out a sense of embarrasment. Still, he was both fascinated and puzzled. And he was thoroughly aroused by the sight of Victoria. The images of her lovemaking pushed all other thoughts from his mind and made it nearly impossible for him to work.
    Anthony was consumed with obsession. He had to experience Victoria for himself. It should be a simple process. He, after all, was her creator. And that’s where the problem lay. Victoria’s sexual preferences; her every fantasy, every like and every dislike were rooted in Anthony’s mind. It would be like making love to himself. Anthony giggled slightly, considering how it  might take the concept of masturbation to an entirely new level. As he sat lost in fantasy he felt a hand on his shoulder. He lost his balance and nearly tipped backwark out of his chair, only to be caught by someone next to him.It was Victoria and much to his surprise he found himself cradled in her arms. It was a bit disconcerting and for a moment Anthony found himself speechless. He recovered his composure at last. “It’s okay Victoria, you can put me down now. I’m quite alright. You just startled me.”
    “I didn’t intend to frighten you. I can’t find Basil and I wish to do sex. Basil and I always do sex at 17:30 hrs. It is what I wish.” Victoria’s expression illustrated her determination to have her way and Anthony was unsure how to respond.
    Here in front of him stood his partially nude female creation. She was all that attracted him to a woman and it was becoming impossible to remember she was a highly complex appliance rather than human. Anthony reached out and took her hand, pulling her body close to his. “It’s not really doing sex, Victoria, but rather something to share. Would you like to share with me?”
    Without a verbal response, Victoria grabbed Anthony by his arm and led him down the hall to her room. Once inside she tore his shirt from his body, buttons and pieces of cloth  scattered across the floor. She pushed him onto the bed and removed his shoes and trousers. Anthony felt a mixture of arrousal and apprehension. Victoria was like an animal. Words were replaced with gasps and grunts and growls as the flames of passion quickly elevated her body to the boiling point. Within moments she had coaxed a magnificent, if not premature ejaculation from Anthony. Now she was intent on her own physical satisfaction. Anthony tried to scream but was unable to draw a breath. Victoria’s arms and legs surrounded his body like snakes squeezing their prey.
    Victoria sat upright, peering intently at Anthony’s lifeless body. She said his name over and over again, but there was no response. She kissed his lifeless lips but there was no response. Tears spilled from her eyes as she realized what she had done. She screamed loudly and fell forward crying uncontrollably. Suddenly she was roused by a hand  gently touching her neck. She turned to see a man standing over her. His long hair and bushy beard frightened her, but his eyes seemed to calm her as she stared into them without blinking. “It seems unintended consequences have occurred, m’lady. Perhaps I can be of assistance. My name is Vincent and I’m here to assist you in completing your journey.”
    Victoria’s face mirrored her confusion. “Journey? I am travelling to a destination? How can that be? My creator never explained that to me.” She turned and burst into tears once again as she realized she was the cause of Anthony’s demise.
    Vincent smiled slightly. “It was never Anthony’s place to explain, Victoria. It is I who will lead you. It is I who led Anthony. Now close your eyes, take my hand and we’ll be on our way.”
    Victoria obeyed, closing her eyes as she put her hand in Vincent’s. Suddenly she heard the unfamiliar sound of a train whistle. She opened her eyes and looked into the distance, watching intently as a sleek, black locomtive appeared, pulling seven rail cars behind. Vincent looked down and gave her a reassuring smile as the train approached. It was magical how his gaze calmed her fears. The train came to a stop near the boarding platform and a tall, stately conductor stepped down from the first rail car. He smiled and nodded at Vincent. “All aboard my friend. Andrew awaits you and the lady fair.”

    If you listen close enough, you can hear the snow falling out of the sky. It is possible. I've heard the sound of snow falling. I've heard the sounds of sadness and anger. I've heard cries of anguish and pain. I've also heard sounds of laughter, love and unbounded passion.
    The sounds I've heard are stored somewhere behind my eyes like a jumbled I-Pod with no earbuds. The sound of my soulmate's voice. The sound of my dogs rejoicing when I arrive home from work. The sound of traffic on the freeway behind the Morgan shack. The sound of rain beating a rhythm on the roof. The sound of machinery in the foundry. Familiar sounds. Fond sounds. Sounds that reassure me life is as it should be.
    There are also moments early in my morning when I'm lost in a dreamwalk. Unfamiliar sounds. Voices I don't recognize. Sounds that eminate from places I can't quite find. I push on, ever in search of the elusive sounds I'm driven to discover.
    The unfamiliar sounds, the strangers voices are all signposts on a ribbon of magic running parallel to the road I travel in life. Voices and sounds from a different dimension and a different time. Voices and sounds of lives passed and lives yet to live.
    The secrets of their existence lie in the suns, the moons and the stars occupying a far and distant universe not yet discovered. A journey yet to be booked. Fare to be paid. Travel available only on that mystical mode of transportation known as the Hitchcock Railway.