Book 1 – Chapter 2

“Before I make my wish can you answer some questions of mine?”

“Depends on the question but I don’t see the harm in you asking.” Nox said with a wicked smile.

“Does the multiverse theory hold true? Or multiple realities? Or parallel universes?” Leo asked in dead seriousness.

The multiverse theory, is a multiplicity of universes branching out from every moment in time, of which our universe is only one. Meaning that in addition to a multiplicity of universes there is also a multiplicity of selves and realities. Various universes within the multiverse are called “parallel universes” or “alternate universes”.

“Yes, it’s true. Nox and I exist in all of them simultaneously.” Erebus said.

“Is it possible to travel between them?”

“Yes.” They said in unison.

“I see. What about warp travel, controlled wormholes, or hyperspace?”

“Yes on all three.” Nox said.

“Ok then. Last question, Can you bring me there so I don’t have to waste a wish?” Leo smiled.

The two of them looked at each other as if in deep discussion. After a few seconds of silence they said, “No.”

“Damn, I wanted to dive it a try. In that case I have my first wish.”

Nox and Erebus looked truly interested and excited for the first time since they woke him up. What would he wish for? Super powers, weapons, wealth and fortune?

“For my tool wish, ‘I wish I had the most advanced ‘Replicators’ that obeyed my every command without chance of them turning on me. That is my first wish.” Leo asked.

Replicators were little nanite machines that self-replicated to create more and more of themselves to complete more complicated tasks. Together they formed blocks, then by using these blocks they combined together into various forms. The most commonly encountered shape is the small “bug” with four limbs and “wings” on its back. Each bug can upgrade itself into a larger “queen” to facilitate replication.

Nox and Erebus looked to each other and just sighed.

“What?” Leo asked worriedly that his wish too much.

“Nothing, just thought it’s a bit boring. I mean you could have wished for the ‘Death Star’. But little machines seems a bit of a waste if you ask me.” Erebus said as he snapped his fingers and a splitting pain ripped Leo’s head for a short moment.

“It’s done, one replicator queen on your tray.” Erebus pointed out.

Looking at the tray Leo couldn’t help but smile, the queen replicator began consuming the metal tray and had just enough to create a smaller bug. With only one unit on a small tray, it was easy as it took only a minute. Leo timed the process and ended was happy with what was going to happen. Replicators while in a small number were not a giant threat could potentially with enough of them be able to combine together and create a space ship. That would be a goal but until he had enough they would serve other purposes.

“Do you want to know my plan?” Leo asked the two beings.

Nox shrugged and agreed. As the replicators moved around and around waiting to be given directions Leo told them his plans. Now Nox and Erebus were laughing and now not so bored with his decision.

“I see, I see… I was wrong about you. I tell you what, for each part of the plan you complete I will grant you a pass. A pass into the next world you want, how’s that sound?” Erebus asked.

“If my plans go the way I want I won’t need it, but who am I to argue.” Leo smiled

“Very good, well with that we best be off.” Nox said as they disappeared from his sight.

Sighing a breath of relief Leo decided it was time for him to get started. Last night he slept in the industrial area so there was plenty of metal around for him to have his replicators multiply. Especially with the recent economic depression.

“Hmm lots of empty industrial factories…perfect.” Leo said as the replicator moved off the table and followed him to form a belt. Getting out from under the bridge and feeling the cold brisk air on his face brought a smile to Leo’s face. How long had it been since he’d smiled after waking up in the last three years? Happiness was something he’d given up on and was slitting his own wrist. Composing himself he set off to begin his grand scheme.

After traveling for five minutes trying to hide his queen bug, he arrived an old rusty factory which hadn’t seen any life in years. Using the replicators to consume their way through the gate to get inside was almost as easy as he doors in. Standing in the center of the factory he released half of his Replicators for them to begin multiplying their forces to 1000 bugs. Currently he had a 1 unit and for his plans ne would need thousands more to begin. With the one queen bug he noticed that the metal was not made from anything from their world. With this one queen he took his first step toward the future.

Before he could further his plans he would need a significant amount of money. He first wanted to rebuild his image and lay the groundwork for the future.  With the first little bug replicator he left and went to the nearest ATM and had his replicator hack it to collect some of its money. With his new spending cash he left for a goodwill store to change his homeless appearance. The staff there was hesitant to assist him but in the end he left with a new set of clothes. A new pair of jeans, new(ish) sneakers, wallet and a jacket he left feeling better with his new look. Next was his face, he needed a haircut and a shave but that would have to wait.

The next thing Leo wanted to fix was his sleeping situation, he hated the idea of sleeping another night outside so he immediately went to find a acquaintance of his. Alexi Vikol was a low level dealer and criminal but he was reliable to a certain degree.

“Alexi, how are you today?” Leo asked as he walked up to him.

Alexi looked at him and stared, “Leo? Looks like you found some dough and got off the street. What do you want? You aren’t a usual customer but I always liked you.” He said with a light Russian accent.

‘Yeah right, you just think I have some cash and you wanna take it from me.’ Leo thought.

“I’m wondering if you got a place you can let me stay at. I found a job but they need an address but the shelter won’t accept me there.”

“Maybe, but you have to pay ‘rent’ and ‘insurance’.” He said with a dubious look.

Rent and insurance was literally universal word for ‘extortion’ but Leo didn’t have to worry. On the other hand he couldn’t let Alexi get suspicious.

“How much is the ‘rent and insurance’?”

“30%” he said.

“Fuck Alexi, you’re killing me here. How’s 20?” Leo asked.

“How about I break your fucking kneecaps?” He replied with his smile disappearing.

“Well when you put it that way I can’t say no now can I?” Leo said resigning to his acting skills. Which in the last three years of homelessness he had perfected.

“Don’t forget ‘Deposit’ as well.” Alexi mentioned.

“How much?” Leo said feigning regret

“Just another 20% for the first check.” He pushed.

“Christ Alexi. Okay.” Leo said as he maintained his hesitation.

Alexi extended his hand and they shook hands.

“Ok then come with me.” He said as he took him to a darker side of town. Two hours later and a lot of phone calls later, they were in a part of the city called ‘The row ’, since it was a row of houses that housed the worst the city had to offer.

“We’re here, when is first paycheck?” He asked.

“I start tomorrow and I get paid twice a month so in two weeks.” Leo lied.

“Then we will be back in two weeks. Have cash and a receipt.” He said.

Alexi explained that the house had three other people, two addicts and one girl. She looked to be a runner, from what who knew. The building was two bedroom, one bath, and one kitchen but the basement was semi clean so he could make a space for himself there. The addicts were just sitting on the sofa stoned out of their mind and the girl was nowhere in sight.

Outside was only about noon and Leo was getting hungry again. Alexi handed him a key and told him if he lost it he would have to pay for a replacement in the form of ten percent of his next pay check. After this Alexi left and Leo headed off to find food. He got a good sandwich and then trekked to the public office to get copies of his vital records and new ID, took him a good four painstaking hours.

‘Damn I hate public services. When im in charge im going to redesign all this shit.’

Next was to start his new company but that would have to wait until tomorrow, it was nearly closing time for most places. However he still had time to by one important thing he’d forgotten in his rush.

Underwear.

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