3 Chapter Three

Harrison woke with that all too familiar numbness in his head; the pub had gotten pretty messy, and they'd made it home just after midnight. They had both stayed up well into the night discussing what their next steps would be. Aston buzzing with the knowledge and potential of what he'd discovered and Harrison believing his friend had genuinely uncovered something outstanding and the more they discussed it, the more convinced he became that the right application of a technical solution could correctly monitor and help control the reboot process. Once Aston had crashed, he had stayed awake trawling different websites and posting on numerous forums. Harrison was wary of keeping the reboot process a secret but still needed to give enough detail to find a plausible solution. The mixture of the late hour of the night, and the amount of alcohol consumed, finally got the better him, but just before his eyelids fell closed, and he slipped out of consciousness, he had written four letters on the back of his hand, TDCS.

Harrison reached for the headache tablets to clear his head and noticed the letters where he had etched them. The drinking had become a bit of a habit for him, especially since he'd gotten to Oxford. It was a release more so than an addiction, having a very successful parent who expected his son not just to follow in his footsteps, but create an even bigger footprint on the world, was a burden he found hard to bear. The parental pressure explained his eagerness to answer everything and the need to find a technical way to solve every problem. The need to prove himself and create that killer app or invention that would impress his family and especially his father. The alcohol gave him a valve that allowed a release, but one he knew he had to keep from overtaking him.

"TDCS," he said to himself "too much Harrison, you're starting to erase brain cells." He picked up his phone and pressed the home button, and Siri sprang to life with a beep. "Search for TDCS," it was easier than typing, and he'd grown fond of her voice. "Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a form of neurostimulation which uses constant, low current delivered directly to the brain area of interest via small electrodes." Siri quoted the first line from Wikipedia.

"Shit yeah!" Harrison jumped out bed.

"I'm sorry I didn't get that," Siri responded still sat on his bedside table.

Harrison's drinking hadn't obliterated too many brain cells, as his memory came flooding back. Transcranial direct current stimulation was suggested to him on a forum very late last night. He thought it too much to remember so had written the acronym on his hand. The technique had been developed a hundred years ago for patients with brain injuries, but after joining some forums he had been in contact with a guy involved in recent studies on healthy adults. He reckoned that these tests had seen good results whereby brain stimulation using TDCS had improved cognitive behaviours such as attention span, language skills, memory and coordination.

He checked to see if Aston was still around but he wasn't in his room or the lounge, no doubt out on his bike or jogging somewhere. Harrison didn't get the fitness thing, his idea of a workout was going ten rounds on Tekken on his Xbox.

He shot down two quick espresso's in succession to further clear the fog in his head. He fired up his Mac Pro computer and began researching all the latest blogs and articles about TDCS. Harrison used his father's trusted name along with his own Apple Developer ID status to get on a trial for one of the latest products due for release. He had just completed signing up when an out of breath Aston came through the door.

"You're up?" Aston pulled a pint of milk out of the fridge. "You were dead to the world an hour ago, snoring your head off."

"Your fault Mr 'let's go down the pub' you know what I'm like and my heads only just growing back."

Aston downed a pint of milk then noticed the tech device on Harrison's monitors "what you got there? Looks very Star Trek."

"That is a transcranial direct current stimulation headset."

"Trans-Siberian currency what the..."

"Transcranial direct current stimulation and this baby might be able to give us ultimate control of your soul reboot."

"What? How?"

"It's not that complex. TDCS is a form of neurostimulation using electrodes to supply a mild electric current directly to the brain. This little device has an anodal electrode and a cathodal electrode. The current flows from the anode, through the skull and brain to the cathode, creating a circuit. If positioned to a particular area of the brain we can improve focus and stimulate cognitive behaviour."

"So you think shooting a current through my brain will help, do you? I'm not so sure?"

Harrison could sense his friend wasn't entirely convinced but was keen to show him more.

"Look it sounds pretty cuckoos nest I know, but look at the results these guys have produced." He showed Aston the results he'd received from the forum. "These guys have been using these headsets, and it's improved their gameplay by 45%, no one can get near the scores without the headsets on."

"Okay, I can see that but how does that relate to the reboot." Aston was still not convinced.

"It's not just the current that I'm thinking of Aston. If we can create some control software that can moderate the level of stimulation and also send data to the right area of your brain. We could more or less suggest a precise date in time, to influence which soul you open."

"Yeah I can see where you're coming from," his interest had been sparked about the date.

"We hook this sucker up to your phone or iPad and capture and display results from sessions, and we've got a device that we can monitor all your vital signs, stimulate your brain and control the process."

"So you think you can get this set up for tomorrow as we planned?" Aston was on board, although Harrison knew he might need help with the software. He had someone in mind, the issue was there was no way he could get it done by tomorrow, so he came clean.

"I know I said I'd get it done for tomorrow but I reckon if the headset gets here as promised, they told me 48 hours when I ordered, it would then only take a few more days to code up the software and application. We'd need to test it, so I reckon in a week we could have it sorted."

"Hey no pressure H, a week would be cool, but I still want to try a reboot again tomorrow with what we have already and with Ellie here."

After Aston had gone to hit the shower, Harrison sent an email to his computer science professor under the premise of a new thesis he was looking into based on TDCS. He knew that the professor would be able to help him, but it was just a case of leverage, and Harrison believed he had some.

The following day as planned, with Ellie watching on and Harrison now satisfied the Sportband Bluetooth connection was working, Aston pressed play to start the hypnotist recording.

"Hang on" yelled Ellie so he could hear.

He paused the recording as she grabbed the phone.

"You need to be in aeroplane mode, so no one calls" she smiled, Harrison winced embarrassed they'd both forgotten what happened just a few days ago.

"Thanks, Ellie. I told you that you were needed." Aston winked then gave Harrison the thumbs up and pressed play.

The smooth French voice filled his mind as he waited for the right trigger point to start spotlighting. The steps came and his meditation led him down them, focussing on nothing but the back of his mind, the cerebellum he'd learned in biology, controls muscle and he'd been taught that spotlighting on this area relaxed his entire body. For the third time in a week the trigger released, and his subconscious unlocked, his senses flooded and Aston started to pick up his surroundings just like the other day.

The music was the same, rhythm and blues mixed with rock, it was Jimi Hendrix, the guitar playing was unmistakable, the electric sound was filling the room he was in but it seemed to be coming from elsewhere, a stage nearby perhaps. The music muted the other sounds, chinking glasses, snatched conversations, excited shouts and laughter, were all intermixed with the backing track of Hendrix's guitar, cigarette smoke filled his nostrils, so alien to him it stood out from other more familiar smells from his surroundings, he was definitely in a club or bar or possibly both. Loud laughter and the hint of dark perfume came at him getting instantly stronger, a kiss planted on his lips and he tasted the sweet sticky lipgloss.

"Darling, how wonderful to see you!" Her accent was well-to-do London if a little staged. His blurred vision cleared and he was taken aback by the beautiful face that pulled back from the kiss, her short crop of blonde hair under a peaked cap, thick black eyeliner accentuating her bright blue eyes, her red lipstick smudged around her broad smile.

"Another Martini?"

He nodded.

"Well, I'll need money then darling?" She held out a hand, and his hand went for his wallet. Aston was there experiencing this in the first person perspective, but he was more of an observer. He felt strange watching as he handed over a pound note, his first thought being he'd need to give more.

"Ooh ta" she kissed him again, and he watched her head to the bar. Her tasselled tan suede leather waistcoat swayed as she walked away in her very short skirt sitting atop her long legs. A model figure to go with her looks.

Aston looked around and took in his surroundings. He was in a group of people in an overcrowded bar, which was obviously a section of a larger music club. The vibe was intense, the noise was cranked up, the drinks were flowing, faces were smiling, laughing and everyone including his soul seemed to be smoking. He was undoubtedly in the sixties, late sixties possibly. The moustaches, bell bottoms and paisley patterns of the guys shirts were a strong hint, and the mixture of short skirts, kaftans and flower power frills of the girls were unmistakable. With an interest in soul and jazz, Aston had a soft spot for the swinging sixties. He loved Motown especially, so he was more aware of the era, unlike many kids his age who may have only heard of the Beatles from their parents. He was part of a large group who were all sat in a booth centred around a small Formica-topped wooden table. They were obviously enjoying themselves judging by the empty glasses. The band must be playing in another part of the bar or next door, as the whole place was packed.

"Hey Warwick" a guy next to him got his attention shouting above the noise. "Are you and Amy going out now?" Aston's attention fixated on his handlebar moustache.

"We're just having fun, Nigel." Aston was a little taken by hearing his soul's voice; it was subtly Scottish and rather rasping and deeper than he expected.

Amy returned with the two Martinis.

"Wow it's really packed tonight" she handed one to him and they clinked glasses." Hendrix is something else, he's out of here, I can't believe I arrived late. Hey Nige" she kissed him and proceeded through the group, Aston noticed another girl in the group hand her something which she quickly put in her bag. They were part of a close-knit group who, as far as he could establish, all seemed intent on having a good time.

'So this was the swinging sixties' Aston thought. It was really odd experiencing the soul of someone else, a little voyeuristic.

"Warwick did you get that gig at the Lyceum, Shakespeare wasn't it?" Another question from the group directed his way.

"Yes, Twelfth Night, and I start rehearsals next Friday, some American director, but it's booked for a three-month run, so I'm happy."

"And I'm due to play Maria if all goes well," Amy cut in wrapping her arm around him. "Come on darling, let's go see Jimmy."

Aston's soul's date led him through the crowd past the bar and through a corridor, the walls covered with billposters. He was at the Marquee club judging by the name on top of all the posters, he recognised some out the band names as they passed by them, The Who were prominent, Manfred Mann, the Stones, he also knew some Jazz names amongst them. The posters not only told him where he was but also when, it was 1967 the date was 24 January, The Jimi Hendrix Experience was headlining and Syn supporting. They pushed on through the crowds, Aston could feel her hand holding tight pulling him with her to get a view of the band. Hendrix was playing on the stage at the far end, its striped canopy standing out behind the band. It seemed tiny, nothing like the big arena concerts Aston had become used to, this was more like a university venue. Aston was amazed, in awe of the sound, to experience Jimi Hendrix first hand, well second hand he figured, but his performance had such energy and his electric guitar playing was mesmerising. Amy shouted in his ear "look there's George, and apparently, all the Beatles are here. Over there I think" she pointed, Aston thought he saw them but also saw another face he recognised. Amy broke his train of thought as she kissed him once again and said," I love you, Warwick."

Aston had no control of the actions of his soul but at this time he didn't mind he was happy playing pseudo third wheel, at what he would class as the gig of a lifetime. Hendrix ended his set with Purple Haze, and the climax set the crowd into hysteria. After screaming at the stage and in his ear Amy said something that, couldn't be heard over the melee and led him out of the gig. On the way out, his soul pulled Amy aside to indicate the need for the toilet and he ducked inside the crowded facility. Aston was initially surprised at the cleanliness, then realised it was due to the attendant who was keeping the place tidy and orderly, even with the masses needing relief after the gig. Aston got his first chance to see his soul face to face as he checked out his appearance on washing his hands. Aston studied his face, trying to guess his age, late thirties he thought, his soul's pale appearance, thinning hair, greying at the sides, and dark rings under his tired eyes pointed to that, or either he'd had a hard life. Despite this, he was a good looking guy, kind of suave, a bit Ewan MacGregoresque Aston thought, or maybe the goatee got him thinking that way. Warwick washed his hands, then ran them through his hair pulling the fringe forward as if to cover the receding hairline, smiled checked out his profile then lit a cigarette, and left a tip for the attendant and walked out. Back in the corridor, Amy was waiting with a big smile, looking very pleased with herself. She planted a longing kiss on his lips then said, "Come on Warwick you're taking me home." Aston was beginning to like the swinging sixties even more.

"This is my favourite time of day" the hypnotist, Leonardo Desangé lay back on the rug next to the roaring fire in his penthouse suite, his head on an ornate carved wooden block, his hands holding his antique Opium pipe over the oil lamp he'd used for almost a hundred and fifty years. He inhaled the vapourised opium and passed the pipe to his assistant.

"Mine too" she sighed as she inhaled "and I love this pipe" she passed it back to him and stretched her naked body against the thick pile of the rug.

"It's been with me for a long time." He pulled another long hit on the pipe keeping an eye on the drug inside the chamber which he held skillfully above the lamp, the vapour filling his lungs and the drug infused his nervous system. "I took it from Li Wei Lim."

"The Canton that saved you? You've mentioned him before, but I don't know the history, tell me." Giselle asked as she gratefully took the pipe handed to her.

"The Canton saved my life and freed my soul shortly after. He was the one who gave me the secret to soul shifting. The same man also taught me the pleasure of the opium pipe."

"It's empty. More?" His assistant handed back the pipe and watched intently as Desangé refilled the Opium chamber, placed it back over the flame and then drew a large intake, his eyes glazed and he recounted the story of his saviour, his teacher and the man he betrayed. Outside the Thames embankment penthouse, a ship sounded its horn, and the sound sparked deeper memories from his past.

"He pulled me from the water after our ship, the Arrow, had been captured in the straights of Canton during the Opium wars in 1856. I had been thrown overboard during the fighting and left for dead by the captain and crew. I cannot remember exactly but somehow managed to grab hold of battle debris and had floated down the river before being found by Li Wei Lim and his brother. They found me washed up on the bank half drowned, but they breathed life back into me somehow. The brothers took me back to their village in the hills where, with a mixture of opium and local medicines, they nursed me back to health." Desangé took another long burst from the pipe. "I lay in a fevered state for weeks until I gradually gained strength. The village was remote and, as I was presumed dead, the English didn't send out patrols or try to find me at all. Lei Wei was an educated man, he spoke English very well and had been trading with Western travellers for some years. The addiction to Opium was not affecting his village unlike the rest of mainland China. Instead, they used it to gain energy and enlightenment, assisting transcendent meditation. Lei Wei taught me many things during my time in the village, not just how Opiates can help healing by relieving pain but also how pure, good quality opium can energise a person both physically and mentally.

I asked him to teach me the art of meditation, and after some time he showed me how to focus the power of the mind and turn it inward, mettant en lumière. This was core thread that led to the secret, spotlighting, unlocking the power of your mind to keep your cells regenerating, to staying young and living forever, the cantons in the region had kept this secret for generations." Desangé passed the pipe back to her.

"Well, merci to Lei Wei and his brother, and thanks to you..." she kissed him seductively "...for sharing the secret with me master."

"I'm a little more careful who I select to pass on my secrets to. He was a fool and had no idea what power he held and what could be achieved with it, look at this place, look at where we are today." Desangé sat up, he was feeling energised by the high-quality Opium. "When he taught me, I was astonished, it was unbelievable. I said to him that this was a powerful secret, to live through time and shift between time was something that could have massive impact on the world. He and his ancestors had no context from which to imagine the opportunities this could have, living in a remote village why would they."

"They didn't understand the power of being immortal?" Giselle looked puzzled.

"Not quite immortal, death could still take them just like any other, illness or accidents cannot be avoided but this was a secret to a life that lasts for longer than any man. History has spoken of times when men lived beyond the normal lifespan some say immortal but the Bible speaks of men, who've lived for 960 years."

"Methuselah."

"Right," Desangé was enthused by the Opium coursing through his body and mind "Just think of travelling back a thousand years to experience previous lives, previous souls. I think Lei Wei only gave up part of the secret. His teachings constrained the shifting within my own soul's timeline, but if what the boy has experienced is true, this could open up endless possibilities for our business. We could influence history on a completely different level, change the world as we know it."

"The boy?"

"Yes, the boy at Oxford who witnessed the battle of Trafalgar. This is why I need to find him. If we could shift beyond our own soul like he claims, we would have power beyond anything I imagined when I first discovered the secret. Lei Wei knew that power was something that drove me."

He turned towards the fire, noticing it was burning low and dropped another two logs into the flames and watched the fire take hold.

"He realised what I was thinking and tried to spin a tale and belittle what he had given me, but I knew what this meant, the possibilities, and I saw a path I could follow, this was my fortune, and I would never forget."

"So what happened after."

"The following day I was annexed, shut out by Lei Wei and his family, from the entire village. They told me to return to the West. Find passage back to Hong Kong or Kowloon Bay and forget about what I knew, forget the village that had become a kind of home and the people that saved me. I argued with Lei Wei and during this argument, he threatened me. He threatened to shift back and leave me in the river, to take back the secret. I knew then and there, I had to act if I wanted to keep the secret, harness that power and live forever. I knew it was his time to die."

"He looks so peaceful when he's sleeping, okay when he's — hang on what would you call what he's doing?" Ellie looked from Aston to Harrison, her expression prompting a swift response.

"Transcending? No rebooting. Well, I'm not quite sure what to call it either, but you're right he does look very peaceful." Harrison checked the monitors, "His vitals seem stable enough although his temperature is up a little from when he went under."

"Yeah his REM activity is picking up, it is like he's asleep"

"Do you think we could suggest something, technically he is under hypnosis."

"Harrison!" Ellie was shocked.

"Aston when you wake you'll have a desire to clean the flat from top to bottom."

"You're wicked" Ellie punched him in the arm.

"Oww! That hurt."

"Well stop it, we're supposed to be looking after him."

"You've changed your tune, I thought you didn't want to be nursemaid?"

Harrison had a point, but Ellie wasn't going to rise to his provocation, she cared for Aston but didn't want them to take her for granted. If he wanted her to be a part of this whole adventure then she wanted to feel like it wasn't just a safety net, she wanted to contribute. Her father had taken her mother for granted when Ellie was young, even more once he fell sick and before he died he had expected to be taken care of, without gratitude, or a show of respect. Ellie was always wary of this in men she got to know, which is partly the reason she'd reacted to Aston's comments the way she did.

"His heart rate is normal, and his breathing is okay" she checked the monitors to deflect the comment. "It is a little warm in here which may explain the rise in temp."

"So Ellie where did you go on Saturday when this all started?"

'Cheeky git' Ellie thought, she wasn't about to tell him her business, yes they were friends but he was not even close to being 'bestie' material. What was he thinking, like she would tell him her secrets! "You don't want to know" she deflected.

"I'm not prying Ellie, I was miffed you didn't say hello to me on the night but I remembered Aston was curious that's all. You think I'm being nosey now don't you, sorry, I was just making conversation."

"I didn't see you H, else I would have said hello you know that." She rubbed his arm where she'd punched him.

She did feel bad that she hadn't said hello but she'd arranged to meet her sister who she hadn't spoken to for two years. It was a major breakthrough for her sister to agree to meet, and the time was not Ellie's choosing, hence why she had to bail from the show. The meeting hadn't gone as she had planned in her head, her sister still harboured the resentment that had grown following her father's untimely death. He had died of stomach cancer when she was in her teens leaving her mother to provide for Ellie and her four sisters. Being the second eldest meant she had the chance to study while her older sister looked after the household. Ellie always tried to help out but her mom had pushed her to be the academic achiever, and as this led to college and then university, it also led to her sister's animosity and resentment. While Ellie was taking exams and getting rewards, her sister had to take a far more responsible role, looking after her siblings, taking care of the household and foregoing her own education. The meeting started well enough, a quiet drink in the Emillion wine bar, Ellie had been positive, asked the right questions and they were getting along, but a passing comment from an admiring student towards her seemed to prick her sister's temper. Much like her own, it didn't take much and this had led to a row that neither of sisters egos would back down from. The night had ended in tears for Ellie as her sister had left her without resolving anything. She had left a message with her mother and gone back to her home feeling pretty awful.

"Ellie, Ellie I think you should look at this." The tone of Harrison's alarm broke her reverie. "His eyes are going crazy."

Ellie looked at Aston; his eyeballs were moving at an accelerated rate.

"Now that's rapid eye movement and then some."

"What's are his other vitals?" Ellie had been part of an REM study and had never seen eyeballs move in this way.

"His heart rate is slowing, but his temperature is the same as before." Harrison looked at both the computer and the mobile display to double check. "Now I wish I had the TDCS set up, we'd get a reading on his brain activity."

"TDCS what's that?" Ellie grabbed Aston's wrist to manually check his heart rate.

"Transcranial direct current stimulation, but it's not gonna help with this."

"What? Never mind, what can we do, wake him up?"

"I think that would be bad Ellie, what's with the slow heart rate is that okay?"

"It seems to be settled at 40bpm which is a little flat but not..."

Ellie stopped mid-sentence when Aston's eyes suddenly stopped moving.

Amy grabbed his hand with a laugh and led Aston's soul Warwick out of the club. Aston was a little reluctant to leave especially as it sounded like Hendrix had come back on for an encore. Having no control of his soul's actions he was powerless to intercede. They stopped to get their coats, Amy wrapped herself in a fur of some description, as Warwick donned a classic trench. They passed a couple of the friends from the bar earlier Amy said: "We're off to mine to get wild, want to come along Warwick's driving."

Aston was slightly concerned about the wild statement when the friends replied.

"We know where there's a party on Amy, and then we can all get wild." This girl was the one Amy had taken something from earlier. Amy replied "Great" kissed Warwick then said, "you don't mind a foursome baby."

"Hell no, the more, the merrier!" Warwick replied. Aston, who had not had much experience or luck with girls, would have raised his eyebrows if he could. He felt somewhat alarmed, slightly apprehensive but also quite excited by the prospect. They came out into the cold and bright lights of London's Carnaby Street and the narrow streets alive with people. Aston was trying to absorb everything. He'd been there a couple of times himself, but the modern trappings, neon signage and shop fronts were gone, the street had less flash but seemed to have more style about them, a cool understated feel with the shops concentrating on clothes and fashions rather than brand names. He could see the psychedelic influences of the times reflected in the colours and fabrics on display.

A couple of scooters zipped passed them "bloody hippies" one shouted. Aston noticed the Mod symbols on the back of the parka coats; their days were behind them holding a grudge against change as well as holding on to the past he thought.

"Warwick, where are you parked? It's freezing out here!"

"Just around the corner, hope your okay squeezing in back?"

"Not a problem Warwick as long as it warm."

It was getting cold Amy held his arm tight as they turned the corner.

"Here we go" Warwick pulled the keys from his pocket standing next to the silver DB5 parked between an old Ford Anglia and Mini, he opened the door.

"Nice wheels, Amy your man's got style."

"Very Bond isn't he" she kissed him on the cheek and climbed into the back. "Kate and I will get cosy in the back seat," Kate jumped in, and Warwick let her partner into the passenger side.

"So how long have you had the Aston?" Kate's partner asked as he sat next to him.

"About a month, paid for from my last gig, did a world cruise, 2 hours work a night, nine months travel around the world; you'd be amazed what you can save with all your expenses paid." Aston was severely impressed with the car. His father had named him after the very same model, his favourite from the Bond movies; Aston preferred the modern models especially the Vanquish but as a marque, the Aston Martin had no peers.

Warwick turned the key, and the engine sprang to life, the throttle giving volume to the roar of the cylinders. "The names Warwick, Warwick Scott" he shook Kates partners hand "So where are we going?

"Paul. Head for Knightsbridge, Kensington Mews our friends are having a housewarming."

"Anyone I know Kate?" Amy enquired from the back seat.

"Yes, the Moxleys."

"Fab, now they know how to have fun. Warwick, you'll love them too, put your foot down and turn the heater up."

Ten minutes later after negotiating the busy London streets, they pulled up in a secluded mews the windows starting to steam.

"This should make sure we are up to speed with the party," Kate handed a small blue pill to everyone.

"Dexies! You're a blast Kate, love you." Amy popped hers and then kissed Kate full on her lips. Aston again felt slightly nervous as Warwick popped his pill and opened the car door. They made their way to number 11a whereby the sound that was coming from inside meant the party was in full swing.

After a while banging on the pillar box red door, it opened, and a turban-clad Indian dressed in full garb welcomed them in. His attire reminded Aston of his toga party days, but at least, this looked more convincing. He welcomed them and gestured for them to follow. The house was decked out like an Indian palace, muslin sheets, mock statues of gods, a large Vishnu being the centrepiece. The sitar music combined with a more modern backbeat provided the backing track, the powerful incense providing extra ambience to the obvious guru inspired theming.

"Kate, Amy how great you came, how did you like my swami? Isn't he super?" The hostess who was slightly worse for wear greeted them, with what Aston was beginning to realise must be a swinging sixties style greeting, kissing both girls full on. "Paul so good to see you again." Another kiss. "And we have not met," she faced Warwick with a big smile, "Amy is this your new man? He's delicious."

She kissed him very furtively and then continued to introduce a whole host of other guests scattered around the house, some on cushions, some dancing, some obviously too high to notice. It seemed there were people everywhere.

The drinks were flowing, and the drug consumption was increasing, after a short while, Amy grabbed him "I want you lover — I want you now" she kissed him and passed a pill of some sort into his mouth which he swallowed.

"You are a wild one," Warwick said.

"Let me show you how wild!" She replied as she led him upstairs.

For a moment, Aston wasn't sure if he was actually experiencing a previous soul or whether he was just dreaming. The band, the girl, the car, now this, it could be this was just his vivid imagination playing out a very, very good dream, he wasn't sure but was sure he was going to let it continue.

The only room not occupied was, what seemed to be the host's main bedroom. Amy didn't seem to care and pulled him in. "Has it kicked in yet?" She asked I think mine's a dud; I can't feel a thing. Ah well never mind, come here, lover." She pulled him close kissing him then turned with her back towards him. "Unzip me I'm all naked underneath" just as his hand started to release the tension at the top of her dress she pulled away. "Oh my! Look what the Moxleys are into, I never knew!" Amy had spotted something on their dressing table and picked it up. She held up a small vial of something at him "Opium, the Devils" she said, "well the least they can do is share don't you think."

Aston was hoping Warwick would be the voice of reason. If he were in control, he would have said maybe let's just stay as we are and have some fun, but it seemed Warwick was unable to say no to this girl or maybe had a similar taste for the extreme as Amy did. "Any needles nearby?" He replied, which was probably not what Aston would have said given the fact that he'd just consumed an LSD tab and before that some Dexedrine plus all the alcohol. Aston was trying to find a way to take control and maybe put a stop to this, but his mind was somehow starting to be affected by the drugs consumed.

"Ah ha," Amy twirled around with a needle and syringe procured from the cupboards she been routing through. "Let's do it! I've never made love with opium, how about you?" She proceeded to fill the syringe with half the vial.

"Sounds like a rush sweet lips."

'No,' Aston thought that's not a good idea, he was definitely not dreaming now, or if he were it was a nightmare. 'How can I get out, if only I could control his actions?' He felt powerless. Warwick and Amy were now entwined on the bed, Amy was naked, kneeling over him, opium syringe in hand, about to give Warwick a shot, one Aston wasn't sure he would recover from.