“Good morning,” spoke a dulcet voice. “Good morning and how are you today—.”

Before the voice could say any more Ahava interrupted. “What?” exclaimed Ahava. “Who’s there?”

“The voice inside your head,” replied the voice in the same smooth overtone.

Ahava scanned the area quickly to see if there was anyone else present. There was nobody in sight. He thought that, along with the rest of the experience, he must be going crazy.

”Yes,” said the agreeable voice again. “You are certainly going crazy and possibly becoming delusional too, as all of this experience gives impressions that are contradicted by reality or rational argument.”

Not only am I hearing a voice inside my head, it is also telling me that I am crazy, Ahava thought.

“I can hear your direct thoughts, you know.”

Still looking around the area for anything to explain this voice and on the edge of panic, Ahava felt his heartbeat quicken again. Now it can hear my thoughts.

“Ok, relax, it was only a joke,” said the voice soothingly. “You are not crazy or even delusional. This is all real, or at least as real as anything can be. I need you to calm down, so you can pay attention to what I need to say, as you have a lot to do today.”

Still stunned about the situation, Ahava found himself trying to calm down and take stock of what was happening. Generally being a practical person, he thought it was better to find out more about had happened.

“Ok,” said Ahava, “I’ll let you explain.”

“First,” said the voice in what appeared to be a satisfied tone, “let's start off with me. You have the great pleasure of speaking to the ‘History System Interface.’ As that is a bit of a mouth-full, you can call me Thoth.”

“Right,” said Ahava, “so then … Thoth. What is happening? Where am I and how do I get back home?”

“If you keep interrupting,” said Thoth, more impatiently now, “then we’ll just be wasting time, as you have a lot to do to get through today.”

Thoth continued as if he had never been interrupted. “Ok, the answers to all your questions will be given to you at some point in the future, but for now it’s better if we just cover the basics. You were brought in to help, which will be explained fully to you later. It is my job to help you get ready for those tasks, and from the looks of you, you're going to need a lot of my help! The important information you need to start with, and the question you should have asked is ‘how to survive in this environment.’ Where you are now is ... How can I say this?” Thoth paused as if considering. “Not as safe as where you come from. In fact, it’s probably better to say that it’s downright dangerous here. Also, there are some important differences in the laws of physics and metaphysics.

“To help with your development, I have provided a familiar system that will guide, strengthen and enlighten you for the tasks that lie ahead. As you do activities that are beneficial to the task, you’ll get points, and what do points get you... prizes.

“These ‘prizes’ are in the form of abilities and items you will need,” Thoth concluded.

“Ok,” said Ahava, “not one for details, are you?”

“Right, you are,” shot back Thoth “All the basic details of the system are on your tablet and phone, as well as some other information that will help. The devices have also have been improved a bit to start with. I suggest when you get some time, you should try them out. But you really should understand the basic survival skills before sunset tonight, as most of the wild animals hunt at night. In fact, you should be moving on.”

“So then,” said Ahava, “what are the basics?”

“Well,” said Thoth plainly, “you are out in the middle of nowhere with almost no food or water and no shelter. So my guess is that those three things should be the first items on your list. Also, as a top tip, you may want to make your shelter defendable from animals.

“Ok, that’s it; the pep talk is over. Good luck! I will talk to you later, when you get settled in. Ta-ta for now.” Thoth’s voice ceased.

“That is…” shouted Ahava. “That's all the information I get? You useless... whatever you are!” The slight echoes of the sound played off the cliffs in the distance.

Ahava stood there, waiting for an answer, but the only sounds were the crickets and birds with their morning calls.