Now, we set sail for a new adventure. One which tells the origin not only of Gridline Games, but of everything that came before! And when I say before, I really mean before. We may even learn where the light came from. Maybe. Please remain seated at all times, and remember, it is just a ride!
Hey there. Welcome to Life Inc. Will you be traveling alone or in a group?
A Day at Life Inc.
Shh! It is a secret!
Chapter 0: The Canal
It is an exciting juncture! A group of souls have gathered on the docks of the infinite, awaiting placement on a boat bound for attachment to the mortal coils of Earth. A treacherous place for sure, but one filled with magic! One soul turned to the rest of its group and thought aloud, "This is it!" It continued with a bright glow, "From the moment we crossed paths in the library, I knew we were the right match for this journey. I feel so very proud to be here, on the threshold of our embarkment!"
The boatmaster called out to the group, "Your boat is ready. All aboard that are going aboard. But heed this warning: Stay close together!" Once situated, the boat slowly began to depart from the dock. An arrangement had been made between these souls in advance of their unique journey. They would not be born simultaneously, but rather, at different points in time. However, from their respective point of views, they would enter the attachment state in quick succession of one another. An essential piece of their being would remain in the boat throughout the voyage. Indeed, a most interesting ride!
The boat entered a foggy, mist-enshrouded region of the canal. The soul whose thoughts were heard aloud on the dock was now glowing brighter than ever. Its time for attachment was nearing. It again thought aloud, "Just remember. If we should ever drift apart, we will always be together in the end." Somewhere, beyond the canal, a beautiful melody could be heard, and the soul could feel an intense tugging sensation. With that, it sparkled ever so majestically, whilst the others basked in the magnificent rays of light it produced. Its place in the boat then became dim. It had begun its journey.
One by one, the other souls began their attachment processes, each more astonishing and glorifying than the last. A truly spectacular display of light, filled with color from every imaginable spectrum! One particular soul went dim only to return quickly and rather unexpectedly. A sad thing that occasionally happens, but there will be another opportunity for it at the end of this voyage. In its time of sorrow, the remaining souls provided comfort with their illuminating rays.
Up ahead, the canal split into two channels. A turbulent stream rocked the boat rather suddenly toward the right, and one of the unborn souls fell overboard in the process. It desperately tried to return to the boat, but the current was too strong. It quickly sunk to the bottom of the canal. A terrifying root monster manifested itself to the unborn soul, opened its gaping jaw, and struck with fury and intensity.
With persistence in its eyes, the soul fought back, and fought back well! Blow for blow, it resisted the monster's vicious advances. It again opened its jaw, and using the power of its own thought, the soul sent a shockwave of light down its throat. With the monster now staggering in pain, the soul attempted to swim to the surface. It was a ruse! The monster quickly enveloped the soul with its roots, and began to suck the life force from it. Darkness surrounded the soul, and it too became very dim. Everything went still.
From beyond the canal, a voice called out in terror, "The baby is in distress! We must perform an emergency C-section!" That same voice then said in horror, "His heart has stopped!!" This was followed by the awkward, eerie and even disturbing sound of counting, "1... 2... 3... 4... 5... 6... 7..." Each second count was as if an eternity between. A voice distinct from the last hollered out, "Not this one... Not like Tamara!"
An incredibly powerful and moving beam of light took hold of the stillborn soul, and with the help of doctors in the emergency room, the baby began to breathe again! In fact, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. That distinct voice had been the baby's father, and as he approached his son, he said with a smile while trying his best to contain a tear, "We thought we had lost you, Mikey!"
Mike is born. Just wait until the end when you see how this all begins!
Counting Down the 80s Hits from 1982 - The Top 20 Songs of '82
Editor's Note: I might as well close out this chapter with Eddie Money's Baby Hold On.
Chapter list, per original plans:
Chapter 0: The Canal
Chapter 1: On Ruoff
Chapter 2: Grandfather's Time
Chapter 3: Trial Separation
Chapter 4: And The Rest...
Chapter 5: School of Life
Chapter 6: Last Christmas
Chapter 7: Dad's Requiem
Chapter 8: Grow Old Together
Chapter 9: Exit Stage Left
Chapter 01: The Canal (Reprise)
Chapter 11: The End... The Beginning