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performed simply as a function of just the slightest variation of the conditions during
the plays, and those acts that were still intended to play themselves out in the “future”
role. Each role had numerous permutations regardless of its “past,” “future,” or “state of
energy” condition.
Sam could make each role present itself exclusively in the form of sound, taking on
qualities that would stun even the greatest of earthly musical connoisseurs. He could also
view his roles via combinations of a seemingly endless spectrum of colors. He was able to
access each role with ease and to any degree of detail he desired. It was a matter of acceler-
ation, deceleration, and the application of the simplest of all energy conversion techniques,
which despite its simplicity was still unknown to the humans. The technique that Sam
used in a most natural and almost nonchalant manner has eluded the most sophisticated
endeavors of their scientists, despite their continued quest for it.
Sam studied his many roles and assimilated their already played-out actualities and
the seemingly limitless but unrealized possibilities. He found it relaxing and refreshing
to switch between the different types of energy states in viewing the roles. Yet, he knew it
was all prep, a rehearsal. No amount of study of any of his earthly roles could ultimately
prepare him for the experience before him once the curtain was drawn upon his final act.
He almost quivered with a degree of anticipation. Still, the prep was in order for his
upcoming play, as he knew he was not quite finished.
As part of the preparation and rehearsal, Sam was able to access the collective essence
of roles other than his own. He could view the numerous acts of many others like himself,
as well as any particular condition or aspect of human knowledge, history, or experience
that was of interest to him. He mused again. They’ve come a long way from what they call
the prehistoric ages to the modern times. But what’s blocking them from the realization of
who they really are? He sighed. Time and space, what else?
Sam was able to function in many dimensions and move through them at will. One of
his favorites, the “memory” dimension that he frequently visited, had a replica of all the
content ever produced and recorded in any type of written, printed, graphic, audio, or
video form by the earthlings. It was a replica native to that dimension, having naught to
do with the bulkiness of the printed matter, the audio and video media, or even the clum-
siness of their digitized counterparts. Not unlike Sam’s many roles, the collective earthly
content was a multistate energy forcefield. He could scan through it effortlessly, organize
it, and sort it at will according to the most exotic criteria known by earthly standards.
The digitization of printed matter, voice, and images and the use of software they refer
to as search engines were but crude approximations of his capabilities. In the “memory”
dimension he scanned the combined achievements of earthly science, literature, philoso-
phy, history, and more. He was most interested in the continuing evolution of their concept
of time, their efforts at universal forms of communication through their modern computer
networks, and their search for a unifying force behind what they call the four fundamental
forces of nature: gravity, electromagnetism, and the strong and weak nuclear forces. In
attempting to share any new insights with them, he knew he was facing an uphill struggle
CHAPTER 1 ■ MULTIPLE VIEWS OF TIME 5