Tales From the Hall of Stories

The Hall of Stories is a place almost every living being has been to, though most have only ever traveled there in their dreams or on heavy drugs. This has led many in the law enforcement profession to conclude that the great Halls are actually the construction of druggies on hallucinogens that has bled out into the imaginations of society. In fact, most government officials will publicly deny any knowledge of some "imaginary hall claimed to contain all stories ever told by anyone in the past, present and future."

Whether the Halls are a construction of drug hallucinations or based in reality, it doesn't keep you from actually being there in your physical body, totally conscious and completely sober.

Something you may have not known about the Hall of Stories, (before today, that is) is that there is always a Keeper. Someone to look out for both the stories in the places they've been placed but also to make sure anyone visiting the massive galleries is taken to the stories they seek.

It surprises you to see that the Keeper of the Stories appears to be quite young; acne all over his face, pale skin, and the ensemble is complete with his blue-collar shirt with a name-tag attached saying, "Hello, my name is," and nothing else. He is also, quite loudly, chewing gum.

"Yeah," he says upon seeing you, "Whad'ya want? Make it quick too, I'm on break." He seems to smack his gum loudly between each syllable.

"Um," you take a moment to gather your thoughts, "I'm just looking for some quick things to read, I guess."

"Ah, short stories is it?" The Keeper glances around, only to set his eyes on a giant switch on the wall below the words "DO NOT FLIP." The Keeper puts his hand below it and says, "I have just the thing for you. And it is called: 'Captain Ahab Versus the White Hole' *cough* and other short stories *cough*"

"Um," you're feeling a little confused, "What?"

"Trust me," the Keeper says. Then, before you can say anything else, he flips the switch marked 'DO NOT FLIP.'

The floor beneath you suddenly gives way and you both fall into darkness.