Aller gave a slight smirk. “Well, that’s your prerogative, of course. Normally our clientele is not concerned with how much it costs or getting the money back,” he glanced around my apartment, “but I understand not everyone is in the same financial position. Rest assured, if you complete Tier One and want a refund, you will get it, no questions asked.”

My head was buzzing as I asked the next question. “How much money did Terry spend on this?”

The man shrugged lightly. “I believe it was $600,000.00.”

****

and it's wond'rous when it sings,

The following week I was in a coldly-beautiful clinic in rural Iceland. The flight and accommodations were part of the service, I learned, and as I was ushered to my room, I found myself amazed by my surroundings. Everything was so white and clean, but more than that, I almost felt like I was on a spaceship from the time I stepped into the lobby of what could have just as easily been an exclusive, ultra-modern hotel.

Soft light emanated from the walls and ceiling, and nearly everything seemed to be seamlessly automated and voice-controlled. Ambient music played quietly in most of the halls, and underneath that, the almost inaudible hum of something that vibrated the air like a distant heartbeat. Over the next day, I was treated to wonderful food and strange but comfortable surroundings. The next afternoon it was time for the treatment.

I was taken into a room with a large padded chair, and while I saw several machines and banks of electronics along one wall, I had no real idea how any of it worked. I had been assured that the treatment required no surgery or physical implant, but simply amounted to the right combination of chemicals and the manipulation of electromagnetic fields. I was strapped down, but they said that was only to keep me still in case of mild muscle contractions.

Several people clad in white made preparations around the room as I was given multiple injections, and within a minute I felt myself beginning to fade out. I felt a last moment of dim panic, and found myself focusing on a dark spot on the otherwise pristine far wall, willing myself to stay awake and see what they were actually going to do me. I knew the thought made no sense, and within moments I was waking up back in my room. I looked at the clock and saw that actually six hours had passed.

It was then that I saw the guitar propped against the far wall.