I’d reached a point in time where finances weren’t a struggle any longer. Through long years of hard work, I’d reached a point where my finances exceeded my needs. So I got cable. At first, I went with the basic package, but as I watched more and more, I needed to expand my selections to experience all cable had to offer. From 150+ channels I went past 200. Then 3. Then 4. Five and six came faster as my appetite for entertainment spiraled out of control. Then came 666.

     I’m not a religious man, but that number made me pause. Should I? I smiled.  Again, I’m not a religious man. So  I punched in 666. Static. White noise. Slowly, images started to form on the screen. A thin, tall man, dressed in a tux, leaned in a doorway.

     “Hello, David.”

     “What?”

     “Hello David.”

      Behind him, the door blazed red.  Heat emanated from the screen, as if the TV was a duct from some unseen furnace.

    ” Welcome.”

      “To?”

      “The boldest channel in programming.” He waved his right arm in a sweep. Even the universe was involved.

      ”The most innovative approach to home-based entertainment you will ever see.”

       Sweeping both arms, he included even the unknown.

       His features were dark. A face I’ve seen before. “Who are you?”

     “William Zachariah Bubalosky. I shortened it to Bill Z Bub, although it’s often misspelled.” He damned near twirled his mustache. Behind him in the flames, figures writhed in agony.

     “You know I’m an atheist.” I said.

     “Excuse me.” He actually managed to look confused.

     ”I don’t believe in God, so it follows that I don’t believe in you.”

     “Ah. Do you believe in chess?” A board appeared between us. “I find discussing philosophies much more interesting while playing a challenging game of wit and war.” His smile was almost real.

       So they played, David calling his moves, Bill physically moving his. They talked of evolution,  theology, ethics and morals. Finally, David saw his chance.

     “You make a good argument.” He smiled at Bill,”By the way, checkmate.”

     Bill smiled back. What had once been David dissolved into part of the billions of particles that make up the universe.

     “Atheist my ass.”