Warning: This excerpt contains strong language and sexual situations.
When Matthew Mason reported to his job as a guard at the maximum security wing of the Romita Federal Correctional Complex, he knew it would be for the last time. As he sat in the car in the parking lot, he took deep breaths before pulling out his cell phone.
He brought up an app on his phone, disguised with an icon to make it look like Facebook. When he entered a special code, the phone turned black with a spinning wheel for a moment. Then the Monolith appeared on the screen.
He had never seen anything more of the Monolith than a domed gray helmet with two glowing slits for eyes. He didn't know much about the Monolith but he knew what he needed to know.
"Report," the Monolith said in a deep and booming voice.
Mason looked into the screen at the Monolith. "I'm ready."
The Monolith nodded. "Very well. Do you understand the importance of your mission?"
Mason nodded. "Yes, the Night Watchman must return. This is the way to draw him out."
"And do you understand your role?"
"Yes. I'll probably die."
"Good. Proceed."
The Monolith vanished from the screen, and Matthew hung up his phone.
