The music on the studio monitor faded away, and the voice of DJ Lane cut in. "Welcome to the small hours. This is your host, Lo-fi Lane, with you all through the night." Lane glanced at the window into the producer's booth. "And our phone lines are open. Call us any time on our number ... ." As Lane went through his patter, MJ checked the board in front of her. There were already flashing lights, indicating that the phone lines were busy with callers. "But first, here's a little something to get us in the mood." A soft rock ballad began playing, and then the studio intercom buzzed. "What you got for me, MJ?"

MJ flicked a switch on the panel in front of her. "Looks like we already got UFO Mike."

"Really? He's early."

"And Carla is waiting on line three."

Lane thought for a minute. "We led with her last night. We need to spread the love around."

MJ checked the caller display screen. "Well, we got a new guy on line two. Says his name's Lou."

"Sounds good." Lane nodded. "Let's go with Lou."

MJ gave him Lane a 'thumbs-up'. "Alright. You got him in ten, nine, eight ... "

And then Lo-fi Lane was back on the air. "And we're going to the phones. Our first caller is Lou. How ya doing, Lou?"

There was an echoing pause, then a gravel-filled voice spoke. "I'm good, thanks. First-time caller, long-time listener."

"There's always a first time." Lane shook his head. He had heard this opening line too many times. "So, do you want to tell us what's on your mind, Lou?"

"Well, I got this problem," the voice on the phone rumbled. "I've been working my job for a long time. Now, it's not a bad job. I get to meet people, spend time with them. But I also have to ... I have to make them do things."

"So, you're some kind of manager?"

"Not really." There was another echoing pause. "I guess people would say I'm more of an influencer? But it's what I have to make people do."

Lane glanced through the window at MJ, who gave him a puzzled shrug in return. "Like what?" the DJ asked.

"All sorts of things. Some if it is really petty - like taking the Lord's name in vain. But some of it is just wrong."

"So why do you do it?"

"Because I have this boss. A real psychopath. Claims to love people, but really just wants to be loved by everyone. And anyone who my boss doesn't like - ." There was a ragged sigh. "Let me tell you what my boss wanted done today ... "

Lane covered his microphone. "MJ - can we get this creep off? Before the authorities pull us for something?"

MJ jabbed at the controls. "I can't something's frozen them!"

Lou's voice came across the intercom. "No. I'm not going to let you cut me off. This is the first chance I've had to tell my side in six thousand years!"

The lights on MJ's board flashed.