When Paul Blake sits across from John Wallace-a complete stranger to him-at the coffeehouse where Paul spends many of his solitary evenings, he has no idea that meeting John will transform his life. Over coffee, they discuss Paul's work interviewing prisoners and writing reports concerning their mental statuses, as well as John's science fiction magazine. Eventually their conversation leads to talk of wormholes and intelligent life in alternate universes, about which John seems to have exceptional knowledge. When John asks Paul if he would be interested in becoming a genuine hero, Paul expresses interest in the idea. John explains that there is an alternate universe where humans are being threatened by mutants-and the survival of mankind may depend on Paul. According to John, the technology of this alternate world includes a machine that appoints armor and weaponry strength based on each warrior's recent lifestyle. In preparation for his adventure, Paul begins his training on Earth so that he can advance his battle prowess on the other side of the wormhole. As Paul trains for and awaits his mission, he meets a stunning beauty who sees glimpses of the future. He joins a revolutionary group and discovers an original approach to dream interpretation. It's all just part of the waiting game as Paul Blake, average guy, becomes Paul Blake-man's last chance for survival.