E Being

"E Being" by James Stamers is a science fiction story written in the early 1960s. This imaginative tale explores themes of energy, existence, and the human experience through the lens of an individual who transforms into an "e being" after traveling at light speed. It examines the implications of this transformation, both on the protagonist and the fabric of reality itself. The narrative follows the protagonist, who becomes an e being—a form of life based on energy rather than matter—after a space travel accident. Floating in a strange, energy-filled realm, he encounters other similar beings and soon realizes the implications of his new state of existence. As he navigates his new environment, he unwittingly consumes the energy of nearby humans, leading to chaotic consequences. The story culminates in the protagonist being captured in a Leyden jar by Doctor McPherson, who has suspicions about the source of the strange disturbances caused by the protagonist's actions. Ultimately, the tale explores the balance between energy and existence, the unpredictability of technology, and the ethical dilemmas of consumption, all while maintaining a humorous yet cautionary tone.