Speaking Dolphin

By Michael Sustrick

This is the incredible tale of a person born to two worlds. “M's” freaky communication abilities cause a crisis in the power corridors of a greedy corrupt secret society. The lethargic public doesn’t want to hear about evil among them. The religious community, the government, Hollywood, Rock and Rock, and Wall Street all create a circus from hell around M. Speaking Dolphin asks the question of what if there were telepathics amongst us? This bio styled story starts in the early 60's with hyper-sexual encounters on a Hollywood back lot that flows into bloody murder in Rock and Roll in the 70's. M's struggles against the powers-that-be produces evil beyond description; and his second world, conjures up beauty beyond comprehension. This story coming up to present day enlightens us to completely new explanation to why the world is the way it is.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michael Sustrick
• Release date: Sep 16, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465955777

Michael Sustrick

Michael Sustrick worked as a screenwriter in Los Angeles, California under a few pen names for twenty years. Speaking Dolphin is his first novel. He currently lives in Geneva, Switzerland

Book preview

Speaking Dolphin

By Michael Sustrick

Published by Michael Sustrick at Smashwords

Copyright 2011 Michael Sustrick

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of contents

Chapter 1 The Sunday before X

Chapter 1M Soft World

Chapter 2 Speak Dolphin?

Chapter 2M The Roar of the Mouse

Chapter 3 Stairway to Heaven

Chapter 3M A World of Their Own Making

Chapter 4 The Green Room

Chapter 4M Dream Gang

Chapter 5 Three as One

Chapter 5M Lost to the Continuum

Chapter 6 The Music Job

Chapter 6M Remembrance

Chapter 7 A Ton of Shit

Chapter 7M Red Means Stop

Chapter 8 Little Blonde Pistol

Chapter 8M No Word for No

Chapter 9 Dream No Dream

Chapter 9M Charlie's Walk

Chapter 10 No Good Byes

Chapter 10M Big Grin

Chapter 11 A Bullet for Jackson

Chapter 11M Heaven's Porpoise

Chapter 12 Freebird

Chapter 12M Best of You

Chapter 13 Symphony of One

Chapter 13M The Unthinkable

Chapter 14 A Rip in the Sky

Chapter 14M M & M

Chapter 15 So It is Written

Foreword

When I began to write this novel, I quickly found it was impossible to use a standard format. The density and complexity of this material required I employ some unusual techniques. Some of this material deals with multiple streams of consciousness. To forward this idea in readers mind physically, I used addendum chapters to the regular chapters with an M designation. That is to say, I added smaller addendum chapters to the regular chapters that dealt with the same material or time frame; but, from a different perspective. I wanted to physically split the different perspectives; but, tied them with the same number ie… Chapter One (reality) and Chapter One M (alternative reality).

In addition to duality, this material deals with telepathy. I employed these brackets {} to denote non-verbal communication unless otherwise specified such as the M chapters. This book is about a person. This book is also not about a person. Many readers first reaction to this story could be something along the lines of: totally egocentric, an ego fest, or the definition of self absorb. They would be absolutely correct, on the most basic infantile level. To get anything relevant from this material, the reader must think of protagonist as a reaction to madness. You must think of Michael as a conduit that has formed between two worlds. He is a person and everyone, at the same time.

Finally, this book was produced under less than ideal circumstances without the benefit of an editor. An edited second edition print/ebook will be published within six months. Please excuse the few typos and mistakes that my limited time didn't allow to be cleaned from this manuscript.

Preface

The world in not what it seems. A common enough phrase; but, what does it mean? What if the physical world you know was a lie? Yes, dogs bark and the sun rises. What if the way you experience the world was a concoction of centuries of society’s missteps, mistakes, and compromises? What if every child was born with an innate ability to experience more of than the physical world? This ability being something similar to the animal’s instinct; but, much more powerful. What if leaders over the years thought this ability was a danger to the stability of the masses? What if society decided it was best to suppress and isolate this ability? What if peer pressure as well as other techniques was successful in making this ability dormant in vast majority of people?

Among the regular populations of the world are people with telepathic abilities. These people with telepathic abilities call themselves Tuners. The tuners have the ability speak to other tuners with their minds. They, for the most part, mirror the general population with a wide array personalities and dispositions. While the majority of people have the potential ability tune, society suppresses it considering this ability akin to witchcraft as well as dangerous. The only people that tune are the ones that are compelled to do so; and, figure it out on their own despite warnings from others. There is certain groups of tuning individuals that can help or force the non-tuning people to tune for special circumstances. The ones that perform these rituals are usually religious leaders or advance tuners. The only people that are exempt to these circumstances are the individuals called faceless which are incapable of tuning.

When tuners first start tuning or come to the attention of the tuning community; they are forced to accept an extremely harsh set of rules called Old Ways or face punishment. The punishment can be banishment or worse. The secret community that tuners find them selves in does not in any way look like the world as you know it. It is a highly controlled and vicious society. In the days of old, the people with this ability were forced to hide or be burned at the stake. Some of these people; call them Dark Tuners, have used this advantage to grab power and wealth over centuries. These unenlightened individuals gained power through wealth and conspiracy; in opposition, to the individuals that gain power through merit, talent, or wisdom. The dark tuners have managed to exert an influence far exceeding their numbers. To this date and time, the majority of this community has failed to challenge this dark group to change the way they are govern. However, since the numbers of tuners is increasing, this group’s power is beginning to weaken.

You may think... well, if there were as many of these tuners around, the press would have exposed that fact by now. Wrong, how do think the media moguls became moguls? The jobs in media are very competitive and highly paid. Only too easy to control; and, the dark tuners make examples of people on a regular basis. This inner circle has the rest of the community convinced that if they even try to expose them, a fate worse than death will befall them. In addition, exposing them is not as easy as you may think. What if two tuners just go to the police and demo their abilities? That would work if the government wasn't involved. Above all, the government has to keep certain information secret from its enemies. This was all the premise needed for the feds to jump into this community with both feet; and, we all know the influence of money and Wall Street has on the government. It's a kind of Mexican stand off. The government doesn't want what it's been doing to tuners in it's labs for decades to come out; and, the media titans don't want to risk jail or worse. Even with a vast conspiracy, how could these people have remained invisible for so long? What is the unifying factor of all of these very different peoples? Exposure equals witch hunt. One thing in human history is clear; humans fear the unknown. Fear, in turn, breeds contempt. So, while most of the community hates their dark leaders as well as the injustice of this system, they are powerless to change things. This is not to say they do nothing. Pop culture is a billboard for this community hiding in plain sight. If you look around you will find it everywhere. Take the X-files and substitute tuners for aliens. The X men uses exaggeration to hide its true meaning. The artistic community is saying we are here and we want to come out of this dark closet.

There is a plethora of commentary and dialog in the media by tuners, but it is subtle. The authors of this material judge themselves by how much they can get away with. Most of this material is dialog between interests in the tuning community. A lot of the time, the messages have double meanings. The messages will have a meaning in the straight world as well as in the tuning world. To know what they are talking about, you need know specifics on what is going on in the tuning community. The arts are the agents of change. Wall Street is direct opposite. The wealthy unenlightened ones don't want to rock the boat while they are making money and controlling the game. The starkest example of the clash between these two groups was in 1933. One of the more open minded and moderate of the Wall Street clan Nelson Rockefeller commissioned Diego Rivera to do a mural for the lobby of RCA Building in New York. The mural had a group of older white men mentally controlling and restricting the future of the people. The public’s reaction to the painting was a little mixed with some thinking it was a little left wing and strange; but, all agreeing that it was a handsome mural beautifully rendered with intriguing colors. Rivera had install murals in other major cities that were more politically controversial than this work. Without any explanation, the day after it was unveiled, Rockefeller had the mural dismantled and taken away.

Late in the 1950's, a group of directors in France challenged the powers that be with films that were heavily influenced by Surrealism. These filmmakers’ perception of the world was radically different from the norm at the time as well as openly calling for change. The French New Wave, as they were later known as, had a profound effect on Europe and European film making. This movement was widely disregarded in the United States. Unfortunately for humanity, Hollywood is run by accountants. While writers and directors fight the good fight offering clues, no film has been made about tuners unless heavily disguised as science fiction. For what seems such an obvious and simple plot idea; why has no film addressed the possibility of telepaths in a real world setting? In film’s century of history, the subject has hardly been touched. Certainly, no film has ever depicted a real world with telepaths. In other words, no film has depicted telepathic communication between normal people in a current time frame without them being mutants, aliens, twins, or victims of some sort of experiment. Just an odd fact or rules imposed by the dark tuners?

At this point it is necessary to define tuners in more detail. To some degree, everyone can tune a little bit. You have intuition. Even animals and insects have it. Science can not explain how creatures in the animal kingdom behave strangely before earthquakes except to call it intuition. Similarly, some animals start to leave areas of the forest ahead of a forest fire before they could possibly sense smoke or heat. These creatures are sensitive to a yet unexplained energy in nature. On a very basic level, this could be called tuning. Sensitive humans use this energy to hear other tuners and learn to speak back. The farther away the other party is, the harder it is to tune with them. Talking to another tuner on the phone helps with long distance tuning. Tuning is a very pleasurable experience and can provide more intimacy than sex. The vast majority of tuners' abilities are limited to just being able to communicate with each others. However, when tuners get together, a more advanced and experience tuner can use their collective power to do more exotic things. Just as in the regular world, when many people get involved in something, it gets messy.

Tuning can occur in almost any setting. The religious call the average tuner a good instrument of god. A very good instrument would be an above average tuner. And excellent or extraordinary instrument is reserved for the truly gifted. Many tuning events can go unnoticed to the non-tuning public. Of course, a tuning event in a church would naturally be more philosophical and well mannered than cocktail party on Wall Street. The nature of the business community tuning events could be comparable to three year old kids trying to take each others toys; and often, gets extremely ugly. It is a little piece of hell the greedy have created for themselves. Since the government has taken control of any serious research in the field, science is basically sitting on sidelines until circumstances change.

The media is the most highly organized group in the tuning world. Film, stage, music, publishing, and television together form the biggest player in real world as well as that of the tuners. As big a player as this group is; it is still beholding to business and the government. Tuning is common place on the studio lot and the stage. The black sheep of this group is music. While directors, writers, and actors that tune have created a community that is somewhat well mannered, music is a snake pit that rivals the business community for vicious cut-throat behavior. Rock and roll has got a reputation for being a satanic community over the years. This reputation was well earned. While there are good people in music, the atmosphere of the community can only be described as a hell hold for tuners and non-tuners alike. How this creative group became this diseased slum of the art world is unknown; but, no one knows what to do about it. It is impossible to look at tuners separately from the society they are interwoven into. In general, getting a group of people to do what is in their own interest or the right thing more times than not, is like herding cats.

This story begins in an average back yard in California where three children are playing. One of these kids was born so different that the powers-that-be will treat him as a lab rat torturing him for decades until they think he is burnt out and of no use to them anymore. While the child knows this will be his fate, he does not care and only yearns to live a normal life being treated like other people. The boy is the key to strange new science that makes the space program look like tinker toys. The exotic science has to do with an unclassifiable energy that is tied to the natural flow of space time. Out of this Pandora box, the powers-that-be can only see the Holy Grail for wealth and control. The only thing standing in their way is a group of senior tuners called High Levels and this odd little boy. Despite dire warnings from the boy, the High Levels, other scientists, and their own test results, this group will recklessly pursue this God-like prize putting every living creature on the planet at risk of vaporizing into oblivion without a second thought. I wish I could impart some sense of hope to you; but, the sad truth is the animal called human continues it’s short sighted rule much in the same way.

Every creature on earth ability to perceive reality is limited by its senses to gather information. There are people among you sounding a warning and preparing to leave. You can ignore them telling yourself that there is no smoke and heat, or you can turn the page and read on.

Chapter 1 ~The Sunday before X~

It is a windy crisp Sunday in the autumn of 1963 in a small Californian town. Three young boys play in the backyard of an average house on a quiet street called Marilyn. The children hardly notice when an imposing, stocky man appears, barking about their bicycles which are strewn about yard. As the rigid balding forty something Father-figure in a red plaid shirt and khaki pants complains while picking up the bikes, one of the boys stops and begins starring directly at the bright morning sun. One of the other boys’ comments on the five year old Mikie gazing upward; and, his Father tells him to stop. This brown haired boy with piercing green eyes looks like any other boy; except, this child very different from any human being living on the planet. This boy has a rich imagination that sometimes spills over into the real world. His brothers and sisters have become accustom to seeing magical things going on around him; not to mention, the child sometimes just vanishes right before there eyes.

Mikie explains it as sometimes the world goes to sleep while I’m awake. On this day, the child knows something is going happen. The air is electric and he can feel vibrations in his bones. The boy, now with both arms stretching out as if to catch a big ball, does not heed the warning. The child can tune in strangely familiar voices from his dreams like a radio. Behind this peaceful little face looking skyward; Mikie can’t quite make out what the dream people are saying. The Father repeats himself with an I mean it. Finally, the Father throws down the bike marching up to the child; and, orders him to stop.

The child can see something that looks like a column of light right next the sun. It's as if the column is hiding in the light of the sun. As the aberration draws closer, it begins to have affects on the ground in advance of its arrival. The birds in the trees spook; and, take to wing leaving the area. The column is coming down like a silent freight train. The earth begins to tremble. The child, with arms still outstretched is not wary; but, welcomes the event with anticipation. The world goes to sleep. The leaves in the trees still their rustling. The child’s Father and siblings become frozen like a photograph. The light that is not light lands around Mikie like the blast of a jet engine. The child receives an extremely large message in an instant. He replies with a positive hand gesture as to say he is up to the task. The column dissipates.

From his Father’s perspective, the event that just happened appears only as bright flash of light. The sun is warm replies the boy. With these words, a brilliant flash of light explodes around the boy and ripples out like a shock wave. With dogs all over the neighborhood barking, the Father struggles to absorb what just occurred. The birds that were spook at first, now flock to where the column was flying in a spiral. What in the hell was that? exclaims the neighbor from behind the back fence. Hey Colonel, that wasn’t something from the base? Was it? he adds. No, nothing’s going on at the base today. I don’t know. Looked like something natural not military. I wouldn’t worry about it the Colonel replies. While the neighbor comforts a woman in the next yard over that it is not the Russians, the two other boys join the Colonel and the Mikie. One of the other boys curiously observes Hey look, Mikie’s glowing. Mikie has just received a message larger than the entire library of the congress in a fraction of a second. In an instant, the child knows everyone he will meet in his life will be forced to betray him in attempt to learn what he now knows. He can trust no one. The Colonel suddenly becomes cross, telling the two other kids to shut up and go play as he sternly drags Mikie by the arm through the garage back door.

The air in the garage is hyper serene, but the Colonel being upset, doesn’t notice. The mysterious atmosphere agrees with the boy. The boy and the Colonel begin a conversation without spoken words. They convey thoughts telepathically with an occasional word or gesture to confirm what was tuned in the real world. {Do you know what that was?} asks the Father. {Yes, a very big friend told me a tale. And this tale wags} (he moves one of his arms like a tail). This is a form of talking that is a hybrid of sign language and a word game that the boy frequently uses to denote multiple meanings or levels for the same words, but the Colonel doesn’t understand. The boy continues {it’s like a story but it’s not a story; and, it’s a story that changes all the time.} {Tell me everything right now before it changes} insists his Father. {It’s many many seconds long and changes many many times every second. And it’s a book that only I can read} declares the boy in a matter of fact way. {Uh, uh, damn, uh, Okay. How many seconds? Does the sun go down?} The boy raises his right hand up with his palm down. {What does that mean?} quizzes the Colonel. {It means many, or big depending on how you use it} says the boy. {Roger that. So, does the moon come and go in the story?} continues the Father. The boy raises his hand indicating many. {Okay, it’s longer than month. Does Santa Claus come and go?} The boy raises his hand again. {Good God! Many years and it changes many times a second. You aren’t playing a prank on your Father? Is that the truth?} The boy nods yes. Becoming uncomfortable, the Father continues {can the story fit into just one decade?} The boy shakes his head no and raises his hand once again.

{Jesus Christ!} the Colonel acts like someone smashed his foot with a hammer. {No, no.} He begins stomping about. The Colonel is somewhat familiar with these types of events and knows what the boy is telling him is without precedent as well as being extremely dangerous. Standing and rubbing his head he offers {okay… uh, okay, I don’t want you to ever repeat that to anyone… ever, no matter what. Do you understand?} The boy complies {yes.} {The reason I don’t want to tell anyone is that my superiors already know about you. Remember all the officers at the base club that used to show you a lot attention and said you were the special one. Well, the military has special soldiers that can predict things in the future. They predicted something would happen. I don’t know how much they know; but, I’m going to have to bring you to the base now, orders.} {They know nothing and no, I won’t go to base} states the boy. {You don’t understand. Soldiers can’t pick and choose what orders to obey. I have to obey… uh, uh… okay; we’re going to play a game. This game is called soldier. I want you to stand at attention.}

The Colonel marches over to the boy and delivers a vicious backhand that knocks him to the ground while stating {we are going to the base.} The boy springs back to feet and shakes his head no. The Colonel repeats the brutal blows a dozens times with increasing intensity; then, he asks the boy {why is your face not swollen, or even red?} {I'm quick} answers the boy. The Father grabs small boy by the neck with his massive left hand lifting him a good two feet off the ground. He looks at the watch on his other hand, begins shaking it, and then drops the boy. {You got lucky. My watch isn’t working.} {Your watch isn’t broke… look outside} replies the boy. Looking out the window, the Colonel asks {okay, what did you do to your brothers?} {Nothin’, they’re fine but I have this special hyper thing sometimes… and you’re with me. I call it manikin land} replies the boy.

The Colonel’s mood becomes more calm with {Manikin land, huh. The military calls it God’s time or a dilation event. It happens once in a while, mostly in combat. I’ve been here once before, but that is classified and so is this. Look son, I don’t want to take you to the base; but if I don’t, they will send military intelligence officers with orders to pick you up} pleads his Father. {Those MI (pronounced like my) guys are stupid. They don’t matter} the boy states plainly and makes upside down letter v with his hands while shaking his head side to side. {What does that mean? No steeple... no steeple… no steeple? You want me to say no to my orders on religious grounds.} Mikie brings his index finger to his nose. {Well, that might buy you some time. Not a word about this to anyone. I have a phone call to make. Okay, slow down} orders the Colonel. The boy goes into a limp slump and the sound of his brothers playing can suddenly be heard. As his Father walks into houses he tells the children to stay in the back yard today.

The phone is ringing as the he comes into the kitchen. Hello, Colonel Smith here….how are you? John…. Yes sir… you’re in the office, yes sir… well, I changed my mind about coming in today… on religious grounds… it’s Sunday… calm down Colonel… I will be happy to speak to those gentlemen at oh eight hundred tomorrow sir… look, look… John…. look, you want to write me up… do so, but my mind is made up… good day sir. What are you doing? asks his wife from the kitchen table. Why are you getting your CO’s back up? Why not just go in today? she asks with concern. Never mind, I am going into garage for an hour and I don’t want to be disturbed. Going into the garage, he tells the kids to not bug him for an hour. About thirty minutes later the Colonel’s wife comes out and goes in the garage. The kids can see their Father is cleaning a 45 caliber pistol through the open door as he says in angry voice God damn it, do you not understand English! But we are going miss church? his wife nervously replies. We’re not going to church today the Colonel adds as she leaves and closes the door.

That evening, the Colonel, his wife, and their six kids are around kitchen table eating dinner in silence. Mikie nervously notes there is car outside. Just eat your dinner the Colonel replies. From outside, they can hear swearing followed by a loud bang just as a cabinet by the back door explodes splinters. The Colonel jumps up, orders everyone to stay seated, and storms out the back door. Mikie calmly continues to eat as the rest of the family is bewildered as to what just happened. Barking holster that God damn weapon, now! the Colonel gets nose to nose with a young lieutenant in civilian clothes standing by the passenger side of an unmarked base car. The other lieutenant, the driver, can only watch as the Colonel, who is double the width of his friend and known for his temper, verbally assaults with such ferocity as to sandblast his colleague’s face right off his head. While dressing down a subordinate is a very familiar exorcise to any soldier, especially Intel officers who are known for mental toughness, this event is orders of magnitudes above anything they have ever seen. This is not a drill. This is deadly serious combat. The Colonel has turned into a raging red face hulk foaming at the mouth and riding the edge of reason. After a litany of physical threats and personal insults, the Colonel drops down a notch to twenty years in Leavenworth. But sir, there was real threat, I used muzzle discipline…five or six big German Shepherds attacked us… they jumped right at us… pleads the young lieutenant. I can confirm that sir. They were vicious. I don’t know where they went…. it’s like… they just disappeared adds the driver. The Colonel looks down at his lawn half dozen big dogs? Huh, where are their tracks, moron. I just watered this lawn. The lieutenant spits out I can’t explain it, sir. They were there…

Are you alright? Colonel comes from across the street. It’s a neighbor and fellow WW II vet who looks concerned. The Colonel shifts gears with Yes, I am fine; Tom, just a little mishap. Well that is good to hear. You know I have a houseful of kids over here as well. But if everything’s alright… Tom adds. While the Colonel is reassuring his neighbor that this will never happen again, the two Intel officers attention turns to a disturbance down the street. The neighbor interrupts the Colonel with is that a German Shepherd? Down the block, two men in suits are violently thrashing about and swearing inside their sedan. The second gun shot explodes out of the front windshield of their sedan. Everyone ducks except the Colonel. The MI driver asks the neighbor if he saw big dog? Uh, I saw something but I am not sure what Tom answers. Jesus Christ! They attacked them right through the windshield observes the other soldier. The Colonel glares in silence at the two suits as they gingerly start their car and slowly creep down the quiet lane. As their car passes, the MI driver delivers a parting shot at his rivals it’s called a safety, numb nuts, maybe you should try using it sometime. The two men pale as sheets and cringing down don’t acknowledge them and drive away.

Oh eight hundred, my office orders the Colonel. Yes sir, Colonel and the MI’s skulk away. Did anybody hear something like dogs fighting? asks the widow from next door. It was just a little disturbance, Evelyn. I took care of it answers the Colonel. Oh, okay… you know my Mark has seen those two suits in the sedan hanging around a couple of times in the last week offers Evelyn. Really, that’s useful to know. If your son sees them again or anything else that looks funny, you let me know. I will look into it says the Colonel. Same goes for me, Colonel. We’re on your side adds Tom. God bless, Ed Evelyn says going back into her house. Good night Evelyn….Tom the Colonel says as he looks up at cloudy night sky to the sound of a couple of dogs barking in the distance.

The Colonel sits like a statue at his kitchen table. His body drained all energy with a storm raging in his head. This day he has thrown away a brilliant military career, almost committed cold blood murder, and drawn a line in sand that leaves some extremely ruthless people, no other option but to kill him. You did well, Colonel comments Mikie like what just happened was child’s play. A slight grin begins to creep onto the Colonel’s stoic face with really. I told you the MI guys don’t matter adds Mikie. The oldest child a red-head 10 year old girl with thick glasses JoAnn, chimes in with did somebody say something about dogs out there… because I know something about that. What do you know? asks her Father. Well, Mikie told us if we do something really bad or tried to really hurt him, the doggies not doggies will get us. Mikie, why didn’t you tell me about this? questions his Father. Couldn’t, it’s against the rules. Bad things happen when you break the rules. The little guys told me that the child blurts out while continuing to eat. Mikie has insisted that he has little cartoon-like friends that only he and the two younger children can see that communicate with an odd sign language. Again with the little guys… well, how long have the doggies been around? his Father prods. Uh, they have always been around… I think. When I was really young, I could only see ‘em out of the corner of my eye because they would always hide in the shadows. But last Easter, they came into my room with puppies not puppies, and we’ve been friends ever since. They come around like once a day and smell me. No dogs in the house… especially, big furry ones… I hate those… I really hate those ones… they growl all the time... adds Mrs. Smith in very disconnected manner like she is drunk.

Yeah, yeah, Mom we know. What did those guys want? asks JoAnn. The youngest boy Marky sitting next to Mikie looks up and says Doggie, I see a doggie. Hey, he’s right, a big dog. He’s trying to get into that cabinet adds Stevie on Mikie’s other side. What? the Colonel looks up and turns to get a glimpse of something by the door. No dogs in house. Somebody left the front door open prattles Mrs. Smith. Did you see that doggie Dad? Man, they’re fast… all of a sudden, he was gone comments Stevie. I don’t know… I saw something says his Father. Go close the front door, Ed nags Mrs. Smith. The Colonel throws down his napkin, goes to front door; opens and closes it, and then comes back to table. Once the doggies get to know you, you’ll see ‘em adds Mikie. What did those guys want? JoAnn again asks. They wanted to take your little brother away the Father’s words hit like a bombshell. Marky breaks the pregnant pause with we won’t let ‘em Mikie. Shut up Marky, they are coming for you next Stevie snipes. Marky gets scared and climbs under the table. Their Father slaps Stevie on the head and tells Marky to get back in chair. Why? asks JoAnn. Mikie is very different from other boys answers her Father. Mikie looks under the table and says hey Marky, it’s alright the doggies will protect you. Marky returns to his chair. You are not going to let them take him? Are you? Dad pleads JoAnn. No, nobody is going to take Mikie, darling. I don’t want talk about this anymore tonight. Tomorrow there’s going to be new rules in this house the Colonel says as he gets up, grabs a beer from the fridge, and goes into the other room. Man! Strange day, everybody has been acting weird…. except unflappable dog boy over there notes JoAnn.

It is Monday morning and the kids are all eating their breakfast. Their Father briefly appears telling Mikie he’s going to take him to kindergarten before he goes to work. Leaving his breakfast half eaten, Mikie leaves with his Dad. In the car, the Colonel explains that something major has been going on over the last year. The special soldiers he talked about before have all been taken to a secret place. They have been breathing down his neck about his special son Michael, for the last six months. He assures Mikie they will not take no, as an answer. What those men want to do to me, isn’t nice. I don’t like it and the doggies not doggies don’t like it either. You tell them I will never go into a lab. If they try again, bad things will happen Mikie proposes in a perky boy manner. Son, these are very serious men. Threatening them might not be wise counters the Colonel. Not a threat, just information. It will be okay. You’ll see. You’ll have help. Uh, look son, do you know what this is about? Mikie crosses his arms to make a X. Uh X, a X in math is the unknown… Mikie shakes no. Uh… X also means… change? Mikie nods yes. Okay, change but what kind of change? Mikie salutes. It has something to do with the military? Mikie shakes his head no with you will figure it out later. Remember, when the doggies not doggies’ growl: do nothing. The Colonel continues does the doggies not doggies real name start with a W? Mikie nods yes. You know your Dad didn’t mean anything with that soldier game yesterday. Yeah, I know. It’s alright. I’m tough, but you should call me Michael from now on.

The young Michael is walking down the school hallway that afternoon when the principal tells him not to take the bus; his Father called, he will pick him up. The Colonel is waiting at the entrance when the boy walks out. They are driving away when Michael notices and stares at a man in a sedan. Do you know that man? The Colonel asks. Never seen him before… but he’s like those MI guys answers Michael. How do you know that? The Colonel sternly probes. The boy puts his palms up to say I don’t know. The Colonel becomes cross and slaps Michael hard across the face. This isn’t a game. I asked you a question. The boy now upset says nothing. They drive in silence for awhile. I am sorry I slapped you…. something happened today the Colonel concedes. Are you going to answer my question now? I don’t know…. I guessed… the license plate… two way radio antenna… the way he was dressed… because of last night explains the boy. Oh, that makes sense…. those sons of… uh, one the government scientist I reported to today died. Officially, they are calling it a heart attack; but actually, he was killed right in front of two Generals, another scientist, and me by the doggies not doggies. The government guys are angry. They think you had something to do with it… did you? What? No, the wolves listen good. It was meant to happen counters Michael. So, you didn’t tell them to kill that man Michael shakes no. Well, who do they listen good to? The boy raises his hand. Your big friend… the one that gave you the story that changes? The boy nod yes. Oh, I don’t know what do... this just doesn’t make any sense his Father frets.

As they drive through the small town that is near the base, the Colonel sees people that know him, and he waves. Why did you remind me about the doggies this morning when I dropped you off? Did you know this was going happen? His Father asks and boy nods yes. God Damn it! Why didn’t you tell me? I couldn’t, it was against the rules answers Michael. Son, that man had a family. He had a boy just a little older than you. That little boy is going to have grow up without a Father the Colonel reasons. So what; he was bad man and he was attacking me. The wolves were just protecting me Michael coldly blurts out. Well, that is true. Uh, do your Dad a favor… when we are talking around other people, call ‘em doggies. I’ve been ordered to start your military training immediately. We are supposed to start tomorrow. You will be paid a private’s salary to start. It’s going directly into your college fund. You will be the youngest ever to get such training. By almost ten years. It won’t be fun. God help us. Yeah, it’s alright. I am tougher than you think the small child asserts. There is one more thing before you agree. We are Catholic. I phoned the bishop from my office today. He talked to a special school run by Jesuits. They agreed to take you. I don’t think you understand what military training really is. I think it would be better if you left and went to school with them his Father sincerely offers. It won’t work. The government would just come and get me. Plus, the story isn’t religious. My story, I mean. That was clear Michael sadly puts forward. The boy’s mind races as he watches the autumn leaves curl around their big station wagon traveling down a bright tree-lined street.

Tuesday morning, the six kids are bickering at the breakfast table when their Father comes in. Hurry up or you will be late for school… bacon and eggs please says the Colonel. Why aren’t you in uniform Daddy? asks JoAnn. I am not going in today… I’m going to be working from home for a while… so is Michael announces the Father. The table erupts with confusion. Their Father is number two at a large Air Force base and the family’s life has always revolved around him going to work during the week as well as many weekends. The Colonel never takes days off. One of kids asks if he got fired. No, I didn’t get fired… look, I don’t know how long … a week maybe… or possibly a month he struggles to explain. Who will run the base? asks the oldest boy Buddy. That’s all taken cared of… don’t worry about it… I am going to be on call and doing some paper work from here, as well as spending some time with your little brother. If Mikie spends too much time at home, he won’t get into the first grade next year adds Stevie. It’s alright. I am going to be teaching him while he’s at home. But Dad what can you teach him? You’re a soldier asks JoAnn. With Stop the lip, little lady and finish your breakfast the Father ends the discussion.

After breakfast, the three older kids are off to school, the Colonel’s wife is out for the day to the beauty saloon and shopping. The two younger kids are being baby sat at Evelyn’s next door. The Colonel is starring intensely through big reading glasses at paper work on a TV cart from his easy chair, flanked by two brief cases. Strip dogface! barks the Colonel at Michael standing at attention a few feet away. Should I…. stutters Michael. God damn it! Don’t question my orders. Just do it, now rips the Colonel. The boy strips. Okay, what were going to ask? he relents. You are always yelling at me for leaving my clothes on the floor, sir states the boy. Look, this is a standard induction. I have to go through a list and fill out all this paper work by this afternoon when the base is going to send a car or this deal could go blow up in my face the Colonel explains. I am legally required to do a physical exam and then we’ll have to get into the contract. The Colonel does a quick walk around exam, then measures Michael’s height, weight, and puts all ten of his fingerprints on a form. Get dressed orders the Colonel while continuing to fill out forms.

Okay, that looks good. Now, the contract… Michael, take this and read it. He takes the legal document and stares at it. You are allowed to question. Feel free to ask anything… oh, at ease the Colonel rattles off. After five minutes, the Colonel again prompts the boy this is important. You should ask me questions. The boy puts his finger to the page and asks what is jew-is-dy-shon. I think you mean jurisdiction… what are you doing with your finger? asks the Colonel. I am sounding out the word. offers the boy in a shaky voice. Christ, you just started kindergarten. You are just learning to read discovers the Colonel. God… oh, I got an idea the Colonel jumps up and goes to kitchen phone. Colonel Smith here, I hit a snag. The kid just started school. He hasn’t learned to read yet. He can’t read his own contract… No, No, I know… not to get a breach... but grounds for a postponement… six months… a year… can you try? Thanks. He hangs up and goes to the window. Five minutes later the phone rings. Yes… oh, well… yes sir, I can verbally explain… bit your head off, huh… sounds painful counselor… I appreciated it… yes sir, we are getting through it… I will call back.

The Colonel, face drained of color, sits back down in his chair. Okay, gets this over with. Pull up a chair. You know the government doctors wanted to bring you to their hospital. They said you are disturbed and a danger to the public. But that’s not true Michael injects. I know that…that’s just what they are saying to get what they want. That isn’t a surprise. The fact they are trying to push this thing through so fast when you are so young is a mystery. I don’t understand that. Do you know what extra legal circumstances are? Say I had an A-bomb and was going explode it somewhere in America. The police pick you for questioning because you know where I am. The law says the police have to treat a citizen they arrest in a certain way. They have rights. But with extra legal circumstances, the government says it has right to break those rules for the sake of the millions of people that may die. That’s what they’re claiming son. Can they do that? the boy asks. They’re the government, kid; they can do what ever they want. Sorry… his dad offers.

After a pregnant moment his Father continues when they wanted to take you, I told over my dead body. And I meant it. That is when your furry friends got involved and complicated things. It was mess; and then, a couple Generals offered a compromise between us and the government. You are to be drafted into United States Air Force and be under my supervision only. The scientists will give me tests that I will perform on you and report back. You can stay here and go to a regular school. This will be a classified agreement. That means you can’t tell anyone anything about this except me. No one except the government people on the project, you, and me will know anything about this. That’s the best I could do for you son offers the Colonel with a pained expression on his face. How long is the contract asks the boy. A base lawyer wrote up this contract based on a standard five year hitch; but, they can renew it in five years whether we like it or not.

This could be the rest of my life? ponders Michael. You don’t know that. Probably not, and I am going to have something to say about that. Son… right now… if something happens to me, the doctors could just take you. You would not have any rights and no one would know where you are, or be able to help you. In the military, there are rules reasons his Father. That isn’t going to happen Colonel, but I guess this the only way I can get them to stop trying Michael rationalizes. Are you sure? We could still try the Jesuit thing? offers the Colonel. Where do I sign my God Damn name? the child bravely barks. Right there… have you ever signed anything before? Michael’s face is blank to his Father’s question. Jesus, give me strength… here’s some paper to practice with. The Colonel goes into the kitchen.

Michael practices and manages to come up with a half way decent signature after coaching from his Father. Okay, take a break. Why don’t you watch some TV? I have to go next door and see if the two little monkeys are ripping Evelyn apart yet. Five minutes later, the Colonel comes back. Michael is looking out the window. Isn’t there any cartoons on? asks his Father. Nope, just soap operas says the boy. Okay, why don’t go out and play in the backyard. I need to finish up here. Why don’t you give your CO a salute? The Colonel gives some adjustments; and then stands, returning his salute dismissed As the boy is leaving, the Colonel says, almost to himself something familiar about that. It’s called bleed over the boy claims. Go back to being kid his Dad suggests. How do I do that? Maybe the military has a manual the boy says in almost morose manner. The Colonel looks confused as he returns to his chair. An hour later, the Colonel hasn’t moved muscle, and the phone is ringing. There’s a loud knock at that door.

He opens the door to two young airmen in uniform. They exchange greetings and the airmen let themselves in and look around. Are you alright Colonel? the stocky airman asks. Yeah, I’m fine but the paperwork is not done yet the Colonel mumbles in a confused manner. Paperwork? Screw paperwork! the stocky airman says as he puts his hand on the Colonel’s shoulder. We’re here to see if you’re alright or need anything. You are on call, sir. We didn’t hear from you. We were worried. You look tired Colonel. Do you need a corpsman? Are you light headed? Have any pain? The image the base soldiers have of the Colonel is he wouldn’t even blink if a mortar lands ten feet from him. Finding him in this somewhat lost state is bewildering to them. The airman continues let’s go into the kitchen and I will make us some coffee. They escort the Colonel to the kitchen and he sits down. The stocky airman answers the phone. Colonel Smith’s residence Schultz speaking... yes sir… I don’t know yet… we just arrived… sir, I’m getting off the phone now so I can follow my orders and I will call you back in twenty… good day. He hangs the phone up. Putz… Colonel where are your children today? The two youngest are next door, Michael is in the backyard, and the rest are in school answers the Colonel. Airman Schultz gives a look to the other airman who walks to the back window to check on Michael. How about some coffee? Shultz offers. Actually, a beer sounds good replies the Colonel. Beer it is Schultz announces in a friendly manner.

After waving at Michael, the tall airman glances over at the Colonel’s paperwork and becomes visibly angry. Back in the kitchen, the airman states with digust one hell of frigin’ country we serve, huh Colonel? You can say that again the Colonel agrees. What in the hell is going on? I’ve been hearing some real strange shit Schulz inquires. I don’t know but it’s big. I can feel it in the air offers the Colonel. They all sit drinking their beers in silence for few minutes. After some small talk, well, thanks for the beer, Ed. You take the rest of day off. I’ll fix it with the duty officer. They can wait till tomorrow for their god damn paperwork. If Putz writes me up, I will consider it an honor proposes Schultz. You’re good men. Thanks for stopping by. I owe ya the Colonel says, sounding better. You owe us? In your dreams Colonel, you’ve save our asses so many times Schultz says as they shakes hands and walk out the door. That night the air is heavy as the Smiths eat dinner. The feeling doesn’t change later watching TV. The Colonel hasn’t spoken more than half dozen words. Even the youngest, three year old Marky and two year old Mitzi are subdued.

On Wednesday morning, everyone is eating breakfast except Michael. The tardy boy marches through kitchen announcing so many mud pies to make, so little time, no breakfast. Little Marky squirms out of his chair and goes under the table making a beeline behind Michael. The Colonel's Wife is shock What! Get back here. Marky get back finish your breakfast. Ed, do you see this? The peanut gallery wisecracks gear up. JoAnn fires first with What did you teach him yesterday? Dad. The oldest boy Buddy follows I think he thinks he is a Colonel. Stevie laughs with Colonel Kid. The Colonel gets up and says I’ll go see what’s got into… Colonel Kid… finish your breakfast. The Colonel marches up to Michael and Marky playing asking what? Michael points at the garage. Marky, you play right here or the doggies will get you. In the garage Marky’s voice and all goes quiet.

{Okay, why the drama?} asks the Colonel. {Oh sorry, I figured out more of the story last night and I just wanted to do this before I forgot.} {Rough night.... did you sleep well?} the Colonel asks. {Yes and no} the boy answers. {Yes and no? Son, you are beginning to tick me off… ah, why was it rough night?} the Colonel reluctantly plays along. {I had to tell a good guy some bad news} answers Michael. {Did you tell someone that they are going to die?} {Yes, but that wasn’t the bad news…he took that pretty well…} The Colonel interrupts {What? Was this like in a dream or like phone call?} {Neither, I had to do this in person} the boy replies. {Did you sneak out of house last night?} The boy shakes his head, no. {Jesus Christ, that’s called astral projection… it’s extremely experimental and extremely dangerous… now I am angry.... you did not have permission… what were you thinking?} {Uh, I think I am screwing this up… the story told me to do it} the boy answers with uncertainty. {Well, I am your Father. You do what I say before the story…} A wolf appears and starts sniffing Michael. {And the wolves don’t scare me…I think you called them.} says the Colonel standing and crossing his arms. {The doggie says that someone you know wants to see you for a sec} says Michael. {Yeah, right, the little cartoon guys don’t talk, but the doggies do… I am not amused} the Colonel offer while giving a glance to his right and is shocked to see the ghostly image of a woman. He turns and stares with amazement at the woman figure as she wags her finger in scorn at Ed; then, cups her ear and points to boy. {Judy?} quizzes the Colonel. She waves Hi to Ed and he returns the wave. She looks to Michael, points to her head, and holds up three fingers. Michael nods yes and waves. She waves back and disappears.

{I suppose I did that too?} wisecracks Michael. {No. That was Judy Garland. I know her from the USO shows she did… How do you know her?} asks his Father. {We have talked a couple of times. She says she is my unofficial God Mother because of…} the boy holds up two fingers and then, three fingers. {Because of two three?} the Colonel asks. The boy holds up three fingers and says {letter.} {Two W’s… I asked you not to call your Mother the Wicked Witch, didn’t I?} {I didn’t} the boy corrects. {Clever, what is with you and that movie? Okay, what does remember three mean?} Michael points to his wrist. {Okay, time… uh, 3 days?} ponders his Dad. {Uh, you are not going to want to go work next week} the boy offers. {Oh, this is about my returning to work… Hey, I will decide that…} his Father insists. {I know but… I would like to help you a little… it’s like a practice list… what would you do with this time?} the boy injects. {Well, I guess there are some chores I would like to get caught up on and some paperwork… but I have orders to start your basic training son. And with what I’ve seen… I think you need a lot of discipline… and…}

The boy interrupts with {what if you could wave a magic wand and all the training is done?} {Uh… I would have to test you to see how much you absorbed…} Michael interrupts with {Good, three… chores, paperwork, and testing...} {Wait, why do you and Judy care about my schedule?} asks the Father. {We’re both kinda scared} offers the boy while still petting the wolf. {Well… this is crazy… it took me years get through some of this training…} the Colonel utters. { practice. Do I have your permission to use what you know about training?} Michael says and stands at attention. {Yes private, you do} the Colonel replies. {Think of all your training… imagine all the training you have done is a line right in front of you… do you see it?} {Damn, yes I do see a line but I don’t know if it is…} the Colonel answers before Michael interrupts with {Okay, run your finger over the line.} The Colonel reaches out, runs his finger in the air, and immediately starts winces and stomping as if in pain {son of bitch… Jesus, Mary, and Joseph… what did you do?} The wolf spooks, sniffs Michael, and runs off disappearing into a wall. {Sorry… I guess that was a little rough… it’s first time I have done that} answers the boy. {Done what!} the Colonel demands. {Training} says Michael. {Nonsense!} challenges the Colonel. The boy stands up straight, crosses his arms, and states {test me.}

The Colonel starts barking questions rapid fire like a machine gun. The boy fires right back with the correct answers. After five minutes, the Colonel is getting frustrated with being shown up by a private, not to mention, a five year old. He marches over to boy and slaps his face {you call that attention, private.} The boy doesn’t even blink. The Colonel is confounded and inquires {is this some kind of a trick… are you screwing with me?} {No sir} the boy asserts. The imposing red face hulk continues his assault nose to nose. After an hour of a brutal third degree, the Colonel has run out questions with { take a break… at ease. I still don’t believe it. This is impossible. I am not convinced.} Michael asks {Sir, if I may suggest, why don’t continue testing on a spot check basis?} {I could do that. We have been in here a long time. We need to stop} the Colonel informs. {Yes sir} Michael slumps like he has done before, but nothing happens. {What wrong? Stop! That is an order} commands the Colonel. {I am trying, sir} Michael replies. {Hey, we couldn’t get stuck in this dilation? Could we?} his Father nervously inquires. {No, I don’t think so. I think it is just taking me longer to stop because of the amount time we’ve been in here} the boy answers. {Well concentrate, damn it} his Father adds. It finally works. They both walk out to find Markey still playing in the same spot. We are done for day. I am going inside to do some paperwork his Father says. Yes sir… sorry … alright Dad Michael replies. The Colonel pauses on the steps while going in the house, turns, and tells Michael you did well, son.

It’s Thursday morning at breakfast table. Stevie is whining about having to go to school when Michael doesn’t have to. The Colonel finally allows Stevie to stay home for one day as well, but he’s going to have to help with chores around the house. He also allows Marky to help out despite his age of three because he doesn’t want to discourage work in the boy. The Colonel is fixing the back fence as the three boys stand near by and watch. Okay, another nail the Colonel says and turns while Stevie gives him a nail. How come only Stevie gets to help Marky asks. Cuz I’m the older than you. You are three. You can’t do anything Stevie jabs. Don’t worry Marky. We will find you a job. Stevie don’t talk to your little brother that way… Michael, what is the definition of Court Marshall? His Father asks. A proceeding or action of Marshall Law based on the military code of justice, sir. You are smart, Mikie comments Marky. Hey, how do you know that? You just started to learn to read? Stevie inquires. Good Mikie… sorry Michael. But drop the sir. Never mind Stevie, it’s a game we’re playing Ed says. I want to play. I want to be called Stephen states Stevie. I will think about it his Dad answers. Michael gives little