Novel Ideas Part 10

Only one more installment of this story:

“I’m not making it through the program,” Jack was looking toward the night sky. Ward could tell that his thoughts were far away. In fact he could tell that his thoughts were about his mother, his father, and his ancestors.  Whatever the trainers were doing to get them to read minds seemed to be working even if he wasn’t quite ready to trust it. Over the last few days the entire group had been training and studying at least sixteen hours a day. One day it would be self-defense instruction, rigorous and demanding. On alternative days they had been watching tapes of psychics documenting the clues they had picked up on their mark, cram courses on reading body language, and then some very controversial and unusual EEG trials and trainings. The last had been the hardest to understand but also the most wearing on them. Funny how that could make him so dead tired, both body and mind, where the physical challenges of the self-defense courses only tried his body. Today had been a self-defense day and their bodies had been pushed to the limits, his muscles aching and complaining about not getting the rest it so wanted right now.

“What makes you think that?” Ward asked even though he already knew. Jack had been able to take him down a number of times today during the drills. In fact, he had taken down many of the people here, after all he did have an advantage; he was already an agent and trained. The trainers were using that advantage.

“You are reading what I am thinking right,” it was a statement. When Ward didn’t answer he continued, “A moment ago I was thinking of my family, especially my mother and father, but you know that. I’m pretty sure,” Jack said this more to help Ward understand how his skills were so much farther developed than his. Jack sat down, crossed-legged on the ground, focused on nothing but letting nothing get past him. The bugs had gotten quiet off to his left.

“You just need to give it time. You’re top of the class in defense,” Ward stretched out on the ground as he was not as accustomed to the physical demands as Jack was. His muscles collectively melted into the ground. Ward had been in shape coming in but this was way past that; getting up was going to be difficult. It has shocked him to know that he had been spot on with his reading. He could even describe the features of both of Jack’s parents, but he wasn’t going to share that. He was beginning to trust what he was seeing from other people’s minds. Suddenly, at the edge of his conscious he could tell they weren’t alone, and that whoever was there was very interested in their conversation. A face floated through his mind, it was Pat’s.

“It’s okay, it was a stretch that I made it this far, and they won’t take me out yet,” Jack was sitting on the bench, “I get the feeling I will be kept on for a while because of the self-defense skills I bring to the training. Important skills once they put you out in the field, but I just can’t get past getting only general feelings from people and not solid thoughts. But that’s not why I wanted to talk with you,” Ward wasn’t sure what he was going to say next, so he waited. He decided to try and focus on reading Jack’s thoughts. At first it was just fuzzy, static like the way old television signals used to be. Slowly though as if using a fine tuner the images and thoughts cleared.  What he read was surprised him. Jack didn’t trust Bobby even though he had never given him, or anyone else, reason. Ward was picking something up on the edge of that television screen that seemed to form in his head. He refocused on the thoughts of another person nearby, he could feel their thoughts and presence in his head. This picture was much harder to tune in but he could feel the overall emotions. More interesting was the fact that this person, Pat, had reservations about Bobby as well.

“Why don’t you trust Bobby?” Ward ventured, working off his read.

“Not sure,” and this time Jack looked back to the stars, “just a feeling, a guess. I can tell by watching the trainers just how interested they are in the both of you, but that’s not a surprise to you either.”

“I feel like they are pushing some of us harder and farther,” in fact what Ward had felt was extreme interest. Up until now he wasn’t sure exactly why but complete picture as to why the interest was beginning to form. He has started to guard his thoughts more, if it was really possible to read minds they he had to be sure to keep his thoughts as secure as possible. He was beginning to see that a few of them might be progressing faster than normal.

“There is something both of you are doing that has caught their attention, I’m not sure what but there is something about the both of you that has put you both in the bullseye.  I know you two have teamed up a bit but I need you to watch yourself. I may be off, my skills are not as good as yours or theirs, but there is something.” Jack got up, “It may be nothing by the time we finish training but...” and he left it there. Jack looked around as if he knew there were someone else there.

“I’ll be careful,” not just referring to Bobby as Ward felt the shadow of thought move out of his range raising more questions than answering them.

Novel Ideas Part 9

Coming close to the end of this short story. What do you think should happen next?

Days later the number of people left in the program had dwindled.  Ward’s roommate was still in the program, but things were getting harder. They were demanding more from each person. Ward and Bobby drug themselves into the room long after the sun had gone down. Whatever they had been having them do must have been working. Both Bobby and Ward stopped short and turned to for the person that was sitting in the dark in their room.

“Jack?” Ward spoke as Bobby walked over and turned on the light. Jack and worked with them a number of times. He was already a trained agent and had been invaluable with the basics. Over a short period of time he had become a trusted associate and a good friend. Ward could feel that something wasn’t right and it wasn’t just the look on his face or the droop of his shoulders. It also didn’t go unnoticed that Bobby turned and flopped down on his bunk in exhaustion. Jack glanced over at Bobby and then back at Ward.

“Can we,” and he nodded toward the door. Ward was exhausted himself but something was troubling Jack and he couldn’t get it out of his mind. If he was right in how he was reading his mind, a skill that was still so new to him he didn’t want to trust it completely yet, it had something to do with Jack’s progress in this training, and Bobby.

“Yeah, I could use some air myself,” and he turned, summoning up energy he didn’t have, and walked out the door.

Novel Ideas Part 8

It has been so good to get back to the writing.  My mind has been going in all directions and needs a little focus. Hope you enjoy this:

They sat down in a rather plain room. Utilitarian table and chairs were surrounded by gray walls. Not what Ward had expected after the last go round.  Pat sat on one side of the table and pointed to the chair opposite her.  Since there was no reason not to sit, Ward did as he was asked. On the table there was a stack of manila folders each filled with papers. Slowly she picked a folder from the pile and handed it to him without saying a word. It was a test, everything they did here was a test, so he waited with folded arms for instructions.

“I want you to read what is in the file,” she opened it for him.

“That all,” Ward knew it wasn’t.

“For now,” and she smiled, “Yes.”

Three hours later he had read through about four of the files. No words had been spoken. Each time he had finished she had just handed him another folder. Each folder contained a mission or job that had been completed by one of the government agencies that tried to enforce the laws of the land. Some of the jobs had ended with what some would call a happy ending and the perpetrator going to jail. Some, most, were still open case files. All of them had to do with domestic violence and murder.  None of them had been redacted, making the details all the more personal and horrific. When he closed the fourth file Pat finally spoke.

“Well,” and she leaned back in the chair.

“You picked these cases especially for me to read,” and she nodded slightly, “I also know that you have collected all the information you want to know.” When she said nothing Ward continued, “You wanted to know my reactions to these cases especially because of my mother’s death, but as you have seen, although I find these cases horrific, as anyone would, I will not let it affect my judgement or my feelings.”

“Some of our agents are put on cases like these,” she looked him straight in the eyes as she spoke, “We need to know that you can do the job no matter what you read.”

“You’ve been reading my mind from the moment you talked with me in the cafeteria.” He pushed the file back toward her, “I know I can. All I need to know from you right now is whether or not you think I’m good enough to continue in this program of yours?”

Novel Ideas Part 7

If you have been reading along please leave a comment or two!

'Are they?” Bobby was the one to ask.

“Yes,” and that was the last thing Jack said before they walked up to their table.  Ward and Bobby busied themselves with their food.

“Good to see you here Jack,” Rowan spoke first but didn’t even look at him.  It didn’t surprise Jack though.

“Good to see you too Rowan.  Foods pretty good, gonna grab a bite first?”

“No, thanks we grabbed before we got here,” Rowan sat down beside Bobby and Pat sat next to Ward without saying a word.  To say that neither of the men noticed them would be an understatement, but they tried very hard not too. 

“Pat and Rowan I would like you to meet Ward and Bobby,” Jack did what he knew they had wanted him to do.  They were there for them.  Even Jack had picked Ward and Bobby out to be the most promising new recruits.  They would want to start on them as soon as possible and that would mean examining those ghosts.

“Nice to meet you,” Bobby stuck out his hand toward Rowan and then Pat. 

“Nice to meet you too,” Rowan zeroed in on Bobby as Pat sat quietly next to Ward.  “I would like to interview you after you finish you meal here if that’s okay with you.”

“I’m done,” and Bobby pushed the tray away from him.

“Then let’s get started,” and Rowan stood up, “Would you follow me.” 

Ward watched them leave but avoided eye contact with Pat.  Once they were gone he focused back on his food, mostly pushing it around with his fork.

“Not interested in getting started?” Pat’s voice was low, reassuring as if trying to sooth a wild animal.

“No,” Ward paused, “I’m just not in a hurry to examine and discuss the demons that were forced out of my subconscious with you.”

“Very good Ward,” Pat was impressed, really impressed.  His skills were farther advanced than she had expected.  The camp observers were correct in picking out these two to be assessed first and moved right into training.

“We have to be sure you can get past them before we can start the training,” Ward still hadn’t looked up from his tray.

“Understood,” and he put his fork down.  “Then shall we get started,” and he pushed himself reluctantly away from the table, “Just so long as you remember those ghost have been dead and buried for a long time now, and they have very little power over me.”  Ward couldn’t say he liked or disliked Pat yet.  She was very business-like with him and if nothing else he appreciated that right now.  No matter where this road would lead, it was going to test him and his friends in many more ways, and he would face each hurdle one step at a time.

Novel Ideas Part 6

This story has inspired me to go back and write the story of Ward. Here's the next installment of this short story:

When they let him out of the room, a day later, he was worse for the wear, but not broken.  He did smell bad and was in need of a good shower so he headed for the locker room first.  It didn’t surprise him to find that both Jack and Bobby had headed for the locker room as well.  All in all there were nine of them in the showers stalls trying to rinse off the memories that this part of the training had brought to the surface.  Ward had to wonder what had happened to the tenth man, but no one was talking.  At any time he could have read the emotions of anyone in this room, but he couldn’t, didn’t want to feel anyone else’s emotions either.  He found it wasn’t that hard to block them out either.  Maybe that was one of the points of this exercise as well, to learn restraint.   

Thirty minutes later they sat in silence at whatever meal this was still fighting the demons they faced.  Ward glanced at Bobby and saw that he was recovering faster than either Jack or him.  The lines on his face just weren’t as deep, his face not as drawn.  He was really curious as to what demons Bobby had and even more curious about the demons that Jack hadn’t shared with him.  He chanced opening up his mind to get their feelings but the raw emotions in the room nearly physically knocked him over. Jack looked over at Ward immediately as if he knew what he had done.  He then looked at the door.  They were right on time.  Jack didn’t know how he knew they would show up now, he just did. 

“Head’s up,” Jack kept his voice low as if that would help at all.  Pat and Rowan were mind readers, good mind readers.  He had worked with Rowan before and had been amazed.  They were also trainers assigned to this group.  Jack had done his research before he had gotten here, after all he did have the clearance to find out, “The people coming in are here to take us out separately for debriefing from the box.”  Both Bobby and Ward looked over at the door only to encounter Pat and Rowan staring right at them.  It was unnerving and they looked away.

Novel Ideas 5

Sorry they are so few and far between. It seems I am having a hard time redefining myself as a writer first and an educator second.  The classroom still calls to me sometimes, but no more waiting the next installment is here. If you are enjoying this, please let me know with a quick comment.

“Hey, have some respect for the dead here,” Bobby moaned from his bunk as he turned over and covered his head with his pillow.

“Sorry,” Ward had awakened ready for the day.  He slid on a pair of shorts and a tee shirt.  He walked over to the door then stopped, “Hey, come join us.  I think this has helped with the meditation routines.”

“And smell that hippy dippy stuff so early in the morning,” and he snorted, “Not this man.”  Ward chuckled and left.  Bobby was becoming a friend, a good friend, even though their backgrounds were polar opposites.  Bobby’s family was normal, if there was such a thing, and they were higher up on the pay scale than most people.  He had volunteered for this unit once they approached him because of love of Country.  Ward had stumbled into this because he did alone, and he did it well.  Both signed up to do good though, and both were A-types that had to be the best in their field.

“Morning,” Ward said as he sat down.  He took a deep cleansing breath and exhaled.  For the next five minutes they sat in dead silence.  Ward was getting used to that with Jack and he was enjoying their talks.

“Today will test us,” were the first words Jack said.  Ward sat quietly, “People like us have a lot of baggage that will break free today and haunt us, test us.”

“Okay,” Ward didn’t open his eyes, he just kept breathing, “Why us more than others.”

“Our histories, our families.  Similar in some ways, both tainted by violence and pain,” at this Ward opened his eyes, “In any case people who don’t mind never seeing their past again.”

“What did you say you did before this?”  He knew he could trust Jack.  Knew he was a good man, a friend.  Maybe part of this training was also to build friends, connections, people you trusted, and people that were closer than family.

“CIA.  Done trainings like this before,” Jack took a deep breath, “Just remember that even though we don’t have many if any connections to our past, it can still hurt us.”  Ward didn’t know how good that advice was seven hours had past in the dark room.

“Damn it Ward!  I told you boy to clean that mess out there!” he felt himself flung across the room and knocked nearly unconscious.  Ward could remember that day like it was right now.  He had meditated so long that the craziness was now getting loose.  Being in this room and in the dark for so long was bringing up bad, no horrifying, memories as Jack had promised. The baseball bat repeatedly hit his father’s hand as he walked toward him.  The man’s face was pure evil and he looked happy to beat the crap out of him once again.  As the bat reached it’s apex Ward put his hands up and waited for the blow to hit.  When the blow never reached him he put his hands down understanding his hell that he had to go through before he would get out of here.

Novel Ideas - Part 4

It's been a bit long in the tooth here getting this out but hope you enjoy the next installment! 

“It’s similar to the meditation we will be learning this week, only there training will be more intense.  I thought that this might get me through it,” Jack hadn’t even looked at him yet, but had seemed to look through him.

“It’s been an amazing two weeks, I can’t imagine what it will be like in six more,” Ward wasn’t what else to say.

“I probably won’t make it all the way through,” and before Ward could say anymore Jack raised a hand, “That’s just fine, my ancestors believe I’m here for another reason,” and with that he was quiet.  Ward sat there for a few minutes.  He realized that the fire was less of a fire and more like incense.  Taking a deep breath he focused on the scents coming from the sticks. 

“Nice,” Ward couldn’t help it. He sighed as breathed out and relaxed. 

“It’s going to be a hard week for all of us, but for some of us,” and Ward knew instinctually who Jack was talking about, “we will see hell.”

“A little over the top don’t you think?”  Ward couldn’t help himself as he closed his eyes and took in the spicy sweet smell again.  It seemed to take away the stress, doubts, and draw out all of the fear and tension as if expelling puss from a wound.

“You’re welcome to join me in the mornings and then you can tell me if my statement was exaggerated on Friday,” and with that the conversation was over. 

By Thursday Ward was beginning to understand.  They had sat in class after class, hour after hour on how to meditate. Then they had been put in a room for increasing times each day.  He wished he could tell someone what the room looked like inside, but he had been blindfolded on the way in and then once the door was closed it was darker than the dark side of the moon inside.  Temperature was under someone else’s control, as well as the conditions inside the room like fresh air.  After a few minutes to assess what the situation was he came to the conclusion that this was some type of sensory deprivation room.  They were supposed to put what they learned to work inside the room.  He had tried to sense to see if anyone was near at first and found nothing and no one so he got busy meditating.  At first it was easy, then as the time in the dark room increased it got harder.  Today, tomorrow, and Saturday there were no more classes.  In fact, at eight this morning they would be locked in what he now called the dark room to six in the morning on Sunday.  Ward was beginning to think that this was also some sort of modified SERE military training.  It was no secret that if they were able to read minds as promised, then the types of training they would need would be endless.  Today’s activities were nothing more than separating those who could and those who couldn’t use the meditation skills to survive.  Better they do this now than to get create a bunch of mind readers they couldn’t use.