Regret for my conscious decision to let the artifact lie in the shattered mess of the overhead heater on the garage floor grew, as I headed for home. Down deep I realized the motivation for such a potentially idiotic decision. I didn’t need any more complications or problems in my life. I had a very young child to raise, also one that was growing rapidly beyond toddler years and a wife almost any man would give anything to be with. Worldly stuff simply couldn’t play much of a role in helping me with my family or adapting to a new career that seemed like it was made of a floating mix of sour but sticky cotton candy and fake butterflies gadding about in a dense but often breaking fog. It hadn’t occurred to me that if the object had broken from the box due to its inertial qualities that some child, including my own, could come upon it and end up with much worse injuries than I’d already suffered. I massaged the damaged palm against my knee as Richard guided the Mercedes on South Ola Vista toward my home.
“I don’t know what you’re role is going to be,” Richard said, slowing the car to give him time to finish saying whatever was on his mind, “But if you get the chance I’d appreciate the opportunity of doing some interesting work with you again.”
Before I even read the story must compliment the car. Its been on my wanted list 25 years. Certain people got all all then and put big rims on them. Its beautiful.
Awesome writer, VN Vet, and very intresting books
Thanks a lot Don, much appreciate that compliment written on here for everyone to see.
Semper fi,
Jim
Mr. Strauss, Sir,
With all of the secretive stuff going on around you at that time, I have become skeptical about everybody that you meet. Now I find myself wondering if Richard was instructed to tell you that he wanted to keep working with you and given permission to tell about his parents, or to even make up imaginary parents. Sigh. I’m glad that you were somehow able to navigate all of that and are sharing it with us. Thanks.
Navigating was complex and required that I pay full attention all the time, which
was hard, to say the least. When living a life of mostly lies it becomes almost impossible
to keep it all straight, no matter what the foundation or motivation of the lies is.
Thanks for the great comment.
Semper fi,
Jim
LT hope your doing well. Your story is starting to sound like Nguyen needs to make an appearance. He is the tiger and all others are either wolves or pups. I would like to see Nguyen appear once again out of the shadows. He was a loyal and good friend to you, when you needed one the most. Very few officers or NCO’s (outside of the Special Forces) for that matter trusted people like Nguyen as much as you did in the Valley of Death. Take care and be well, LT. The continuation of your story/life is fascinating, I am looking forward to the next chapter.
I cannot make people appear or disappear as this story isn’t one that I’m drawing out of imagination.
There is some imagination because, even with the memory God gifted or cursed me with, I can’t remember it all.
You will see Nguyen again and you will be surprised but that’s for the future.
Thanks for the asking and thanks for the support in following the story as you undoubtably are.
Semper fi,
Jim
For some odd reason, I can’t help but think Mary already knows all your secrets and plans about the move !! It just seems by your writing that she indeed has great insight. 😉
Great chapter James, thanks for posting it and enjoy the coffee 🙂
Semper Fi
Thanks SgtBob for the coffee!!!
And thanks for your thoughts about Mary.
What she knew or didn’t know remains unknown to this day, as successful marriages, in my opinion, involve a lot of plotting, planning and behind the back skullduggery that never comes to light, even when both people know they know.
I’m not running on about my own experience, of course, as I’ve never been that close to any other woman knowledge-wise or emotionally.
Thanks for the great insightful comment.
Semper fi,
Jim
New house two-step deceptive shenanigans with Mary…artifact…house garage being infiltrated by enemy…whoa boy!
My guess is that Little Mardian somehow got spooked by something or someone and fled before he could purloin the artifact from your garage. Do you think you maybe have more than one entity that is bugging your home and garage?
Jim, when you wrote that you put the artifact in the back of the souped-up Caprice, I said to myself “Oh no! DON’T DO THAT! I saw right away what could (and did apparently) transpire. Messing with that wildly unpredictable artifact is like playing with TNT.
Always so grateful for a new chapter to get a new peek at what is transpiring.
I’ll stay impatiently busy with things until you drop the next chapter of surprises on us.
Wishing you well, friend.
THE WALTER DUKE. Your analysis was correct, of course and kind of easy to calculate now, but then I was so tied up with other stuff
and making it all work together that I didn’t think. What if my wife had driven off with the Caprice, been on the freeway and slammed on the brakes?
Thoughts like that ran through my mind later on. Thanks for the great comment, as usual and the compliment of your impatience with my weekly
speed limit of production.
Semper fi, my friend,
Jim
Dang, James! Dyn-o-mite chapter!
So glad that Mary likes the New Mexico house – seems to have been a gladdening moment to you as well. You two are certainly attuned to each other. Wish it had that way with my first wife…
I am anxiously awaiting your move to that house, and seeing what your new employer has lined up for you. Must be something they’ve been planning for a while.
Also waiting to see what the arrogant young Mardian is getting into. Is he about to go on a one-way trip to the Mojave? A fishing trip on the Pacific?
Excellent writing again; seems as though that has become a thing with you. Doggone you’ve come a long way!
My friend Craig…I’ve come a long way with a lot of help…and a ton of that has come from the highly unusual and even strange this putting up of
chapters for free and then getting comments of merit and worth to think about and be motivated over. Never would have believed it and did not plan it
at all. This all happened almost by accident. A few people like Chuck Bartok and Jim Flynn had vision and then threw their assistance into it. A few other commenters
early on got everything started and then boom we were off and running. Your own contributions have been noteworthy, as well and sometimes my worrying about you and a fewotehrs keeps me from worrying about me.
Thanks, my friend, and thanks a lot for your part in all of it.
Semper fi,
Jim
So Richards father is a blacksmith for the C.I.A.? Another great chapter James and once again more questions than answers
Richard’s mother was a CIA analyst, hence the connection. His father was a real blacksmith in the
“Disney-type” town of Williamsburg in Virgina to this day (the town not his dad). Thanks for the comment
and the examination. Now I have to go back and make sure I got it right!
Semper fi, my friend,
Jim
Little Mardian probably doesn’t understand how a battery of six works. Keep ’em coming LT. Semper Fi.
One neds no understanding of a ‘batter of six’ if one is on the receiving end, called by someone who knows what he’s doing
and sent out by a practiced and schooled set of howitzers or cannons. Thanks for the compliment of wanting more.
Semper fi,
Jim
Good chapter James enjoyed it as usual, thank you for what you do!!
Thanks a lot William, and it’s my special pleasure not only to produce the chapters but also to participate on here
with the readers who make comments, like you, all the time. I can get better…and I do because of you.
Semper fi,
Jim
I love your final comment in this chapter! It speaks volumes and confirms your conclusion in one concise phrase. Looking forward to the continuation of both this saga and your story.
It was not the last time i would use that line in life. Seldom, in using it, did anyone receiving it really get the depth of the threat transmitted, which
is, of course, for the better. Fair warning is for sports, sailing and such, not for predation. It was a telling weakness for a truly brilliant aficionado of
the ‘hunt’ in life to pick up on that I should not have given…but I’m human and emotional too.
Thanks for the great comment the compliment too.
Semper fi,
Jim
No chain is stronger than its weakest link and I may have decided to break one of the Ted Commandents. Slow walking and sad talking would follow.
Interesting take on the chapter Carroll and much appreciated.
You have me thinking…
Semper fi,
Jim
I’m so intrigued by this artifact and the unbelievable qualities it possesses! Lil Mardian might get to meet Junior if he’s not careful! I love the line” I’m forced to keep making up lies to live any kind of truth!” Great stuff James! Semper Fi!
Thanks Jack. You are one intelligent reader and sleuth all in your own right. I reviewed that line, not truly recalling that I’d written it, as it just
came out automatically. It’s a burning line of real descriptive truth about all of us making out way through the brutal and deceptive social order we
must al live in and accommodate, or die in or spend life in prison. Thanks for picking up on that and writing it as a comment here.
Semper fi, my friend,
Jim
You have done it again as always Jim.I have never had a good book remain a good book for this long ,keep making it a good book.
Well Ronald, I shall keep on keeping on and I am so very happy and satisfied that you are enjoying it.
Much appreciate the compliment in your writing here.
Semper fi,
Jim
My My My, but how the worm turns. This is beginning to look VERY interesting!! Why didn’t he just take it? So many questions, guess we need to wait for the next chapter….. Semper fi sir.
Yes, Bob, your questions will be answered in this coming chapter and I much appreciate the compliment inherent in the writing.
Semper fi,
Jim
Wow, talk about ending w/a cliff hanger. On the edge waiting to see how this plays out. Is your possession of the artifact coming to end? I suspect we will find out soon.
Thanks Phil, for wanting more on a faster basis, which I am working on right this minute after answering a few more comments.
The compliment in that is well received here.
Semper fi,
Jim
Mary sat on the couch like I’d left here, the stack
* left her,
Thanks Don, much appreciate the editing help.
Semper fi,
Jim
Your story has more twists and turns in a couple days than most peoples do in a month. I think you made your cross country trip in a GTO not a GSO.. Eagerly waiting for another chapter.
You are most correct Chris. 1966 GTO holding every item we owned in life inside it. Blown head gasket in Kingman.
Waited in motel for a night and then went to auto parts and got a gasket, which they thankfully had. Went back
and tore head off, stuck on gasket, put it together and left that next night. Made it to San Francisco where Mary
drove it until I ended up at Oakknoll hospital in Oakland…where it died and Sears and Roebuck rebuilt it and let me
pay 20.00 a month.
Thanks for the comment.
Semper fi,
Jim
James, Some great writing in this chapter. Mary is insightful.
“I would like a medal,” Julie said, between chews.
“The medal shall be yours,” I replied with no hesitation.
…and I would not be surprised if Julie pinned it on Mrs. Beasley. Either that or treated it like a treasure.
There are people who have the gift of knowing the essence of something like a stone or the artifact. Since it is subjective it is difficult to verify what they report. Still, it may advance our knowledge of the universe – or at least, give a direction for inquiry. Just wondering out loud.
Some minor editing suggestions follow:
decision to let the artifact lay in the shattered mess
“lie” instead of “lay”
decision to let the artifact lie in the shattered mess
similar one to the one you don’t really know you’re seeking.
Close quotes
similar one to the one you don’t really know you’re seeking.”
Mary said, a Manhatten in her right hand
Manhattan
Mary said, a Manhattan in her right hand
only realizing in question as I looked at the amount
“in question” seems extra. Drop.
only realizing as I looked at the amount
I took the baby but not the Manhatten
Manhattan
I took the baby but not the Manhattan
getting a bottle ready. I wondered how parents
Extra period after “ready” Drop
getting a bottle ready I wondered how parents
there was the remainder of Dutch’s plan to play out.
“Butch’s” rather than “Dutch’s”
there was the remainder of Butch’s plan to play out.
Mary sat on the couch like I’d left here
“her” instead of “here”
Mary sat on the couch like I’d left her
“Which place did you decide on”? she asked
Swap quotation mark and question mark
“Which place did you decide on?” she asked
We’d driven through the state in the GSO on our trip
Maybe “GTO” rather than “GSO”
We’d driven through the state in the GTO on our trip
I got up and went out the to garage
Swap “the to” to “to the”
I got up and went out to the garage
I’d refashioned the points of the fastening I’d rebuilt to have the thing held up by four five-eighths rods
“I’d rebuilt” is extra.
Reword to “fastening points”
I’d refashioned the fastening points to have the thing held up by four five-eighths rods
but the third one was missing
“fourth” instead of “third”
but the fourth one was missing
exchanged Mrs. Beasley for her ratty blue little blanket
Google “adjective order rule” We all unconsciously know it.
exchanged Mrs. Beasley for her ratty little blue blanket
Evel Younger would be presiding
“Evelle” served as the California Attorney General from 1971 to 1979
Evelle Younger would be presiding
Blessings & Be Well
Thanks for being back and the great work you do Dan. Much appreciate, of course, after scaring us to death while you were gone for a bit.
Would not be the same set of volumes or comments without your steady hand a the helm.
Semper fi, my friend,
Jim
LT, what a great line. I wonder if he has any idea of what that might mean? Later you may have a chance to teach him. The artifact is a curse on you. It needs a new home. The CIA sounds like a tricky bunch leaving you with very few people you can truly trust once you make the move. Another good chapter, most enjoyable reading.
Thanks JT, once again. Spot on in every way and your observations written on here another form of a great compliment.
Thank you ever so much.
Semper fi,
Jim
A rather abrupt ending to a chapter, portending perhaps precipitous action considering the cast.
Thanks for your expectations Tim and I relish the work ahead in meeting those expectations.
Thanks a million.
Semper fi,
Jim
I love this stuff man! Another really cool edge of the seat story!
I really enjoy your writing Mr.Strauss!
Very good very exciting and your comments to others sound a lot like me!!! Lol
Thanks for the complimentary words my friend. Good to read as this windy dark weekend begins and I write on into the next chapter.
Much appreciate your support and also in your reading and enjoying the comments of others on here.
I treasure the commentary.
Semper fi,
Jim
From the Valley of war, to the deep depths of dark shrouded Mystery of the unknown. Who is friends and who is the foe. Entering the darkness of no return, the mysteries keep coming faster and faster ! Where will the Lt. Land, and what’s the mission ??
Thanks for the great comment and well and dramatically written, as well. Much appreciate the compliment of your attention.
Also, what a good job you are doing in figuring things out.
Semper fi,
Jim
Mardian obviously hadn’t realize he was protected anymore! Isn’t it powerful to know you have the capability to make someone disappear? This will only expand but again the responsibility reduces the chances of happening; but the knowledge still feels good!
I love the way your mind works and ability to communicate it!
Having the ‘power’ or the experience, talent, equipment and necessary motivation to do that, is an awful responsibility and also a
a ‘power’ that must be constantly denied at almost ever opportunity to apply it.
This culture, and most human cultures, are very draconian about the application of any kind of violence, no matter how justified.
If you are faced with performing violent acts on others, then you may very easily and quite surprisingly be also faced with the judgment of others in what took place…and that can be very flawed from your perspective.
Mardian was still ‘protected’ from possibly terminal actions but that didn’t mean he couldn’t be painfully reached in other
ways short of those.
Thanks for the great thought-provoking comment, once gain my great friend.
Semper fi,
Jim
OMG I’m having visions of a blue Ferrari sitting in the water at Dana Point Marina!
Dan, well, there it is, the Ferrari that would eventually play a more deadly role than the Porsche.
Thanks for everything you do. As you have been discovering, I’m not at all what most think I am.
At some point in this rather raucous wild odyssey I wonder if an old friend’s dying phrase has
the kind of merit it might. When I asked him what he wanted at that critical point he replied: “You choose. I don’t know me.”
I wonder if I really know me or am I just a reflected series of rotating creatures answering a question another person asked me
at a party years ago. “Who are you?” she asked. “Who do you need me to be?” I murmured back, telling the truth which was so
unusual to me at the time. She didn’t understand. Neither does most of the world.
Thanks for all you do. I know who you are. A good man. Uncommon.
Semper fe, my friend,
Jim
Well worth a couple cups of coffee 🙂
Really appreciate that Chrly!
One of the best chapters yet as far as leaving one wanting to know more. Really looking forward to the next one !! Thanks again !
Thanks Tim, for the compliment of wanting more pretty strongly! I hope you will be pleased as he next chapter hits
the screen on Wednesday, or so.
Semper fi,
Jim