As soon as Bob was done talking the meeting turned into bedlam.
“What kind of conclusion is that to come to?” Hoodoo asked into the maelstrom of everyone talking at the same time. “You have no basis in fact for any of your conclusions leading to that. We don’t know that LBJ had anything to do with the assassination of Kennedy, much less his brother. The Secret Service, probably without a doubt, and even maybe the intelligence agencies that would have the opportunity to have the Service aboard. But we’ve got only a bunch of conjecture.”
WOw, I’m blown away by this snippet of story. And the comments as well. I’m new to your work, but looking forward to reading more. Thank you for sharing on LinkedIn, which brought me here.
Thanks a lot Joy and it is a joy to have you reading and commenting here.
Much appreciate hearing from you.
Semper fi,
Jim
Just remember that Chris DeBurgh sang “don’t pay the ferry man, untill he gets you to the other side”
Another spellbinder sir. Thank you.
Tim
There’s that, my friend! Neat lyrical line.
Semper fi and really appreciate the compliment…
Jim
In my opinion, Gularte was wrong about the Doors.
This verse is what Butch should have paid attention to.
There’s a killer on the road
His brain is squirmin’ like a toad
Take a long holiday
Let your children play
If you give this man a ride
Sweet memory will die
Killer on the road, yeah.
Once again, thank you for your work and who you are.
Tim
Butch said he wasn’t afraid of me twice, which indicated that he was. I only want the expression of menace to work under certain
circumstance, as a warning, however subtle, can many times head off potential violence that there’s no coming back from.
Thanks for the rather astute observation.
Semper fi,
Jim
Alas, despite 74 trips around the sun, I still labor M-F and do the necessary to fulfil obligations. Leaves me with scant time to keep abreast of things.
I don’t know if you are familiar at all with Chris DeBurgh, but I find him very lyrical. His album “Spanish Train and Other Stories” contains may gems. Don’t Pay The Ferry Man didn’t come along till his later album “The Getaway”
All the best,
Tim
A Lady in Red. Yes, I do know the work of Chris DeBurgh. Great genius.
Thanks for sharing that. It’d been awhile since I’d heard his stuff but tuned in for a bit this evening because of you….
Semper fi,
Jim
I suspect there are several Doors fans here following The Cowardly Lion. Perhaps not all are aware of lead singer Jim Morrison’s father’s connections to the Vietnam War: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Stephen_Morrison
Wow! Thanks so very much for that link. I knew nothing of the dad nor the estrangement between father and son.
Can read between the lines though. Dad was a harsh task master and his kind of a guy, with rock star as his son…go figure.
Semper fi,
Jim
Wow!!! Reading all this it seems to me like you are fixin to blow the whistle on a bunch of stuff that happened all long time ago. It reads like a mystery novel with a lot of history behind it. I have to wonder though how did they know or find out about all the crap you went through in the A Shau.? My apologies for bein so nosey and not such a good guy at commenting or asking questions about stuff I know nothing about. I look for ward to the next chapters. Thank you
Jay, my battalion commander was the subject of a naval board of inquiry, which occurred when I was in the hospital in Japan. I was frightened to
death the board was about my own conduct. They left, but they continued to investigate and court-martialed the colonel. That investigation went into great detail through
interviews of survivors about my own conduct…whoch the Marines they talked to obviously lied to them and said I was some sort of ungodly teenage war hero. Yes, some of the men
thought I was a teenager! That inquiry result followed me to the hospital in Oakland but those people did not take the report as being heroic at all, must the opposite.
And there you have it. I just write the stuff, and I don’t always know what to think of it or my own conduct. I do live my life daily in redemption, which I learned was the key
for me surviving that level of PTSDD that I was left with.
Thanks for asking.
Semper fi,
Jim
Cobb who was supposed to *hve the $1500 for the insurance premium. (* have)
Wasn’t she a friend of Mrs. H, who died in a plane crash in Chicago with $10K cash in her purse? Hmmm……
Young Mandarin may one day regret his attitude me thinks 😉
Keep ’em coming James, look forward to each chapter !
Semper Fi
You are a class act as a commenter on here and I wanted to recognize that. Thank you so much for your insight, applied intellect
and the amount of care and loyalty to me your regularly display. You are a true friend I’ve never met and not likely to meet, but are vital
to my continuance in recording this long story of my life. I cannot thank you enough.
Semper fi, my friend,
Jim
Speaking of JFK, Area 51, and UFO’s do you have any thoughts on that congressional hearing on UAP’s and the three whistleblowers, specifically David Grusch’s sworn testimony?
The testimony was spot on and the government is full on denial again, even after publishing a report last year
that acknowledged the reverse engineering of UFO material! Don’t know what to make of it all…except
it appears that old and current UFO’s likely were and are with us…whether that’s good or bad news…
Semper fi,
Jim
All I can say is this is getting more and more twisted and turned. Don’t know what to expect next. Keep them coming Lt!!!
Thanks Bob, for hanging with me and the encouragement!
Semper fi,
Jim
LT: Will we ever find out about Gunney and Ngyen? I read all of the trilogy
Alan
The Gunny will be resolved in the future Cowardly. Nguyen made it back to the USA, got married, had three kids and lives now somewhere in California.
Speaks English, like the rest of his Vietnamese family. I have had no contact with them for twenty-five years.
Thanks for asking,
Semper fi,
Jim
Interesting that she mentioned the Staff Sergeant.
Interesting indeed!!!
Thanks for picking that up and reading on…
Semper fi,
Jim
You get it going then leave it hanging , very interesting.e just as it gets going as you always do.
Thanks Hank, appreciate the comment and your expectation of more…
Semper fi,
Jim
Oh, dear, they do not teach hidden meaning at Quantico of which we are both alumni. But Fr. Bak at Weber, Fr. George also at Weber did. Then studying humanities at the U of I, I had a GA who was thirty teach this 20-year-old junior about life and yet the firmness of her bosoms.
So, I think, go outside the box to truly get the meaning of this most intriguing tale. That meant write, edit, re- write, and pray.
“Riders on the Storm” by The Doors is a song that often carries a sense of mystery and contemplation. It is open to interpretation, but the lyrics suggest a metaphorical journey through life’s challenges and uncertainties.
The “riders” could symbolize individuals navigating the storms of life, facing difficulties, and moving forward despite the obstacles. The song’s somber and atmospheric tone, along with Jim Morrison’s vocals, creates an introspective atmosphere, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences and journeys.
Overall, the song touches on themes of mortality, introspection, and the idea that life’s path is not always clear. It is a poetic exploration of the human condition and the journey we all undertake, filled with its highs and lows, dangers, and mysteries.
In Greek mythology, Charon is the ferryman of the underworld who transports the souls of the deceased across the river Styx to the afterlife. The relevance of Charon and the river Styx lies in their role as a symbolic representation of the journey from life to death.
The river Styx was believed to be a boundary between the world of the living and the realm of the dead. Crossing the Styx with Charon was a crucial step for souls to reach the afterlife. Those who could not pay the toll to Charon were said to wander the shores as restless spirits.
The concept of Charon and the river Styx has had a lasting impact on culture and literature, often representing the transition from one state to another or the passage from life to death. It has been referenced in various works of art, literature, and even modern interpretations, reflecting themes of mortality, transformation, and the unknown journey beyond death.
Hamlet. This phrase seems to suggest that the man has been taking risks or engaging in risky behavior (playing with fire), and as a result, he will now have to face the consequences or challenges that come his way (suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune). It is reminiscent of the idea that one’s actions can lead to both positive and negative outcomes. The phrase is likely referencing the Shakespearean play “Hamlet.”
A soft voice can sometimes be more intimidating than shouting and pounding on the table due to the element of control, unpredictability, and intensity it can convey. Here is why:
1. **Control**: When someone speaks softly, it suggests that they are in control of their emotions and can maintain their composure even in intense situations. This control can be unsettling, as it implies that the person has a firm grasp of their emotions and actions.
2. **Unpredictability**: A soft-spoken person can catch others off guard. People generally expect aggressive behavior to be accompanied by loudness and force. When someone goes against that expectation and delivers a serious message calmly, it can create a sense of uncertainty and unpredictability, making them wonder about the person’s intentions.
3. **Intensity**: A soft voice can carry an intensity that shouts cannot replicate. It forces listeners to lean in and pay close attention to every word being said. This can amplify the impact of the words and make the message feel more personal and directed at the listener.
4. **Intrigue**: Soft-spoken individuals often make others curious about their motives and thoughts. This curiosity can be intimidating, as people try to understand the underlying reasons behind the soft-spoken person’s demeanor and message.
5. **Subtlety**: Sometimes, a soft voice can hide underlying anger, frustration, or determination. This subtle undercurrent can be more unsettling than overt displays of anger, as it leaves room for interpretation and speculation.
In essence, a soft voice can create a sense of unease because it challenges expectations, maintains control, and holds the potential for hidden intensity. It taps into psychological factors that make people question and analyze the situation more deeply.
Why won’t you just tell us it was Fred Trump who killed Kennedy?
I think this is your record comment by length if not depth. Wow, my friend, but you must have had a few buttons pushed pretty hard.
Your knowledge of Greek Mythology is impressive.
Thanks for the really terrific writing.
Semper fi,
Jim
Into each combat veteran is the knowledge of what each one has done and, under the right circumstances, what they are capable of. On most occasions, we turn and walk away from an altercation, not from fear or moral turpitude but to stay away from that dark place burned into us in mortal combat. To take a moment to put things in perspective and, in passing, give the subject of our ire, not a threat, but a warning, perhaps a promise of things to come if our paths cross again. Unfortunatley many don’t get it and I suspect Mardian will be among that group.The old soldier in me looks forward to that meeting.
Thanks Gordon for such a ‘solid’ comment. You have to be the real deal to think like you do!
Semper fi,
Jim
“The changer” intriguing…reminds me of the feeling of moving through the maze aligning or changing each obstacle in to an asset to support the mission! And the pleasure of possibly changing or erasing the “Gates” or the spoiled brats! The Cowardly Lion or the Frightened Cobra….
I like the way your mind works, Colonel Homan, as always…thanks so much…
Semper fi, my friend,
Jim
Cliffhanger Jim/Sir/LT,
Enjoyed digesting all the morsels from your latest serving.
Thanks! I appreciate my ‘feeding’.
Lots to ponder about and try to fit together in connecting the various threads and dots.
You do not drop any dates in your narrative as to where all this played out in relation to Watergate and other national political happenings. Obviously, this is before Agnew resigned from the VP slot due to income tax issues. I, for one, am curious as to timeline with other national events transpiring at the time to help me with the time context of your story.
Noticed a few typos that need to be corrected, but Dan C and others do a much better job than I do about that.
–“Bob’s commen hit me harder…” (comment)
–“I answered the door in my robe and furry slippers, my wife awake but not up, while Julie, long awake and upn,…” (upon)
–““What do you really do?” I asked the woman, hoping the answer would nt be a long one. ” (not)
Keep ’em coming!
Always appreciate your input, Walter. Thanks for the edit suggestions, now fixed
“also to visit Cobb who was suppose to hAve the 1500”. You are missing the A
The new copy is edited to take care of that problem. Thanks for pointing it out.
Semper fi,
Jim
James, What a cast of characters.
Cobb a powerful person who (it seems) tragically can never be close to anyone.
Butch seems like a new friend. “You see?”
Little Mardian will receive his comeuppance and his own ego will prevent him from running to daddy.
As suggested below – in chapter 41 Mardian told you to get the $1,500 from Cobb.
Gates must have been told to back off.
We shall see.
Some minor editing suggestions follow:
Kennedy was going straight into the U.S. mints printing the country’s money again
Maybe “Mint” instead of “mints”
Kennedy was going straight into the U.S. Mint printing the country’s money again
but why is his name even mentioned here?’
Close with double quote rather than single quote
but why is his name even mentioned here?”
somehow involved and giving the Dwarf’s special knowledge
“Dwarfs” plural rather than Dwarf’s” possessive
somehow involved and giving the Dwarfs special knowledge
Bob’s commen hit me harder than I was willing to let on
“comment” rather tha “commen”
Bob’s comment hit me harder than I was willing to let on
Next week that situation will come to conclusion
Depending on usage “conclusion” can mean ending or a judgement.
Maybe use a synonym like “closure”
Next week that situation will come to closure
I knew it was my position on the force that the was being hunted
Drop “the” after “that”
I knew it was my position on the force that was being hunted
I went home, walking with Steed
Maybe “headed” rather than “went” since action is ongoing
I headed home, walking with Steed
confront Gates at my own time and place of my choosing
Two instances of “my” Maybe drop second
confront Gates at my own time and place of choosing
Gate’s door was open
Move apostrophe after “s”
Gates’ door was open
OR alternate grammar rules say add apostrophe followed by “s”
Gates’s door was open
I prefer first form
I said in the only chair
“sat” rather than “said”
I sat in the only chair
while Julie, long awake and upn
“up” instead of “upn”
while Julie, long awake and up
I worked getting the top of the Maxwell House coffee can
Maybe “off” rather than “of” after “top”
I worked getting the top off the Maxwell House coffee can
Gularte replied, his voice exited but clear
Seems “excited” instead of “exited”
Gularte replied, his voice excited but clear
Butch, and also to give him the fifteen hundred dollars Mardian had given to me for his first year’s insurance premium
/ In chapter 41 Mardian says, “Tomorrow, the cash will be delivered, not that you haven’t gotten enough of that already. Pick it up at Cobb’s boat slip…”
You could write in picking up the cash from Cobb as a reason for visiting her yacht.
The door opened instantly, as is she’d been standing and waiting
“if” rather than “is”
The door opened instantly, as if she’d been standing and waiting
not just by her promptness in answering but by the fact that she was dressed
Maybe add “also” after “but”
not just by her promptness in answering but also by the fact that she was dressed
The dragoman welcoming departing souls crossing the river Styxx?”
dragoman is an interpreter or guide – so second meaning?
“Styxx” should be “Styx”
The dragoman welcoming departing souls crossing the river Styx?”
hoping the answer would nt be a long one
“not” instead of “nt”
hoping the answer would not be a long one
Being in her presence was vageuy discomforting
“vaguely” instead of “vageuy”
Being in her presence was vaguely discomforting
although I had not real good reason for feeling that way
“no” rather than “not”
although I had no real good reason for feeling that way
from Mexico filled with diesel fuel drum
Maybe plural for “drum” “drums”
from Mexico filled with diesel fuel drums
/ I’m not sure of the following:
“I’m a changer,” “Like you, I think, although at least I know it.”
What is “it”?
That she knows / suspects you are an agent
OR that she knows she is an agent yet she is not sure that you know your actual role?
thinks he’s tough, not like you. See, your changing him.
Seems “you’re” rather than “your”
thinks he’s tough, not like you. See, you’re changing him.
Although I prefer “you are” in this sentence. Emphasizes the “are”
thinks he’s tough, not like you. See, you are changing him.
I didn’t ask and don’t need your help
Maybe add “for” after “ask”
I didn’t ask for and don’t need your help
It’s Butch’s trailer, so it’ll have to be Butch he invites me to leave
“who” instead of “he”
It’s Butch’s trailer, so it’ll have to be Butch who invites me to leave
take the kind on in spite of my wounds
“kid” instead of “kind”
take the kid on in spite of my wounds
saying common to police officer in the department
Maybe “officers”
saying common to police officers in the department
Blessings & Be Well
Thanks again Dan. Much appreciated, as usual. I’m not sure that the A.I> editor I am using can come close to you. I think not.
Thanks a million for what you do, week in and week out.
Semper fi, my friend,
Jim