Vehicle

Chapter One - It’s Finished!

Betty sticks her head into Ted and Jeff’s room and says Supper’s ready boys, come and get it.. She scoots back to the kitchen to finish taking the serving dishes out to the dining room. There was nothing special about this night, this meal, Spanish rice with plenty of real bacon pieces, one of the family favorites. The boys know what’s being served and are there in a flash. The three sit down and serve it up and start eating eagerly. The usual dinner talk, school, girls, sports, until they hear a door close and footsteps coming down the hall. Silence falls over them. He enters the dining room and sits at the fourth setting. He looks haggard and gaunt, but has a curious smile on his lips. Betty almost jumps up Well welcome stranger, let me serve you some of this while it’s still hot for a change. She serves up two big spoonful’s and he immediately jams his fork into it and starts chowing down. Silence at the table as all eat, with three surprised sets of eyes not moving from him. Finally he looks up and sees them all staring at him.

What he says.

Teddy speaks up first. Dad, it’s been months since you ate with us. You haven’t come up for air from that garage, how come tonight.

Betty breaks in I’ve told you many times not to bug your Dad, he is building something unique out there, we have to support him anyway we can.

It’s finished.

Three forks drop as one. Don’s smile gets even bigger as he shovels the Spanish rice into his mouth between gulps of water. Finally Betty is able to gasp, It’s finished? It’s really over? Can we really get back to a normal life? Tears flooding out I have been trying so hard to be here for you this whole time, trying to be patient, defending you to all our friends and family, bringing meals to you in the garage and sitting with you while you eat it like a mad man, and knowing that all you’re thinking about is getting back to work. I can’t believe it’s all over. She had no idea that she had bottled up so many emotions.

Yep, that’s all over, but getting back to a normal life? Hah! Our lives are about to change SO drastically. We are about to become celebrities. We are going to lead the most extraordinary lives any family has ever led. Teddy, Jeff, I am truly sorry you are not going to have normal teen-age years. But believe me when I tell you that your lives are going to be so full of wonder from here on out. Now let’s finish up this wonderful meal, clean up the kitchen, and get ready for your first lesson.

Dad, I gotta study for my test tomorrow, Jeff says so let’s not do this tonight. Maybe Saturday would be better.

Jeff, to tell you the truth, I don’t care if you ever attend another day of school, you can learn along the way. Your life’s work is out back waiting for you. You too Ted. Tonight I will show you what I have been working on for the last couple of years and give you a preview of what we are going to be doing for the next 30 or so years. Together we are going to change the world. If you’re not on board after tonight, I won’t bug you anymore about it. But hold your opinion for now. I’m going out back to get things ready. Meet you all out there in fifteen. With that he wipes his mouth, finishes his water, gets up, and walks down the hallway and out the back door.

First Lesson? In what? Is he kidding us Mom? What the heck is so important about that old boat? Teddy says. I know he’s been working on that thing for a couple of years now, Jeff and I have helped him do some crazy stuff on it. But what could it possibly do that he thinks we are going to be celebrities, that all of us are going to devote our whole lives to it.

NO more school? Was he serious Mom? Jeff says eyes as big as a saucer.

I don’t know about that Jeff, but I do know that the ship he is building in the garage is one of a kind in the entire world. Your Dad has told me it can’t be duplicated in our lifetime, not even by him. Let’s hear him out and see if all his sacrifices these past years have been worth it. I am so happy to have him back. Now I am getting excited. Let’s get this stuff cleaned up and get out there.

The dinner table was cleared in a flash and she was alone with the dishes and her thoughts wandered back to that night when it all started. It was still hard to believe what had happened.

It had been a cool early spring night; they were watching television, just the two of them. The boys were up in their bedroom, hopefully fast asleep by now. She had the throw blanket over her legs, and Nefertiti the cat was curled by her side. Don was on the other end of the couch, his feet up on the coffee table as usual. He had just come off his second 24 hour shift at the Fire Station that morning, had finished a couple of chores around the house, helped with Ted’s homework, and was wonderfully content to relax in front of the tube with her. The cat suddenly came up with a start and was gone in a flash to her spot under their bed. This usually happened when the doorbell rang, but this time all was quiet. Betty looked over at Don noticing the puzzled look on his face.

Did you hear that? He asked.

What? She hadn’t heard anything.

Someone called my name, as clear as day, like he was standing right in the room!

I didn’t hear a thing, but Neffie sure was scared.

Yes! I hear you! Where in hell are you, and who are you?

Who are you answering Donny? I didn’t hear a thing. Bet looked at him, and could not figure out what was going on. Was he fooling with her? That was not like him.

Same voice. Don got up from the couch and moved to the center of the room.

What are you hearing? She said as Don first kneel-ed and then lay down on the floor. The astonished look in Don’s face, like he was seeing an apparition, almost paralyzed her. He lay there with mouth agape then repeated What...........how............what...........huh..... She was distracted by the TV so grabbed the remote and switched it off. Don looked up at her, a dazed look on his face.

Bet, something really weird is about to happen.

Chapter Two - All About Shields.

She dried the last glass and hung up the cloth. Jeff came around the corner.

Are you ready mom? Dad has the ladder set up to go on the roof. Any idea what for?

No idea Jeff, let’s go find out.

Out in the back yard the four of them gathered. It was a beautiful summer night in the low 70’s and the three quarter moon was well up above the horizon. Don was holding a small flat box which he opened as they approached. In the box were four large metal pendants with sturdy neck chains. Each measured about 4 long, 1wide and ¼" thick with rounded corners and edges. The chain seemed to be part of the pendent rather than just holding it. Each had a letter engraved in the center. D B T J

"There is one for each of us, they are personal shields, and I will explain their use as we go. Once you put these on you will never take them off.........EVER!

Not even in the shower Dad?

Never Jeff, these shields will bond to you and only work for you. They will only respond to your voice, and they will save your life! But they are useless if you’re not wearing it.

"What do they protect us from Dad?

Everything. Poison, bullets, explosions, falls, you name it. Now, put them on and I will demonstrate.

He hands each member of his family a pendent and they slip them over their heads.

They’re so smooth hon, what are they made of?

Something that hasn’t even been discovered yet, an alloy that is stronger and lighter than anything in use right now. It’s the electronics inside that react with this alloy that give it the shielding properties. Now back up about five steps and give yourselves some room. That’s it; now say out loud Personal Shield Six Feet!

The three of them say it, a small snicker coming from Ted and Jeff.

I know you think that’s kind of funny, but watch this. And he begins to climb the ladder.

Whoa Dad, what are you going to do? From Jeffrey.

Donny you get down from there right now!

And he does, in spectacular fashion. Just as he reached the height of the roof, about 20 feet up, he turned and jumped head first. It happened so fast that none of the three on the ground could do anything but watch in stunned silence, as he fell..............stopping gently as a feather at six feet above the ground. His feet drifted slowly to the ground and he walked to his wife with a big grin on his face.

You better wipe that grin off your face, don’t you ever do a crazy thing like that again, you scared me witless, jackass!

Sorry hon, I just wanted to make my point quickly. Ted, Jeff, you next. Climb up a ways and give it a try. The sooner you learn to use and trust your shields the better.

As brothers go, these two are as different as day and night. Teddy the older one, almost 16, has the body of an athlete. He is a great baseball player and very thoughtful about what to do next. Jeff, two years younger, is thinner, lankier, and as brash and bold as can be. The first one to try anything new if it looks like fun. He is up the ladder and jumping out into space from 15 feet in a matter of seconds with a Yeeeeehaaaaaaa before you can blink. And just like his Dad, he gently stops six feet from the ground, his feet sink to the ground and he walks away.

That is awesome! Try it Ted

Oh jeez. from his Mom. I can’t watch

"They will be fine Hon. Can’t wait for you to try it!’

Yeah, well don’t hold your breath.

Ted walks over to the ladder and starts to climb. At about ten feet he turns to his Dad with a worried look.

Go for it Ted, its safe.

It takes him a couple of seconds and a couple of head shakes, but finally off he goes. More of a drop than a jump, and very short lived as he comes to a gentle stop and walks away.

Jeff is already climbing up for another try. How high up will it protect us Dad?

Jeff, you could jump out of a plane at forty thousand feet and you would land the same way. After a hundred feet or so, what would it matter? Terminal velocity is terminal velocity. It’s the stop at the bottom you have to be protected from.

Jeff gets off the ladder onto the roof and disappears from view. He runs off the edge with a Geronimo yell and dives, literally, out as far as he can, flying a good twenty feet out and down, and again stops as softly as can be six feet off the ground.

Jesus Christ Jeff, I didn’t expect that. That one even gave me a shudder

Ted was climbing the ladder now. He got to the top, onto the roof, and took the stance of a professional diver right at the edge. It took him several seconds to get up the nerve, but finally off he went in a perfect swan. Just as he dove they heard him mutter Damn. And again he stops at six feet and walks away with the biggest grin you could imagine.

OK hon, your turn. You don’t have to go up high, just try about 10 feet and go fanny first.

Jeff started the chant Go Momma, Go Momma and Ted and Don joined in, and up she started. At about ten feet she stopped.

Now what do I do?

The easiest thing to do is just let go and fall backwards. Were right here Bet, we won’t let anything happen to you.

After another thirty seconds of coaxing from all of them, she finally relents and slowly falls backwards. A good AAAAAAAAAYAAAAA gaining decibels as she starts to fall and stops softly six feet up. Her feet sink to the ground and she gains her feet. WOW! I didn’t think I could do it. And I don’t think I am going to do it again. But now I know it works.

Jeff started for the ladder again, but Don stop’s him with a Later Jeff, we got more to learn. The shield can take several commands, but you have to remember to say Personal Shield before the command. We are going to have a couple of other shields to deal with, like the vehicle and house shields, that’s why you have to point your command at the correct shield. The Personal Shield Default command lets the shield go down to its closest to your skin, about a sixteenth of an inch away. And don’t worry, even that close it will protect you. Max is about six foot nine. If we ever get into a situation where guns are drawn there is something VERY important to remember. If we are among good guys like the local cops or the secret service, make sure you give the command NO REBOUND. That way if someone shoots at you they don’t get hit by their own shot rebounding off your shield. These shields remember their last commands, so remember to say Personal Shield Default after each episode. Default means any shot taken at you will rebound back on its original trajectory and speed. That will really screw up a snipers day. There is also the momentum command; you can make your shield act like it has up to a ton of weight behind it. You can then run around and act like a bowling ball and everyone else is a pin. With the four of us acting in unison with 2000 pounds of momentum each and shields out full, we could put down a small army. If we are not careful we could seriously hurt a lot of guys. We will have to train on that one, work up some maneuvers for certain instances. Only YOUR voice will operate YOUR shield, and it gets the command more from your chest than your voice. It feels your vocal vibrations. That’s enough for now, go practice a little. Mom and I will be back out as soon as it’s dark. That’s when it’s going to get REAL interesting

What happens after dark Dad? Says Ted.

Maiden flight guys and he and Betty walk back into the house. As they walk away they hear Jeff.

Personal Shield one foot! And the sound of footsteps going up the ladder.

And where are we going right now Betty says.

Betty, it’s been a long time since we had a little time alone, let’s start making up for it right now. I’ve had my head in that vehicle and only that vehicle for months. I haven’t even thought about sex. But I can honestly tell you; right now I only have you on my mind

I hear ya hon, welcome back. You owe me big time, and this is only the start of it. And for the next hour and a half they didn’t think about anything but themselves.

Chapter Three - The man, the boat.

Don and Betty walk out the back door, and it’s not hard to find the Boys, who are now trying to joust with each other on their bikes. Don notices that they have tried a few other things, like the bows and arrows, hockey sticks, and long handled shovels. Christ, he thinks, what have they been up to? He also knows that were he ten years younger he would have been out here with them.

What have you two been up to? Says Mom looking at the evidence.

That momentum thing is crazy Dad. I gave myself a ton of it and we ran at each other at full speed, Jeff went flying, must have gone thirty or forty feet. I ran over to him and he got up laughing. The shield completely protected him. But I see what you mean about doing that to people without shields. There would be lots of broken bones.

OK guys; let’s get this show on the road. He has the garage door remote with him, and presses the open button. The enormous specially built door opens up and the garage lights automatically turn on. Most of the interior of this oversized garage is taken up by the boat.

This craft started out as a pleasure boat, hand built by a man in Maine almost 40 years earlier and was used for many years by him and his family. The man piloted and maintained this boat with a passion that only comes with the pride of knowing he built it, that it was very special. It was a very unusual design, made to be very stable. Other than the pilot chair, the console and windshield in front of it, the deck was flat from bow to stern. When it was taken out for a cruise it was always littered with lawn chairs. A huge awning covered more than half the deck. Even in Maine the summer sun could fry you. A rope railing circled the deck with three spots where the rope could be unhooked to gain access on or off the boat. Near the bow was a three foot wide stairway into the spacious cabin. There was a good sized bath room with toilet, sink, and shower. The cabin had a four burner propane stove, plenty of storage, a large table with benches that could be made up to be a double bed when needed. The first few years when he put it in the water each spring, his family and friends could not wait to get aboard. That had waned as his three children grew into their teens becoming bored with just cruising. One summer his oldest son asked if he could wake board behind the boat, thus reinventing its appeal. The kids and their friends wanted to go out all the time then. Up to four of them could wake board as the man piloted up and down the Maine coast, in an out of the many inlets and rivers.

Everyone knew this boat, this man. One summer the vacationing U.S. president had pulled alongside and asked for a tour of the boat, then accepted a ride. Quite a site that, the man, his family and friends, the President with his wife and son, along with two Secret Service agents on the boat all being shadowed by the President’s own boat and two Coast Guard cutters. The President’s son accepted a wake board ride and did fairly well. That had been a day to remember. The big marine diesel droned along at a steady 3200 RPM, the man sitting in the pilot chair, always with a smile on his face. His wife was constantly near, supportive and loving... When not on the boat the man had plenty of work to keep him busy. He was always being asked to build things, fix things, and modify things. His skills as a master craftsman were known throughout Maine. His furniture sold mostly at auction and garnered prices that were normally only put on pieces of art. His life was wonderful.

The ship was the man’s pride and joy, built with plans he had drawn up without ever reading a blueprint or plan for a watercraft. He had dreamed about it and went headlong into building it. When friends and family found out what he was building they never even questioned it. Aware of his reputation, they knew it was going to be something special. Built mostly with hand tools and made of white oak cut from his own land. He smiled when he thought back to the day when he had delivered the first load of his white oak to his local mill. The sawyer took the specifications and promised to take care of it personally, later telling the man he lost money on the deal. Those white oaks were the hardest wood he had ever sawn. He had to sharpen his blades three times more often than with any other wood he had ever cut. But he knew who he was cutting that wood for and never faltered on the contract. He wanted the bragging rights that would go along with having sawn the logs for this man’s boat. The sawyer had gone to his grave wondering about how special that wood was, wondering how the man had grown trees that hard?

No spot on the hull was less than two inches thick. The planks had been milled with his specifications, tongue and grooved, each to be hand fit. He amazed everyone when he built a special shed to steam and bend this lumber to his bidding. Boat builders in the area had come to see the boat as it was being built, loaded with questions. The man had always patiently explained everything, taught his techniques to these men who were already at the pinnacle of their own boat building careers. They all walked away in awe carrying more knowledge than when they arrived. It took a year and a half of his time, thousands of hours. When it was finished it was a sight to behold. In fact, no one had ever seen anything like it. From keel to flat deck it stood 8 feet, and if viewed from the front it almost looked like a tri hull. The deck at the bow went smoothly out in a perfect half circle then straight back to the aft. The deck was flat. It must have been slightly higher in the center because any water that came aboard always ran off the sides, but it was not discernible. He had installed the big marine diesel mid ship. The shaft went into a distribution box a quarter of the way back which held two transmissions, one each for the twin props. The props were almost hidden from view in cutouts in the hull and the unique contours and profile of the bottom directed all the water too them. No rudders! Just slow one prop, speed up the other and you could turn this beast like a boat half its size. When he first had it lifted into the water more flashbulbs went off than at a national press conference, sparking more debate amongst the boat builders present than any other craft in history.

A craft that wide will not handle well out in these waters. they all said. That theory quickly came to an end as the man got aboard, started it up and backed the boat out of the launch bay. He weaved his way through the throng of boaters, heading for the open ocean doing almost 20 knots. Hundreds of boats followed.

The maintenance of such a craft was very time consuming. Each autumn it was hauled out for the winter and brought to his yard, where it was lovingly scraped, varnished, the engine overhauled. When the man past 15 years ago, no one else in the family wanted to take up the reins of command with this brute of a boat and the work it entailed. It was left in the yard, covered by a huge plastic tarp. Years later a young man came along, making an offer for it. His offer was more than anyone thought it was worth. He would pay cash and promised to have it taken away as soon as possible. It did not take long for the family members to get in touch with each other, all of them were of the same opinion, take this offer quickly before he changes his mind. An agreement was written and signed, the cash changed hands. Two days later a crew showed up with an enormous crane and trailer. Several hours later the boat was just a happy memory for the man’s family. The truck hauling the boat had to move it at night because it took up two lanes. Two Maine State Police patrol cars accompanied it south down Rte. 95, eventually turning the escort over to New Hampshire State Police patrols at their border. Shortly thereafter the Massachusetts State Police cars took over. The convoy continued south on Rte. 95 where it finally exited into the town of Walpole, MA. There it slowly made its way through several small streets until it reached the address of the buyer. Another crane was waiting to remove the boat. It was expertly swung up off the bed of the trailer and gently lowered onto a specially made dolly just outside a huge garage. When the boat was firmly locked onto the dolly, an electric pulley hauled it into the garage. An enormous overhead door closed, the workers were thanked, well paid for their time and were gone. The garage had no windows, and just one door other than that monstrous overhead door. There were five witnesses to this delivery. The young man, his wife, two sons, and a nephew. At the time the nephew, Mikey, had looked over at his Uncle and asked.........You paid how much for that?

Chapter Four - First Flight

They entered the garage, Betty and the boys started looking it over. The hull had been sanded to a fine finish then coated with the best of epoxies, giving it a Piano Black finish. It glistened and begged to be touched. It sported a custom frame of titanium over the keel with five braces of the same on either side running up to the new railing that had been installed. Directly amidships on the starboard side there was a set of open steps, the top three of which were actually built into the ship. The remaining seven coming down to ground level. With the boat sitting on the dolly, the bottom stair was one foot in the air.

Heads up, I’m pulling her out

The three made way as he threw the switch that pulls the dolly out the door. An electric whine started and slowly, very slowly, the vehicle emerged. From where they stood, the deck was 9 feet above them, and the railing another three feet above that. Slowly emerging from the garage, it suddenly seemed gigantic. The whine stopped and Don came out carrying an eight foot step ladder which he set up near the bow.

Bet, would you do the honors? and he picked up a bottle of champagne he had stashed on the dolly.

I would be delighted. She slowly climbs up the steps and Don passes the bottle up to her. Is it still the name we decided on?

Yep, I think it fits just fine.

She raises the bottle and says in a very official voice, I christen thee Vehicle and swings away. The bottle hits the side of the titanium keel plate and shatters. Ha first swing, that’s good luck!

Well done honey, come on down and let’s get aboard

Down she comes and over to amidships where Don has placed a small set of two stairs to get up to the first steps of the gangway. He leads the way with Betty and Boys close behind.

Why Vehicle Dad?

It’s named after a song Ted. Vehicle by the Ides of March, it was a big hit back in 1970. Your Mother and I used to sing it quite often It goes like this He and Betty break out in song.

"Hey well, I'm a friendly stranger in a black Sedan

Won't you hop inside my car?

I got pictures, got candy, I'm a lovable man

And I can take