"What can I get you?" asked the bartender.
"Club sandwich and a vodka-seven with a lime, please," I responded.
The Dolphins were playing the Steelers, and the Dolphins were actually winning—which was enough to catch my attention and hold my interest as the bartender placed a drink in front of me and turned away to prepare my order. So I made my way toward a table closest to the television.
"Dolphins fan or Steelers?" came a voice from the man sitting alone in the corner as I sat.
I turned and was surprised to see the familiar face staring back at me, smiling. "Mind if I join you?" he asked.
"Of course not," I said, somewhat astonished to see him there.
"How did you—" I managed before I decided not to even attempt to finish the question.
He just gave me that look, as if I should actually expect him to know.
Here I was, in the middle of downtown Washington, D.C. with none other than G Weston. Talk about uncanny. Well, maybe not, but you get the picture. I mean, here we were in the epicenter of political maneuvering, power, and influence, not to mention a city where there's most likely a camera in every conceivable obscure corner of just about anyplace you can imagine.
"Well?" he questioned. "Dolphins or Steelers?"
"Uhm, Dolphins," I stammered while trying to come to grips with the surprising encounter.
"Me too. Die hard fan, actually," he said as he watched the next play. "Just wish they could do what it takes to get back into the playoffs. Maybe this year," he added.
"OK, so did you follow me here to continue your interview?" I asked, secretly hoping I could pry his attention away from the game and get him to concede to another interview. "Or did you somehow accidentally notice me by sheer coincidence?
He smiled as the bartender brought my food to the table and waited for the man to walk away before he answered.
"I figure I should follow up with you until we finish our interview," he responded, again with a smile. "Besides, I don't believe in accidents or coincidence."
"Cool," I simply responded. "Would you mind..." I asked as I pulled the cell phone from my pocket and activated the recorder app.
He agreed with a slight nod as I activated the app.
GW: So, I'm trying to recall just where we left off in our last interview, uh, discussion. I seem to recall asking you whether you're enjoying your new role in life.
JGW: Yes, I believe I was telling you just how quickly my mind can move under certain circumstances.
GW: Yes, let's talk about that mind, shall we?
JGW: We agreed that we're pretty much alike, you and me.
GW: Oh I'm fairly certain you're far more advanced than I am. After all, you're the spy whose abilities are critical to the success in most all of your missions.
JGW: OK, let's say for a moment that's true. Do you ever recall writing something about me or my influence on a mission or a situation where I operate independent of your ability to eloquently describe it?
GW: (I hesitated...a move that I had apparently had written all over my face.)
JGW: Didn't think so.
GW: OK. So, where would you like to go with this interview? What would you like the readers to know about you or the stories you're involved in?
JGW: Well, you mentioned the mind. I think I'd like everyone to know how fascinating the dream realm can be. I believe most everyone dreams but very few of us can recall more than a few remnants of what we believe we experienced. Don't get me wrong, the whole operational aspect of the job is exciting and has been known to spike my adrenal glands on more than one occasion, but having an ability to operate in more than one aspect plane of consciousness is a definite advantage.
GW: So, are your abilities limited to a few gifted people like yourself?
JGW: As you know, I have only met one other person who has come close to having the same abilities. He wasn't very nice. Those who have read Dream Operative know how that situation turned out.
GW: Then I take it that you consider yourself unique but not alone.
JGW: I would like to think that there are others who have abilities similar to mine that use it for the greater good, yes.
GW: It must be a fascinating experience...to actually know you're dreaming and to consciously move about in that state of mind.
JGW: I have to admit, it hasn't gotten old at all. I learn something new every time I enter that world.
GW: Can normal people like me ever expect to get to a place where we could remember our dreams with any clarity? If so, how?
JGW: The simple answer is yes. All you have to do is just ask.
GW: Explain.
JGW: When you lie down for the night or for a nap, simply ask to remember your dreams. Let's break that down, shall we? When you ask any question whatsoever, it is heard. Some of us believe God Himself hears it, while others believe it is simply the universe that absorbs the request. Either way, any question that is asked will be answered. It's what is known as an aphorism, or a universal truth. All we have to do is expect a response and remember to look for the answer. Also, if you take the actual word "remember," and break it apart slightly you get the word "re-member." Think about it...if you "re-member" something you are in fact putting the pieces back together again. It becomes a simple matter of collecting all the pieces until you establish order.
GW: That's great information and it's all well and good for after the fact—once we have awakened. But what about increasing our level of conscious awareness inside the dream state?
JGW: Let's save that for another time, shall we? For now, let's just agree that most anyone can slowly begin to remember their dreams if they ask. Oh, and it helps if you lie very still once you first awaken.
GW: Why is that?
JGW: Physical movement disturbs the remnants of the dream for some reason. It's something I haven't quite figured out why just yet. Oh, and one more tip. Keep a note pad at your bedside to record all of the elements of your dream that you can remember. Dreams belong in the alter-conscious realm and are not known to last long inside the conscious mind. Writing them down helps keep the remnants in place for easier recall.
GW: Good advice. Care to talk about why you're really in D.C.?
JGW: No.
GW: (smiling) OK, so let's talk about your next assignment. Where do you see it taking you next?
JGW: You know the drill. I'll reveal that to you incrementally as you're ready to write the next chapter of the next book. I think we both already know there's some business to take care of in the Caribbean. Good thing too because, as you know, I prefer a warm climate. Guess we'll just have to wait and see where that takes us.
Well, will you look at that...another Dolphin touchdown.
I looked up at the television and smiled as the Dolphins fans celebrated. When I turned back around he was gone. As suddenly and mysteriously as he had first appeared he had disappeared. But I'm certain of one thing—we'll have an opportunity to continue our chat some other time.
So stay tuned...- G -
Please visit my website: www.gwestfal.com
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