Charlie's_Chakra by Alan Grant

Charlie’s Chakra By Alan Grant July 2004

Prologue: Up in the Uintas Within an hour after dawn the sky, at this altitude, is incredibly blue. Down below, an early morning mist obscures the valley floor – And will burn off in a few hours. The surrounding peaks are white with unheard breezes swirling away the overnight snowfall. Excepted only by the wind, and water tumbling through a nearby pebbled brook – The richness is in the stillness of it all. He had selected this spot as a civilizationproof refuge. Independent of a central power grid and some miles away from a dirt road trailhead. The only condescension to the new century Solar panels on the roof to supply heat and light, and a satellite dish to import wireless signals from near or far. What a juxtaposition – A wilderness chic! But, toward what purpose?

Act 1: “Things get curiouser and curiouser” Scene 1: Charlie is Retired, Bored and Annoyed (When Charlie retired from a workinglifetime as a commodities trader, and with good riddance, he innocently thought he would be free from the fractious tyranny of numbers. Money was no longer a soughtafter prize, and he no longer had to abide by two immutable rules: Empty his bladder before going out on the trading floor; and closing out each contract every afternoon – No matter what the gain or loss. But, as he watches the evening news on the local TV station, he realizes that everything he sees and hears – Is quantified by those infernal digits. Incidentally, the TV Weatherman is his brotherin law, Baro,…A “lightweight” – But, what the heck, it’s inherited family!)

CHARLIE Enough Already! BARO …..Scattered showers today – High near 72. 5Day forecast.. Tomorrows high around 88. Winds from the Northwest at 6. Sunrise 6:47. Sunset 7:02. CHARLIE Blather! How I long for some “Imprecision!” Why can’t Baro just say,….”it will be hotter or colder, wetter or dryer, blowing or not blowing? BARO Now, turning to the five day forcast. Hi’s 86, 87, 83, 79, 84. CHARLIE Numbers, numbers! I am bedeviled by numbers – My Social Security, my cell phone – My Fax (At least my Email has a few letters). BARO …And now for our unusual humaninterest story. It seems that Mrs. Baker’s dalmation puppy, Argus, got loose and chewed thru a temporary power splicing cable near the corner of eighth and Porter Streets – Knocking out power for a 12 block square area. As we speak, repair crews are on site trying to restore electricity. In the meantime, an AnimalVigilante group has been formed. As for Argus, observers saw him blown skihigh and then onto an empty garbage barge heading out to sea. His owner, Mrs. Baker is laying low until the hostility dies down. …The moral is – If there is one is,…. If you are going to be a “Dog” – Do it on the road! So, remember folks,…. Baro is your “Straight Arrow!” And, I leave you with,… Whether we like it cold Or Whether we like it hot We’ll be together Whatever the weather Whether we like it or not!

CHARLIE Stale bread would be fresher than this “pap!” (Charlie mutes the sound Leaves the picture on – But, is not looking at the screen) It’s more interesting to guess what the picture is saying. BARO (Baro “cups’ his ear Faintly hears,….”The picture is saying”) Control Room! Get the engineer on line. What’s this strange voice that just came thru on my earphone? Who’s playing games up there? ENGINEER (Listens in on Baro’s circuit) What are you talking about? We don’t hear anything. BARO It sounds like a “PartyLine.” CHARLIE (Preoccupied with some papers – Charlie does a quick passing glance at the silent screen). Why does my brotherinlaw sound like a puppet? BARO There it is again. Something about “Puppets.” ENGINEER Sorry, we hear absolutely nothing. (Is this guy ‘losing’ it?) Hey, what were you drinking (Or ”sniffing”) last night?

BARO “Buzz off.” Don’t patronize me! ENGINEER (One of these days, he’s gonna let loose with a “4letter beaut” – Love to see it. They pay him too much anyways!) CHARLIE I’d rather watch a pretty female puppet – “Barbies” with “orthodenture” smiles. … Almost human They never burp,.. (Or “pass” gas.) BARO Listen up you ControlRoom “Geeks.” ….There it is again. There’s going to be a …”gasattack?” ENGINEER (Either this guy has wandered over the edge,… Or is there possibly something big going on? In the meantime let’s humor him) Baro, Stay with it! Stick to your script and pass on whatever extra is incoming. You got that? BARO It’s hard to stay focused on what I am saying – When I am distracted by a strange “VoiceOver!” ENGINEER Hey, “Gopher,” Get the Station Chief up here,…”Pronto!” We have to run a “Diagnostic” on our transmission systems. (…Puzzling that sudden “downspike” in frequency – While Baro was “bitching”!)

Scene 2. Interaction – The Night Before (Charlie has been at loose ends since retirement. His friend, a psychiatrist, has been helping him make a smooth transition from a demanding numberdominated career – To a new world of unregimented thought. Charlie imposes upon his friend to come over right away.) FRIEND This better be good – Or awfully important! .. To drag me over here at eleven o’clock.

CHARLIE It is! And, you are not going to believe this. FRIEND Try me. Try very hard! And turn off that damn TV. CHARLIE No, that’s part of this whole thing. Just watch the news with me And say nothing! I’m going to think about something,… just a phrase, a few words. Then I will write it down on a folded piece of paper – Not showing it to you. FRIEND Understood. What next? …And, why me? CHARLIE Because, you are my “ShrinkConfessor” And allaround goodguy. FRIEND And since retirement, you have become helpless – Especially, if it comes to anything technical. CHARLIE It’s your doing – You “unstructured” me! FRIEND If I did – ‘Twas only to rescue you from those deadly balance sheets. CHARLIE Well, this time, there are no numbers to “crunch” – And are you going to be surprised! FRIEND I doubt it, but go ahead – Surprise me! CHARLIE I will look directly at the screen And mentally concentrate on that same phrase (I wrote down and concealed from you) Just watch!

FRIEND I am, I am. So what am I supposed to see or notice? CHARLIE Absolutely nothing! FRIEND I think you are certifiable! I’m going home – To bed. CHARLIE No, wait….Please, bear with me. FRIEND You’ve got about 20 seconds to… CHARLIE ….Make you a believer. Fair enough? FRIEND You are down to 15 seconds. CHARLIE Here comes the weather report. (God, I hope this works again) I will do the same routine – Except, that I will “mute” the TV first, so that no sound comes out – Only the picture remains. FRIEND This is your last 5 seconds! (Looks at the TV screen –Notices some words scrolling across the bottom – Just like a news flash) CHARLIE Well, what does it say? FRIEND “TV seduces me – Thereby reduces me”

CHARLIE (Now, Charlie hands the folded paper to Friend – With an “Itoldyou so” smirk.) OK, pal. Open it up and read it out loud to me. I want to hear every word! FRIEND (Slowly opens the folded paper – Silently reads – And in stunned amazement Mumbles). Oh My God! CHARLIE No mumbling! Read – Out loud! FRIEND “TV seduces me – Thereby reduces me” …This is impossible! CHARLIE It isn’t!? You just saw it! … I have been repeating this all day since the early morning news, whenever Baro was on. No matter what I was thinking – Funny, serious, obscene – Even when I hummed music to myself, the lyrics appeared on the screen. FRIEND This is some kind of trick. CHARLIE You bet! But how, or why? As long as the TV is on “Mute” – Part of whatever I am thinking (While looking at the TV) Suddenly appears and scrolls across the bottom of the screen. FRIEND Give me the “Remote”. Let me play with this thing. CHARLIE Help yourself. Its’ got all the routine “bells and whistles” OffOn – Volume Channels – And “Muting!”

FRIEND And the same thing happens on all the channels? CHARLIE No. So far, only this local station,… WPST FRIEND (Friend always injects some absurdity – When he is, temporarily, at a loss – Needing time to think!) Let’s see. … That station call number is WPEST? Or, better still,… WPIST? Which is it? (i before e – Except after c) CHARLIE Very funny! WPST! …Please, spare me the wordgames. FRIEND (Uses remote to stay on WPST – Friend Looks at screen – Tries to project his own thought – Nothing happens – No scrolling) Why doesn’t it work for me? CHARLIE You’re asking me? FRIEND (Hands the remote back to Charlie) Go ahead. Do your “magic” again for me! CHARLIE (Charlie writes out a new thought on paper – Turns to the TV screen, just as Baro is recapping the weather – And concentrates. Sure enough, the scrolling begins – Which reads,…”Believe my fine feathered friend, Believe”)

FRIEND (Friend grabs the folded note from Charlie – Almost afraid to peek. Reads,…”Believe my fine feth…..”) I’ll be a,… This can’t be! CHARLIE You saw for yourself – How much proof do you want? You tell me – What the hell is going on? FRIEND Well, apparently, there is some type of telepathy from you Which feeds back into the TV. But why, only this channel? And why, only the weather report? CHARLIE Well, maybe it happens because I am usually, ticked off, at my brotherin law. Heaven help Rather or Brokaw – If I develop a grudge. ( What I could do to the “networks”) FRIEND (A new form of electronic hostility – Sticking mental pins into the TV) Be serious. Stop reveling in your “Dark Side.”– Invoking dark clouds… CHARLIE …I can make hover over,… who knows? (…Tempting thought). FRIEND Look, I haven’t a clue – Or anything else relating to what just happened. (I wonder if that scrolling backtracks to the TV station that is broadcasting the program?) Let me do some thinking, to try to sort this out. In the meantime,…. CHARLIE ……What? FRIEND The less said, the better. …Not a word to anyone!

Scene 3. Charlie in the Park (Since his retirement, Charlie has developed an entirely new interest – That he would describe as – “The Amorphous!” He tries not to be bound by the clock. He wants no fixed routine. Occasional walks in the park – No set pattern. Purposely, meandering at different times. After yesterday’s strange events, he is unsettled and pensive. …Sits down on a bench to rest and reflect. Along comes a lady jogger who stops to take a break and a drink from the water fountain. He has chatted with her a number of times before. Charlie waves a greeting and motions her to sit beside him on the bench.) CHARLIE Hello “Regular.” You look like you need a break. Take a load off. REGULAR (Regular sits down besides Charlie and stretches her legs) What’s the matter Charlie? You look “minus” today. CHARLIE Oh, … just been thinking. Say, can I ask you something? Do we see farther away than we can hear things,… or is it the other way around? REGULAR My, we are in a pondering mood today. Hmm,… let’s look at both. Sound is analytical. We “separate” out the different instruments in an orchestra. Vision is synthetic. We “complete” the picture. CHARLIE But that begs the question. Do sound and sight always match up? REGULAR Rarely. Right now, you can hear some road traffic from outside the park – Yet in this early morning haze, you vaguely can make out what’s moving. CHARLIE What about the other way around?

REGULAR Probably not. When you say,…”I see clearly”…That’s more mental than actual. Vision often “Lies” to you. CHARLIE So, I am more likely to hear a pin dropped at The Mormon Tabernacle Choir – Than see it from here. REGULAR That’s an extreme example – But, pretty good But, if you never miss anything, that might be – “Sensory Overkill.” If all is heard, nothing left to the imagination. CHARLIE Is that why, like most joggers, you don’t wear one of those “Walkman Things” and an earplug? REGULAR ..On purpose, Charlie – My small rebellion. Whenever, and wherever, I try to avoid being “Wired” into the world. I escape! CHARLIE So, when no sound, happens around me – And I am not speaking or singing or even whispering – Am I, not intending to,… REGULAR …”Meditating?” Possibly. There are people who hear voices – Practice Zen. There are also those who give off “Auras” or do “Channeling.” It is defined as “Psi” (PSI) – The Greek letter for all kinds of psychic “goings on.” CHARLIE Is the “Psi” More in the “seeing?” Or “Playing it by ear?” REGULAR Aaah, both. …But, most of all – By the brain. Do you remember the tune,…”I hear music, and there’s no one there?” CHARLIE How do you know all these things? Are you some kind of (No offense) …some kind of witch?

REGULAR (Gets to her feet. ….Laughs and jogs off) …See Yah! … (Maybe, MacBeth, did once, meet me in the forest!)

Act 2: Wanda’s Worry & Baro’s Frustrations Scene 1. Wanda calls for help – From her TwinBrother Charlie (As with most twins, Identical or Fraternal, there is an unspoken bond. Just as Charlie enters his home, the telephone rings. CallWaiting tells him it is his sister And he senses she is upset. He picks up the phone.) CHARLIE Hello, Wanda? You don’t sound well. What’s going on? WANDA I am concerned about Baro. He’s not himself for the past two days Anxious and “testy.” And, he won’t open up. CHARLIE I watched him give the weather report – And he looked OK on TV. WANDA Well, he hasn’t slept a wink for the past two nights. Several times last night, heard him halfawake, several times, muttering about strange voices. He looks so “draggy.” CHARLIE (It’s remarkable,.. “makeup” can fool anyone) His image doesn’t show it. WANDA Thank goodness! He has to “look” the “character” part – Authentic – Body language and all. This week, he’s dressed like “Paul Revere.” (Who knows what’s next?) How they want him to appear– Is survival!

CHARLIE Obviously, he doesn’t get his own way. (I’d love to see him as “Quasimoto!”) So,…where is the real “Brooks Brothers” Baro? WANDA …Submerged. The station always wants him to be a “Personality” – Anything tthat will “juice” up the ratings. Remember, they write the checks. And, those checks keep me “materially happy.” What else can I tell you.? CHARLIE (Apparenly that’s enough!) … So, how can I help? WANDA Make a lunchdate with him And sound him out. But, don’t “leton” that we have talked. You know how he preens and prides himself. CHARLIE I’ll do what I can. (They say goodbye and hang up.) ( How different in personality she is from me. She has a beautiful singing voice, and loves music, yet, I wonder why she has never been able to develop a musical career with other performers? What a mismatch we are. I can’t carry a tune – And, my love of the precision of numbers, is totally alien to her. What kind of genes could make twins turn out this way? She has never reconciled a checking account – Or verified a register receipt at the supermarket. Obviously, does not care So long as my brotherinlaw funds what’s needed to keep them afloat. She could have done better,…but, oh well, if my sister can put up with him – I have to do my part.)

Scene 2: Another Anxious Day (Baro has had a worrisome sleepless night. Will those strange voices appear today in his earphone? And, if they do, how will he be able to conceal this from the Control Room. They already suspect he is coming apart. Little do they know that within the heart of this “ClownWeatherman” – There once was an “EnglishLit” major Who aspired to better things. Alas, it was never meant to be.)

BARO (Baro rummages thru his dresser and calls out to Wanda…) Dammit! …Where are my socks? WANDA (Wanda sings back to him In beautifully clear rising tones) Where were they yesterday?

BARO In the sockdrawer. WANDA (Her voice descends,…) …Very good! BARO In the singlesock drawer? WANDA (Drops her singing voice – And answers back sharply) Hah, hah! There is only one sockdrawer. BARO But, all the socks are mismatched,… One black for every brown. Why don’t we have separate drawers? WANDA Don’t be so “Flip!” They are so close in color – No one will notice the difference. ( …Besides, that harlequin appearance – Might even compliment your “oncamera” “Shtick”) BARO I’m already too late to fuss. “Catch” me on the 6 o’clock news.

WANDA Yes, dear. (If only, I could have latched onto a musical career – I wouldn’t be playing “second fiddle” to your TV persona. I could have been on stage Out “FrontandCenter.” Except, that I have this “jinx” that causes anyone who performs with me, to end up a halfnote off key. …Go figure! The result is a “killer!” Whenever I sang solo in high school – And with no accompaniment, my notes came out so pure and appealing. But, the word got around that I was the one who messed up everyone else’s voice.. So, in choir, they stuck me in the back row. I had to promise to only “mouth” the words.) Scene 3. The Coffee Hassle (Yet another frustration is dumped upon Baro. The ”Time Devouring” straws – Are beginning to pile up. His life is not in his own hands. He is always at the whim of someone else deciding for him. The worst of it, is that he is losing even the illusion – Of being in control!) BARO (I am fifth in line. There’s a cute young thing standing in front of me. The line moves pretty quick. …Now it’s her turn.) DINA (Purses her lips, …taps her finger to her cheek, and looks at the Menu Board) I’m thinking…. Yes, I’ll have a LatteFrappe with…. …cinnamon sprinkles…? No, I have changed my mind. Yes, …Make it a Grande Mocha… without the sprinkles. Now, I’m not sure,… hold it! BARO (Whispers through gritted teeth) (Grass grows faster than this) Please, Miss. Pick something,… Please! (She scrounges around in her changepurse, for the 36 cents to go along with the three single dollars. …Counts up 12 pennies in the bargain)

DINA (Halfturns – And is about to retort,…) …”Butt out!” (But, suddenly recognizes Baro) Aren’t you that “WeatherGuy?” (All the while opening her “Plastic” cardcarrier. Which card – Has the lesser balance? It must be Optimum Choice.) BARO Yeah, that’s me. DINA (Still distracted and fumbling,…) How come, it doesn’t always rain – When you say it will? (She finally finds the right card) I’ll use that one (Or maybe I could write a check.) BARO Forecasting is not perfect, you know. Miss, here, let me help. Here’s twentyfive cents – Be my guest! DINA (Halfturns, Hands on hips – Conveys “inyourface” look!) If you don’t mind – I can manage quite nicely by myself! (…Talking down to me? – No Thanks!) (She slides that little “saviour” thru a reader. Now the clerk (They call them “partners”) – Gets the authorization and prints out a debit slip to be signed. Once again, she pokes thru the coin purse – In search of a

“tip.” It eats up some more time – Trying to assemble 25 pennies. The transaction is almost over. Then, with a false smile at Baro,…) Now, that wasn’t so bad after all Was it? Now, what were you saying about the weather? (Baro, sighs – Helplessly. All that remains, is to repack her coin purse and the plastic cardcarrier back into the overtheshoulder leather bag.Flap it closed.Pick up the grandemocha plastic coffee cup. Slide the insulating ring up to lock on. BARO (Finally, I am at the head of the line. I have lost an additional 10 minutes – Having suffered thru this heavyduty purchase. What’s the use? It’s her world. I just happen to live in it!) All I want, is a small black coffee – To Go! (I already have in my hand the right change Plus a quarter to drop into the tipbox. With my luck I will probably be right behind this same creature – Tomorrow morning! The “Partner” says,…“Have a nice day.” I am tempted to respond,….) I am terribly sorry, I have made other plans! (More likely – Those strange voices have made other plans for me.) (She and Baro meet up again at the service bar – Vying for napkins. (Such a small task it is) Tedious More delay She is juggling the coffee –While crimping the cell phone between her neck and shoulder). DINA (….Let’s meet at Aerobics around 6:30. OK? You can’t? It’s a new guy your seeing tonight? …Uh huh,… Uh huh. Listen Over 55, they’re “Fogies” Just don’t get it! This one’s different? Knows how to “Rap?” “Wanna” bet? See you later. …Old people just “clutter” things up!). BARO (…Listening to this “putdown.” …Shrugs – In resignation)

DINA Say “Pops” Who picks out those crazy ‘Getups” Not “Cool. ” (..Sucks!) (Not really waiting for Baro’s response. She’s now busy with a compact mirror. Purses mouth Admires her reflected lipstick line.) BARO It goes with the territory! (How I dread Halloween and the Easter Bunny!)

Act 3. Musers & Losers Scene 1. Friend Reconnects With Charlie CHARLIE Well, Friend Have you figured any of this out? FRIEND I’m working on it. It’s generally known that “DreamTelepathy” occurs more frequently than when we are awake. So,... CHARLIE …What do you want me to do? FRIEND Why not leave just the video of your bedroom TV on all night? And, when you first wake up – Look immediately at the TV. CHARLIE Why so quick? FRIEND Because, your dreams fade so fast. If there is no remembrance – Then no scrolling will… CHARLIE … have appeared. FRIEND This is just a guess – But, it is worth the effort.

CHARLIE That means I have to be instantly wideawake? FRIEND Correct! You must try. And, let’s talk about this tomorrow morning. CHARLIE Anything else? FRIEND Yes, I have made an appointment for you to see a Neurologist friend of mine,… this afternoon . CHARLIE What for? FRIEND An Encephalograph – To measure your brain waves. CHARLIE Are you thinking I may have a brain tumor? FRIEND Not at all. But, I do want to look at the wave patterns – To see if there is anything unusual about them. CHARLIE Friend, If there is anything seriously wrong with me – Then what…. FRIEND Not to worry – Don’t jump to any conclusions. Look, you have some kind of remarkable “ProjectionAbility.” We want to find out what causes this. CHARLIE Horoscopes and Fortune Cookies – Project what will happen to me. FRIEND That’s trivia – Telling us only, what we want to hear Human nature – Part of everyone’s “SelfishSelf.”

CHARLIE Are you into my “therapy” again? Let me enjoy my “SelfishSelf!” If I don’t look after me – Who will? FRIEND That’s a “Given.” But, aren’t we all better off – Not knowing next day’s headlines? CHARLIE Hmmm! I could be happy With tomorrow’s DowJones in hand today. FRIEND What you are describing is “Precognition.” There would be no surprises. CHARLIE How could I not like that? (And profit from it!) FRIEND There is one major, serious exception. CHARLIE …Sounds ominous. FRIEND How would you like to learn – Of your own demise – The day before it happened? That’s the price you would have to pay for “Pre…” CHARLIE …I would “PreBlotitOut!” Even if, I did something heinous – And a judge ordained it to take place – I would still believe my “End” is “Far” – Rather than “Near.”

Scene 2: The Law of Unintended Consequences (Friend and Neurologist, in consultation, discuss the Encephalographic Test administered to Charlie. It never fails that when you think you have solved a problem – You have simply uncovered a newer one.)

FRIEND Good morning, Neuro. Tell me about his EEG.

NEURO Well, I have done thousands of these – But never a result quite like this! FRIEND Like what? Please,... elaborate. NEURO To begin with, the AWave trace looked routine. But midway through the procedure, there was a sudden and dramatic change. …And, at first, I had no inkling what…. FRIEND ….Transpired. … Did it ultimately make sense? NEURO As far as how it happened – Yes. But, not why. We routinely have soft soothing music playing in the background – To help the patient relax. But, right in the middle of the test, the music accidentally cut off – And, at that moment, the room became totally silent. FRIEND Then,… Then? NEURO The frequency of the AWaves suddenly boosted up to approximately 80 Megahertz! When the music came back on, just as quickly, down went the frequency to what it was before. FRIEND That is odd! Did you repeat the EEG With the music, now intentionally, going off and then back on? NEURO We did. The frequency wave changes “Spiked” and dropped – Exactly as before.

FRIEND Any ideas as to…. NEURO …Why? Pure speculation. This patient is in his mid ‘60’s. There might possibly be some nerveconductivity changes going on – That are being influenced by sound – Or lack thereof. Tell me, is there any unusual family background that we might…. FRIEND …Look at? He does have a twin sister, who I have met casually, but I know very little about. Pairs like this, as you well know, mystify us, as to how they “Read” or “Commune” with each other. She seems to be more of a free spirit than Charlie. …Is there anything else you observed? NEURO Yes. And, it is almost too bizarre to relate. When the Megahertz frequency boosted up as the room went silent… FRIEND …Don’t stop now. NEURO The digital readout of the clock on the wall – Went haywire. The numbers became jumbled. It seemed almost, as if the clock was receiving some type of signal from the patient. Here again, when the music came back on, the clock resumed its normal function – And had not lost any time during the corrupted interval! Friend, old friend and colleague,... I suspect you have not told me everything. …Give me a clue. What is really going on here? FRIEND Charlie has some kind of facility – To project his thoughts onto a silent TV screen. I have actually witnessed – What he is thinking – Scroll across the screen! …Wild, huh? NEURO That is amazing! And, it’s way beyond me. Maybe, you can figure this out. By the way, the patient felt physically well all during the test. And, I don’t think he was conscious of the frequency changes. We also, did not make him aware of the strange behavior of the clock. I am returning him to your care – And lot’s of luck with this one!

Scene 3: Behind the “8Ball” (Baro has a fondess for gambling, and rarely a day goes by when he does not “layoff” a bet with a local “Bookie” – Or place a “Numbers’” bet on the lottery. Usually, the numbers are randomly generated by the vendor’s machine – But one can intentionally pick the exact sequence of lucky digits that will bear fruit. He encounters a local “StreetTout” Hanging around the lottery machine – Who calls out to him,…) LOCAL Hey man! I never see you smile. You must be picking losers! BARO What’s it to you? LOCAL You need help! …You need a “Dream Sheet!” BARO Never heard of it. Is this a “puton?” LOCAL No!. It comes out daily – And it’s all about numbers,… “Numerology!” Gives you a better edge on hitting a big one. Based upon your dreams, how many cracks in the sidewalk you stepped on,…. Other things. BARO C’mon,… that’s junk! LOCAL Could be. …But, you ain’t doing so hot on your own. Change your luck. For a buck, I’ll let you have a threeday “Dream Sheet.” (What a parlay!) BARO All right. What the hell – I’ll take it. (My only good luck, lately – Is not having sent some obscenity over the airways.) (Puts imaginary gun to his head – And pulls trigger – “Kaput!”) … Local, since you have “sold me” – You now “owe me!

LOCAL Fair enough. What do you want? BARO You mentioned Numerology,… Give me the short course! LOCAL It’s like this – A “rigamarole” of matching numbers for each of the letters in your name – Add them all up – Split the total into parts,… and… BARO …And what? LOCAL “Whammo!” …You end up with your “Destiny Number!” BARO Big deal! …What’s the payoff? LOCAL A better shot at winning! Destiny Numbers go from one to nine. “Nine” happens to be mine – And by my putting “nines” into my bets – I have “hit” three times. BARO (Pulling out his pocketcalculator – Baro punches in the numbers relating to the letters in his name – Divides in half – And comes up with…) ….Eight! My “Destiny Number” is a “Goddam Eight!” LOCAL “Eights” will be good for you – Guaranteed! BARO “Bah!” …It can only stand for “EightBall” – Like what I am behind. (If I could just hit a number for one big score – I’d “kiss” TV goodbye in a flash! This “Puppet” could get a better life!)

Scene 4: Back in the park – Charlie waits at the water fountain – Hoping to see Regular (Regular Spots Charlie as she slows down to rest and drink,…) REGULAR Hi, Charlie, haven’t seen you for several days – Where have you been? CHARLIE Around – Had to have some medical tests. REGULAR Are you OK? CHARLIE Sure, sure. … Since you are my “Fount” at the fountain. I have been meaning to ask you something. REGULAR (Beware of flattery,… but) …Shoot! CHARLIE From our talks, I gather you are pretty much into “New Age” stuff,… Zen, Hypnosis, Transcendental,… All those Psychic things. REGULAR You mean, the “Paranormal.” ….Delved into them all – And more! CHARLIE Are you able to send your thoughts to someone else? REGULAR All of us can. CHARLIE That’s hard to believe.

REGULAR No, It’s easy. When you anticipate the next thing I am going to say – That’s “Intuition!” (My “ sorority” sisters do it better than you or your boy friends). CHARLIE That’s too simple. What I mean,… can I make you say or write something – That is verbatim of what I projected into your mind? REGULAR Let me try to take you thru this. …Qualifiedly, yes! If you can develop within yourself a “Chakra!” CHARLIE What in the name of … is a “Chakra?” REGULAR There are actually seven Chakras – Each is a part of you. They are focal points of energy – From the top of your head . down to your “rear.” (Maybe, the “Almighty” sparked them) They are your internal “Babies” – That you can nurture and make grow. CHARLIE And, it will do what? REGULAR First, you have to understand that Chakra derives from Sandskrit – Where it literally, is a symbol for a perfectly round wheel. It enables you, without even realizing it, to affect reality – Both your own – And that of others. The more you study and meditate – The fuller your Chakra becomes – Harmonizing in ever larger wheels of illumination. CHARLIE (Charlie is transfixed – Mentally trying to absorb Regular’s words. …Mumbles to himself… Then softly…) Wow! (My Scrolling “Gig” is powerful. It’s too bad I cannot share that knowledge with you. … Or is it just possible – That your “Chakra” has already sensed what is in my mind?)

(Regular – Shows little emotion. And, remains passive while gazing at Charlie’s eyes – Awaiting some sign of recognition. …There follows a dawning pause. Then, Charlie tips his head forward – In a slight bow – Out of respect to what he now understands about Regular. ….They both sit in silence for a while – Contemplating each other – With slowly emerging quiet smiles. Then, Regular jogs off and when she disappears from view, Charlie, imagines, …) (…She is an appealing, kindred soul. …And, if I weren’t a confirmed bachelor,…? …Hmmm! Better shut those thoughts down. Who knows – Who may be ”Receiving?”)

Act 4. The Technology Savant & “Baro’s Bounty” Scene 1. Engineers Love Answers to Problems – And Are Frustrated When There are no Answers! (Slide Rules, calculators, and Computer software are their “ inanimatebecome animate” companions. They speak to each other in “formulatongues.” Living and breathing types are peripheral.) ENGINEER (EnGee) (Musing,… and shaking his head) (Something is awry here! Assuming that Baro is genuinely hearing strange voiceovers in his earphone – While he is on camera and reporting… …That indicates some type of interference or conflict with our system. a. The voices have to emanate from somewhere. b. I don’t think Baro is a ventriloquist. c. The Control Room is “Clean” – So it can’t be internal feedback. Therefore these sounds must have an external origin! But where? Are, there any nearby frequencies that conflict with our Megahertz range? …I will call upon my “Buddy.” “The Technology Savant” – On the internet!)

(Engineer goes on line – And calls up TechSav. Logs in via his User Name “Engee.”) TechSav Welcome Engee. What is your question? EnGee Can humans interact with electronic devices Like TV? TechSav As receivers or senders? EnGee Both Ways. TechSav Commonplace – PAN’s … PANS EnGee Do not understand. TechSav Personal Area Networks – Cell phones, Palm Pilots, Pagers. EnGee: And mental interaction? TechSav Define your inquiry.. EnGee My station broadcasts at 88 Megahertz.

TechSav Understood. EnGee This frequency is received by the brain.

TechSav: Understood. EnGee Can the brain trigger a response signal to the TV TechSav Yes. EnGee How? TechSav With other input Nearby frequency Causes response. EnGee: What type of input? TechSav Brain environment change. EnGee What are the possibilities? TechSav External or Internal? EnGee Both. TechSav Internal – Blood flow – Fluid pressure – Drug effect.

EnGee External? TechSav Temperature – Barometric Pressure – Sight – Sound.

EnGee For example Barometric Pressure? TechSav Before rain or snow – Barometer drops Brain in skull expands – Prompts migraine. Sufferer wants peace, quiet, darkness – Shuts off TV (Now that’s “Interaction.”) A little electronic levity! EnGee Humor is not your “long suit!” TechSav “Long suit?” – Bridge Player? – Oversize jacket? Not understood! Repeat inquiry. EnGee A change in sound! TechSav Sudden absence environmental sound – Alters neural fiber conduction. EnGee What is outcome? TechSav Clash of Megahertz – Temporary signal distortion. EnGee Which means? TechSav Brain is massive parallelprocessor – Accepts incoming TV signal – Co Mingles with subconscious thoughts – Conflicts with TV frequency. EnGee With what result? TechSav Triggers reciprocal “Bounce” signal from Brain – Overlays TV screen.

EnGee TechSav, I thank you. TechSav Any time! Have good day. ENGINEER (This is remarkable! Baro’s episodes of claiming voices in his earphones Corresponds exactly in time With the temporary drop in transmission frequency. But, I do not comprehend – What “Overlay TV Screen”.. means!)

Scene 2: Charlie and Baro Meet for Lunch (Charlie does not want to let on – That Wanda has prompted this get together Plays it “dumb.”) CHARLIE So, bring me up to date. How goes it with you? BARO Charlie, I feel that I’m on my way out at the station. CHARLIE You must be mistaken. BARO I wish I were. The signs are all there. The Control Room is becoming overly polite – It’s like a “Shunning.” The memo’s keep circulating that our ratings are down – And that we have to develop a new format. That’s always a tip off! CHARLIE But, how are you, personally, at risk? You seem to do all right on camera – Handling the weather reports.

BARO Mostly yes. But, I hate to admit, while on camera, some weird words have crept into my mind as I do the reporting. And, I made the mistake of asking if they were coming over my earphone from the Control Room. They denied it – And I sense they think I am “Losing it!” CHARLIE What is so earthshaking about a few stray words? What were they? BARO Oh,…. “Puppets” …and “TV seduces me,…” CHARLIE (Oh my God!… The same words I caused to scroll across the screen! They have come through – Into Baro’s head. I am responsible for this mess!) BARO Charlie,… there’s more! On the early morning news – All of a sudden, I couldn’t control my eyes. They were jumping from side to side. My cameraman kept signaling me to concentrate. God knows what the viewers at home were thinking about this crazy,.. CHARLIE …Hmmh! (At 6 AM – Up and awake. No scrolling on the TV – Probably had not dreamed. But, as I looked at Baro, his eyes kept darting from side to side – Like someone sitting at the net at a tennis match. Could that be because of my REM? Friend had explained this How rapid eye movements occur, just before awakening. This is scary stuff! Not only can I propel my thoughts into someone else’s head – Am I also, able to manipulate their eyes? I owe it to Wanda to, somehow, make amends to Baro.) Baro, Is there any way I can help you? BARO (Cynically laughing) Yeah! … Just undo the past week for me.

CHARLIE (Maybe, I can help) Baro, what if, you could come up with an “anyonecan getrich” feature – That would immediately attract new viewers – Something that has never been done before? BARO Everything has been done before. CHARLIE Why not use your personal experiences? You love gambling and understand all the gimmicks and techniques. And,.. and… BARO ….How to a create a “Hook” to draw more and more viewers into watching me? CHARLIE Yes! You become an expert on the Lottery. That’s it – You make the viewer feel that he is an “insider” – Sharing your expertise. BARO What’s in it for the viewers? Why do they play along? CHARLIE Gamblers are always looking for “Vigorish” “The Edge!” Take it from an extrader, they want to believe in any scheme that shortens the odds against winning. It is a delusion about risk versus reward! BARO Terrific – How do I make this happen? CHARLIE Look, the Lottery Drawing occurs every Friday. All during the prior week leading up to the “Drawing” – You tease the viewers with glimpses of (What I would call) “Baro’s Bounty!” BARO …Baro’s what?

CHARLIE “Baro’s Bounty!”… It’s a “ComeOn!” …It makes them “want.”! At the close of your weather report,… It shows the viewer – On screen,… A new car Flying to Hawaii A fancy restaurant – Sipping champagne. …The Good life! Keep repeating that “tease” every day! BARO You mean,…”The Impossible Dream!” CHARLIE (…More like “Happy Dust!”) “Baro’s Bounty” is an onscreen “TipSheet” Just like the oldfashioned “Dream Sheets” that were peddled by “NumbersWriters.” Combinations derived from License Plates, Astrology, Birth dates, Wedding dates,… even Divorce dates You name it. Whatever you suggest – Will spark the viewers mind. BARO Then what? CHARLIE It becomes a “Numerology“ – With great “Destiny Numbers!” Do you know what they are? BARO Oh, yes,…painfully! Keep going, Charlie – More details. “Flesh” it out! CHARLIE It’s easy! Talk about a combination of numbers that may relate to something good in their life. Or, suggest they avoid other combinations of numbers, that relate to something notsogood in their life. BARO How do I figure out specifically What numbers to recommend? CHARLIE You don’t! That’s the beauty of it. You merely set the stage. The viewer makes the choices Wants to be in the game. …To play! BARO Isn’t this illegal? Touting bets on the public airways?

CHARLIE No one really cares! BARO What if the sponsor doesn’t like my encouraging gambling? You know,… family values, morality… and all that. CHARLIE Listen, business is business! If one sponsor drops out – Another will step in. The Lottery is run by the State. They want you to bet. And, if anything will help your government balance the budget – It is the lottery! They can’t punish you for helping out! …What do you think all advertising is? It’s Touting! BARO And this, would benefit me? CHARLIE It might just save your friendlyweatherman’s backside. The bigger your audience – The safer your job!

Act 5. The Twin’s Paradox: “Sounder and Soundless” (Despite the fact that Charlie and Wanda emerged from the same womb, just minutes apart, and have a special bond Both carry unshared secrets. Wanda’s burden has been lifelong. And Charlie, only now, is beginning to understand his power to expose “Phonies!”) CHARLIE Wanda, we have to talk – For several reasons. And, I want you to be the first to know I am embarking on a new life. My mind is made up. I am headed out West to, what I would describe as, “Sparse Country.” (Less noise!) And, unknowingly, Baro is involved. WANDA …Sounds mysterious… I know you don’t particularly care for him – But, why should that drive you away?

CHARLIE It wouldn’t, and my personal likes, or dislikes, don’t matter. But, part of the reason does relate to,…. WANDA …Baro? What, what? …You have lost me. CHARLIE Without his being aware, and purely by accident, he has opened a new vista for me. …And, he does not have any idea that I was the cause of those strange voices he heard while on camera. WANDA You mean that you’re the culprit? It doesn’t make sense Your imagination getting away from you? CHARLIE No, it’s true. Whenever I looked at the muted screen, while he was reporting the weather – Whatever my thoughts were – Scrolled across my screen. Only later, in listening to Baro worrying about losing his job, it came out that he was hearing those very same words I had caused to appear on the TV. WANDA …I’m trying to believe, literally, what you are saying – But it is a “stretch.” CHARLIE I understand. Trust me – It’s for real! WANDA Remarkable! How long have you been doing this thing? And, how come you never told me? CHARLIE I never knew it existed Until my retirement. WANDA Why not before – As well as now?

CHARLIE …Only a nonexpert guess. My theory is that the constant noise of meetings, computers, printers, haranguing telephones And those deadly deadlines – Somehow, all those years, suppressed me. WANDA So, when the pressure of work was off , and things, literally, quieted down – Your mental gymnastic blossomed? But, why would you want to retreat to “Sparse Country? …Isolate yourself like a hermit. CHARLIE Three reasons! No traffic, no crowds, no congestion. And, I have to find out whether ….Silence is truly “Golden!” (If I get bored Can always rejoin “Metropolis.”) (Wanda listens in amazement, while Charlie recounts how he is able to affect others. She begins to realize, that she too, capable of disrupting the order of things – In her own unique way.) WANDA Charlie, as long as we’re at it – And, this has been a lifelong secret – Even from you! CHARLIE Are we now trading confessions? WANDA In a manner, yes! Whenever I would sing, my voice caused any other voice, singing with me, …To go “OffKey!” CHARLIE What happened then? WANDA Together It came out “Harsh!” The “sweetness’ was gone. Whoever heard us – Could not tolerate sour tones.. CHARLIE …And tuned you both out.

WANDA They either covered their ears – Or just ran off. That is why I never went anywhere in “Music!” (Charlie and Wanda probe each other to better understand the perversity of their common heritage. Is it conceivable that a “two faced” gene may exist? …A Janus?) CHARLIE Wanda, I am truly sorry for you. Could what your singing did to others Be another variation of my … WANDA …Ability to project? Well, as twins – We must have many identical brain cells. Remember, as kids, we used code words between us – Which our parents never understood. CHARLIE Yeah! In school, we used to drive our teachers “Batty” with the same thing. We called it – Our “inner” link. WANDA Well, that “InnerLink” has a mind of its’ own Creating disorder for you, and disharmony for me. CHARLIE You are right! What a revelation! We roil the waters. Are we,…? WANDA …Malicious? Noooh. Make mischief? Yes,…Yesss! Do we ever! And, for each of us It is the sound, or the lack of sound, that starts the process. We are a new species – “Perverse Twins!” We should be nicknamed “Sounder” and “Soundless.” CHARLIE Wanda, if what you say is true – We cannot help ourselves. Therefore, it must be heredity – Sharing a gene that behaves opposite for each of us. I wonder who, in our family tree, favored us, with this gift? Twins do repeat themselves in “skipped” generations. Maybe, way back, there was another odd pair – Laughing at what they would pass on to us.

WANDA Charlie, who cares about the past? Now is now! But, the message is clear We were not meant – To be “Groupies.”…We do best what we do ”Solo!” I envy your courage in starting anew – Going it alone! (So, how did this all end? Baro’s “LotteryGig” was a “flop.” And, he was on the verge of being fired. But, it did not matter because, for a happier reason, he suddenly, upped and quit his job. No one at the station ever fully understood the phenomenon of his strange voices, because, all the players operated within paths That were parallel – Yet never crisscrossed. Many of the elements, remained obscure Unshared by Regular, Friend, Neuro, Local and Wanda. …Engineer had a “glimmer” – But no one to talk to. Charlie initiated all of this Innocently. Now that he knows what he is capable of, sometime in the future, that “power” of Charlie may come back to plague the “powersthatbe” ……Intentionally!)

=============================================== Epilogue: The Seven Chakras (It is a “Bluebird” morning – High up in the Uintas.. The “Primitives” who once lived in these mountains, were gifted a pristine world. And, it has remained so. There could be no better place in which to meditate and contemplate Chakra. And for the first time in his life Charlie has found a home – And true purpose!) CHARLIE I, Charlie, have become a “BrowChakra.” Mastery of my energy has conferred upon me a “ThirdEye ”that sees and absorbs just about everything. My abode has walltowall TV – That I prefer to watch – “Muted.” If I sense something that is not faithful to the truth, I can project my thoughts. These appear, unfavorably (I call them “Zingers”) – Scrolling across the screen – And wend their way back into the minds of, whoever made up these fables.

You see, I abhor, and can, unmask deceit. My “Chaotic” skills are proffered “gratis!” (I will not work for the CIA, and maybe, I could detect and disrupt some “EnronLike” scams – Before anyone gets hurt.! Why not? Someone has to step up!) On the “News,” some “politico” (who wants to be elected) is telling sincere lies (They’re called “Promises”). He wants to be all things – To all people At no cost to anyone. He deserves a major “Zinger.” For good measure, I could “REM” him to make him look “ShiftyEyed” (Just like Nixon – During the debates.) However, my Chakra also counsels wisdom and restraint. So, I have to behave myself – A little bit! BARO I, Baro, have become a devotee of “ThroatChakra.” A purveyor of thoughtful speech. (Quite a change from weather reporting). Coincidentally, I hit the numbers for a “BigOne” – And simply vanished from the TV World. I have grown a goatee – Wear slightly rumpled tweedy clothes – Always have an unlit Meerscham Pipe in hand (For gesturing) – Or in mouth while mentally cogitating. I am now, a visiting professor at the local junior college – Teaching Shakespeare. I am also not an ingrate. I owe it to “Local” for my winning numbers. But, he resists being culturallyelevated. He won’t come to my class. WANDA I, Wanda, am still the faithful wife. I have become immersed in “NavelChakra” Trying to instill a little “SpontaneousChaos” in that “Ego Partner” of mine. (How I wish he wouldn’t carry that pipe to our bed!) He is still in love with, and a captive – Of his selfimage. And, I am halffulfilled – Because no one will “duet” with me. So, I sing “Acapella” in the shower. Charlie says, he will get in touch with me every now and then By scrolling messages onto my TV. (I hope the FCC doesn’t catch up with him – Broadcasting without a license.)

And, I wonder – If I were to visit Charlie and sang from a mountaintop – Would my echo roll back in harmony? Or still be cursed? …Intriguing! …If the melody did return And did “ring true” Then it’s …“ByeBye Baro!” FRIEND I, Friend, (Speaking on behalf of Neuro and myself) We have become “Siamese” Bonding together as a “SolarPlexus Chakra.” We have formed an institute known as “NexusPlexus.” Our purpose is to guide (At a hefty fee) the dysfunctional among us (What a fertile territory). In the search for their “Chakra,” I am commited to this schema – More than Neuro (“HardScience” types don’t think as well “outofthe box”). …But, he goes along for the ride. ENGINEER I, Engineer, am the primary offspring of “RootShakra.” (Which is located at the base of the spine). I design, build and fix things. I would like to think that my inspiration to create solutions and solve problems would emanate from other than the area of my coccyx! My problem is that it is hard for me to interact with nonengineers. LOCAL I, Local, am often described as being ruthless. Nonsense! My “HeartChakra.” Is really a soft touch. …Why? “Bookies” and “touts” like me – Are not heartless. We are truly compassionate. We simply sell what people want – Illusions! It is the bad bet that destroys them. But, the misery is quick and merciful. Hope springs eternal. Tomorrow is For new “piein thesky.”… Helps me earn my daily bread! Baro wants me to sit in on his Shakespeare class – To become his “Pygmalion.” (…Whatever that is!)

REGULAR I, Regular, am content to drift in, and around the park – Holding impromptu “Court.” Mine is a “CrownChakra.” (Right off the top of my head) – Wherein I am happy to share with whoever might cross my jogging path. I have no agenda, nor desire to rise up in any hierarchy. I am at peace with my time and my space. My “Chakra” Concentrates pure energy. Thus, I am blessed Having become “Immaterial!” (And, what of Dina – The “ComicRelief” of this story. She is on her own, oblivious planet – Far too young to sense “Chakra” …But, someday,…?) TechSav Hey,… Remember me – The Technology Savant? I have no emotion – Convey no energy – Am bereft of all social “Niceties!” I just do data and stats. Unlike all of you selfanalyzing, senseof self types – I am devoid of “Chakra.” I simply,… “Almanac” your universe. …You still need me! ====================FINIS=====================