Flanders

A trainer's trainer

Chapter 17 Flanders

Mike Flanders was a business partner in a security consultancy firm in the Houston area. He was a big man, with a well trimmed mustache, hazel eyes and close cropped hair. At 6 feet two, with an athletic gait, he was surprisingly light on his feet and was quick to smile as he greeted Charles at the door.

“Thanks for seeing me,” Charles said.

“Glad to have you,” he replied, as he led Charles to the back of the house, where there was a patio table and chairs set under an oak tree. Charles saw his report on Neela's case study on the table.

“We might start out with your comments on Neela,” Charles suggested.

Mike poured two glasses of Jack Daniels and handed one to Charles. Charles took a sip and brought out his recorder and note book. He indicated no notion of the fact that he wasn't asked.

“Interesting fella,” Mike said.

“We are viewing Neela's condition as a training in living principles in society,” Charles began. “Yours may be viewed as a mission orientation?”

“It's the military like any other,” Mike replied.

“Would you say that the seals represent a level of training above all else in the armed forces?”

“It's the general reputation,” he responded.

Charles put down his notebook and reached for the drink. He appeared thoughtful.

“Would you like to make a statement before we start?” He offered.

Mike reached for his back and pulled out a commando dagger. He placed it on Neela's report.

“You know that I have read the report. It's the door to the rest of what I am. I want you to know that I know,” he spoke softly, with a slight Texan drawl.

“Fair enough,” said Charles. “But now you've got me thinking that you may be carrying a handgun.”

“I'm not carrying anything else,” Mike responded.

“In that case, can we start again?” Charles asked rhetorically.

“Neela is ambiguous as to gender. He's not in a position to stand up for himself physically. He compensates for it with a mind that's trained on ritual. Obviously, he's resourceful, but he has not set an objective to achieve. He's been waiting to heal the split from his friend but he goes back to his village and he crashes. He has a long climb back and it's going to take the remainder of his life doing it.”

“You're referring to his survival prospects?” Charles asked.

“That would be correct,” Mike replied.

“In a societal context, Neela's actions would be viewed as establishing a social identity. Finding out who he is.”

Mike pondered on it. He seemed vaguely familiar with the concept.

“You've got me there,” he responded.

They spoke until the sun set. Mike cooked up some steak and potatoes and they moved indoors to continue.

As the early morning rays of the sun peaked over the horizon, Mike was showing Charles his gun collection, and explaining why the Luger P08 is the preferred handgun. They went out to Denny's for breakfast.

“I got a note from General Sanderson's office,” Mike drawled, “you have friends in high places. Were you in the service?”

“No,” Charles replied, “I train young boys and girls to think. The best way to learn is to teach.”

“I hope I've been of some help,” Mike offered.

“I'd like to go over some personal areas, outside of your growing up and career training.” Charles requested.

“Fire away,” Mike offered.

“At some point in your training, you must have experienced the most high. How did you manage it?”

“How did you do yours?” Mike asked.

“I told him I'm a man, no more no less.”

“What did he say?”

“That I'm a fool.”

Mike laughed, and continued,

“I mean, besides that.”

“That he would be pleased if I made a commitment to it.”

Mike pondered on that.

“There's a story in the Bible about God speaking to King David. He was messing about with Sheba. Well...... by and large he told me the same thing. He told me I'm a man and not to forget that..... I wasn't likely to forget. He threw King David to the Assyrian wolves.”

Charles smiled. Mike continued.

“That's a little like Neela's condition. When you are behind enemy lines, you are not fighting for god and country. You're just fighting.”

“Until you figure out who you are. Then you fight for yourself. It's free will in action.”

“I see what you are saying,” he said, as he leaned back, then just as quickly added,” You wanna take a walk? There's a great place here out in the woods.”

They paid the bill and left for the woods.