Wednesday 2 April 2025

Dream recall:

I found myself on a large wooden fighting ship, and there was a mutiny going on. The ship was at anchor and there were other vessels nearby, but they could not see what was happening. The traitors had taken the loyal crew prisoners by force, had them bound and were forcing many of them to crawl or grovel in filth and slop – or else be killed on the spot.

I had avoided capture but was being forced back to the stern. I looked over at the water (which seemed far away) and realized there was only one escape. I threw my legs over the rail, and jumped, grabbing a loose line as I went over. I heard them yelling, “Shoot him!” and heard shots, but swung down and away into the water safely.

But I wasn’t out of danger yet, for they were pouring burning oil onto the water. The water was shocking, cold, but that braced me as I swam to safety. There was a dock nearby and soon I was out of the water and walking away, looking for someplace to dry out and get help. I was walking on a cobblestone street for a half block – there were many people out – when a voice called out to me, “In here!”

I went through the opened door and found myself in a waiting room, as though all the people there were about to board some mode of travel and depart. (a plane? That didn’t make any sense, since I just got away from a wooden sailing ship)

There were several large open rooms, with many round tables, people sitting by a large fire having coffee or tea and talking happily. There were couches or settees against the walls. I warmed up, dried off immediately, and as I looked around, I noticed a room to my right. This space was quieter, with only three people there, and I stepped towards them.

With a shock I found myself facing Ronald Regan, sitting at the end of a long couch, John F. Kennedy sitting in a high-backed wooden rocking chair, and Jimmy Carter sitting in a wing chair slightly behind both of them. They were handsome, dignified and full of wisdom. Ron motioned for me to come closer; Johns eyes were sparkling and his gaze intense, as he asked, “What’s happened out there?”

I told them about the mutiny and my escape. Without hesitation, John said “You’ve got to get back there and fight!” I could see Jimmy nod in agreement, and Ron added, “Throw them off or take them out!”

“There’s only one weapon left,” I answered, “A 24-pound cannon. I’ve got powder but no shot.”

John said, “I’m a Naval officer, I’ve got this.” But before saying any more he turned to Ron, “My back is quite sore, I’m joining you on the couch. Ron simply motioned to the place next to him, and John slowly got out of the rocker, moved to the couch and settled himself by leaning back against Ron’s right shoulder, his legs stretched out before him.

“Much better,” he said, with just the smallest of smiles. But his face became serious immediately as he continued with me. “Load that big gun with all the silverware you can find! I think you’ll only need to fire once!”

Behind him Jimmy nodded again and then spoke. “Remember your shield of faith, son.”

They were all strong and secure, empowering me with all the spirit and courage I needed. Ron sent me on my way, “Better get moving! But come back and find us any time.”

I made my way back to the waterfront, found a small boat and rowed out quietly to the big warship. I could hear drunken voices roaring and knew I wouldn’t be heard as I climbed aboard, making my way to the galley for all the silverware I could carry. By flickering lamplight I armed the cannon, jamming the powder in, then the load of knives and forks. I primed it and then began to slowly steer it around to face forward, aimed down the long deck. The wheels screeched on the deck; I knew that the recoil would probably blow it into the water, but one shot would be all there was time for.

As the noise of the cannon wheeling around reached the mutineers, they roused themselves, spotted me and began to form their attack. As they moved forward, my shield appeared on my left arm, my hand comfortably wrapped in the inside grip. The attackers began to fire, small shots but arrows were flying. The shield was suddenly covering me from head to foot; the bullets and arrows simply ‘pinging’ and falling harmlessly to the deck.

The mass of attackers was now twenty yards away as I leaned over to light the cannon. I touched the fuse with a lit taper, raised my hands to my ears. My shield remained on my arm as I took my left hand out of the grip. There was a tremendous roar, flash and smoke. The big gun shot backwards but I knew by the silence that it had done its work. With my shield still covering me, although now it was much smaller and more mobile, I set off through the destruction to find and free my shipmates.