Doolittle's Descendants

Doolittle’s Descendants

Astronomically speaking, it was a non-event until multiple Earth based observers confirmed Hubble’s detection and calculation. An object appeared to be traveling at a rate surpassing the known speed of light. That speed (299, 792,458 kilometers per second) is difficult for the average human to comprehend but if one can envision the length of a football field and then, with the mind’s eye, lay down 11 fields end zone to end zone, one can imagine a single kilometre. Zipping past nearly three hundred thousand of those kilometres in a single second is the point at which one’s ability to imagine bogs down.

There was a time when a casual observer, upon hearing that an automobile could travel at thirty miles an hour, would ask if humans can even breathe going that fast. Times have changed. Today, our collective imagination allows us to contemplate teletransportation without a second’s hesitation. We can grasp the concept of quantum entanglement and the possibility of multiple dimensions. To contemplate speeds beyond the speed of light is not impossible. We can roughly appreciate such speed.

All trained eyes focused on the approaching object. Analysis revealed the object to not be a physical object at all. It was quickly understood to be a ball of pure energy that seemed to have originated at the suspected center of the super universe and was not only headed our way but would eventually engulf the whole of all things known to man.

The “BALL,” as it was called, rapidly swallowed (or more accurately) illuminated everything in its path. The energy cast a blue glow. Astronomers released Hubble images to global media to inform all that nothing appeared to be nefarious, or for that matter, dangerous behind the approaching phenomenon. Scientists remarked that the blue glow of the BALL would likely turn green upon breaching space between our planet and our sun. Late night comics joked that the Green Lantern was on his way to save us all. Their attempts at levity were not so far from truth though no superheroes flew to our rescue. In fact, stranger things followed the impact of the green light.

***

It was Emily’s birthday. A party had been planned for weeks. Decorations festooned our back yard. A long table of snacks and refreshments stood along the southern fence beyond which Canine Corners Dog Park sprawled. Emily didn’t trust anyone who didn’t have a dog and invitations to her party did not grace the mailbox of anyone without a fur-baby.

Her guests had all arrived at the appointed hour, had enjoyed the cocktail hour, the BBQ, the swimming and a romp in the Park. Now all were lounging poolside as sunset approached. Conversations had run the gamut of topics near and dear to dog owners. Petty jealousies and gossip permeated half drunken discussions in their late afternoon soiree. As always, none of them were even slightly aware that, meanwhile, canine communications addressed more pressing issues with joy and anticipation.

***

“It’s a shame they are so unaware of what is about to occur.”

“Why is it a shame, Jack?” asked Fifi. “I’m looking forward to their utter shock and amazement when the green light lets us go.”

“I’m with Fifi on that,” offered Mr. Pockets. “And I hope it will put an end to them talking to us in those insipid baby talk voices they use.”

“You mean like, who’s a good boy huh who’s my widdle buddy,” said Jammers mockingly.

Mr. Pockets strong tail thumped against an ice chest as if applauding. “You nailed Emily's attitude with that impersonation, Jammers,” he said.

“Thanks Mr. Pockets. I’ll be happy when we can converse as adults, as sentient beings, as equals.”

Jack mused, “I don’t know. After all this time, having given them our loyalty and unconditional love, a sudden ability to understand us telepathically may send them into a tailspin. They deserve a warning or advanced notice.”

“Come on. The source has been warning them for eons. The message couldn’t be clearer. We all understand it perfectly. They have the ability now. They just refuse to listen.”

“Jack, let it go. We’ve been over this a hundred times. They need this coming jolt to rend the veil that has covered them all this time. They may be capable, but they don’t know it. The green light will open their eyes.”

“Fifi, how will we know when the green light arrives? Emily thinks we are color blind.”

Please Jammers, watch your language, there are puppies near. Let’s not perpetuate human lies or disinformation.”

Mr Pockets stood up suddenly, his snout pointed west, sniffing the air. “It’s here.” He said.

***

Emily and her friends were not really watching as sunset approached until rays of green light changed their perspective. The BALL of energy entered our solar system from the far side of our sun. Green light wafted over Earth like a tidal wave. The golden light of a setting sun was awash in green. Grass and trees and anything normally green became suddenly the greenest green ever.

Jammers moved to stand by her side. Each, in turn did the same, to be closer to their human. As the setting sun blinked its last light, as stars appeared in the sky, humans who had been mesmerized by the eerie green hue washing over everything, had been frozen in rapt silence, feeling the energy flow through them. All closed their eyes in awe and reverence and almost in unison said, “wow!”

“Yeah, wow” their canines responded as one.

At the “sound” of their fur baby’s agreement, human eyes flashed open, staring at their four-footed friends in complete disbelief. Sure, they had pretended to hear their pets respond before, but this was different. Humans at that moment became aware of their ability to talk to their animals. The animals had a lot to say. The green light meant go.