Valis by Dick Philip K

Author:Dick, Philip K. [Dick, Philip K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fantasy, Fiction, Modern Classics, Novel, Sci-fi
ISBN: 9780575098367
Publisher: Orion
Published: 1978-01-01T02:00:00+00:00

9

Wordsworth’s ‘Ode’ carries the sub-title: ‘Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood.’ In Fat’s case, the ‘intimations of immortality’ were based on recollections of a future life.

In addition, Fat could not write poetry worth shit, despite his best efforts. He loved Wordsworth’s ‘Ode,’ and wished he could come up with its equal. He never did.

Anyhow, Fat’s thoughts had turned to travel. These thoughts had acquired a specific nature; one day he drove to Wide-World Travel Bureau (Santa Ana branch) and conferred with the lady behind the counter, the lady and her computer terminal.

‘Yes, we can put you on a slow boat to China,’ the lady said cheerfully.

‘How about a fast plane?’ Fat said.

‘Are you going to China for medical reasons?’ the lady asked.

Fat was surprised at the question.

‘A number of people from Western countries are flying to China for medical services,’ the lady said. ‘Even from Sweden, I’m given to understand. Medical costs in China are exceptionally low ... but perhaps you already know that. Do you know that? Major operations run approximately thirty dollars in some cases.’ She rummaged among pamphlets, smiling cheerfully.

‘I guess so,’ Fat said.

‘Then you can deduct it on your income tax,’ the lady said. ‘You see how we help you here at Wide-World Travel?’

The irony of this side-issue struck Fat forcefully – that he, who sought the fifth Savior, could write his quest off on his state and Federal Income Tax. That night when Kevin dropped over he mentioned it to him, expecting Kevin to be wryly amused.

Kevin, however, had other fish to fry. In an enigmatic tone Kevin said, ‘What about going to the movies tomorrow night?’

‘To see what?’ Fat had caught the dark current in his friend’s voice. It meant Kevin was up to something. But of course, true to his nature, Kevin would not amplify.

‘It’s a science fiction film,’ Kevin said, and that was all he would say.

‘Okay,’ Fat said.

The next night, he and I and Kevin drove up Tustin Avenue to a small walk-in theater; since they intended to see a science fiction film I felt that for professional reasons I should go along.

As Kevin parked his little red Honda Civic we caught sight of the theater marquee.

‘Valis,’ Fat said, reading the words. ‘With Mother Goose. What’s “Mother Goose”?’

‘A rock group,’ I said, disappointed; it did not appear to me to be something I’d like. Kevin had odd tastes, both in films and in music; evidently he had managed to combine the two tonight.

‘I’ve seen it,’ Kevin said cryptically. ‘Bear with me. You won’t be disappointed.’

‘You’ve seen it?’ Fat said. ‘And you want to see it again?’

‘Bear with me,’ Kevin repeated.

As we sat in our seats inside the small theater we noticed that the audience seemed to be mostly teenagers.

‘Mother Goose is Eric Lampton,’ Kevin said. ‘He wrote the screenplay for Valis and he stars in it’

‘He sings?’ I said.

‘Nope,’ Kevin said, and that was all he had to say; he then lapsed into silence.

‘Why are we here?’ Fat said.

Kevin glanced at him without answering.

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