Transmutation: Woof's Chronicles Book One

By Richard Switzky

"Woof's Chronicles" unfolds as an interdimensional odyssey, exploring the intricate connection between dogs and destiny, a creative blend of Star Wars and canine companionship.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Richard Switzky
• Release date: May 28, 2024
• ISBN: 9798330206582

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RichardSwitzky-RevisedManuscript-11Apr2024_(1)_(2)AuthorAuthor202024-04-11T20:39:00Z2024-04-11T20:39:00Z47080114456656Aspose3805107153569916.0000a52b6e1253971f7796bbd45b25089fe3faef16347ac6fd7a155a29b3ea0034bf

WOOF’S CHRONICLES - BOOK 1 - TRANSMUTATION

Richard Switzky

Copyright © 2024 Richard Switzky

All Rights Reserved

ISBN:

Dedication

You cannot share your life with a dog and not know perfectly well that animals have personalities, minds and feelings.

-          Jane Goodall

This book pays homage to dogs worldwide, those remarkable beings that not only enrich our lives with love, comfort, and wisdom but also teach us valuable lessons. Over the years, I have personally shared my life with eleven dogs, including seven Irish setters, an English cocker spaniel, an English springer spaniel, a beagle/basset mix, and a Pomeranian/chihuahua mix. Among them, four were rescues from shelters, and one was a generous gift from a breeder overwhelmed with dogs. While each had its unique qualities, they all shared the remarkable ability to bring us immense joy, love, companionship, and entertainment.

Additionally, this book extends its dedication to the creative minds who have inspired a sense of wonder in me, sparking a desire to emulate their imaginative worlds.

Lewis Carroll introduced me to a topsy-turvy world in Alice’s Wonderland, where animals spoke and the laws of physics were upended.

Isaac Asimov and Robert Heinlein played pivotal roles in my formative reading, offering glimpses into fantastic futures and distant worlds. Asimov’s Robot Stories and Foundation trilogy, as well as Heinlein’s extensive collection of captivating tales, left a lasting impact. Heinlein had an explanation for his title, The Door Into Summer, which has always stayed with me as exceptionally creative. The protagonist once lived in a house with twelve doors to the outside. In Winter, Pete, his cat, would make him open every door, looking for the one that led to Summer.

George Lucas crafted a powerfully entertaining universe, inspiring the creation of this Woof series, envisioned as a blend of Star Wars and canine adventures.

Lastly, Stephen King’s unparalleled body of fantasy work, including the intriguing portal story Fairy Tale, has consistently captivated my imagination, akin to a fusion of Alice in Wonderland and horror.

Acknowledgment

The creation of this book owes much to the support and encouragement of my son, Alexander, who diligently reviewed numerous drafts and provided invaluable suggestions, all of which have been woven into the narrative. I am also deeply grateful to my exceptional wife, Virginia, whose unwavering commitment involved meticulous editing of chapters and drawing upon her extensive literary expertise to refine my prose.

CONTENTS

Dedication

Acknowledgment

About the Author

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

Chapter 58

Chapter 59

Chapter 60

Chapter 61

Chapter 62

Chapter 63

Chapter 64

Chapter 65

Chapter 66

Chapter 67

Chapter 68

Chapter 69

Chapter 70

Chapter 71

Chapter 72

Chapter 73

Chapter 74

Chapter 75

Chapter 76

Chapter 77

Chapter 78

Chapter 79

Chapter 80

Chapter 81

Chapter 82

Chapter 83

Chapter 84

Chapter 85

Epilogue/Prologue

About the Author

I once had the pleasure of attending An Evening with William Shatner, where he shared insights into his life and entertaining anecdotes about his various roles, notably that of the iconic Captain James T. Kirk. What truly intrigued me, however, was a poignant moment when Shatner, gazing into his dog’s eyes, uttered the profound words, I know that you know. This heartfelt connection served as the inspiration for my novel, set in a dimension where dogs have the choice to embody human form, both on Earth and in the fantastical realm of Drea Madad.

The genesis of Woof’s Chronicles emerged from a creative blend of Star Wars and canine companionship. As a devoted dog owner, I’ve often pondered the intriguing idea that dogs might harbor a secret humanity, prompting me to explore the concept of swapping roles with our four-legged friends. My inclination for crafting stories about protagonists navigating unfamiliar realms stems from personal experiences, including an eighteen-year stint in Australia, a land populated by warm-hearted individuals.

Throughout my corporate career, primarily in operations and technology roles, I discovered the power of storytelling as an effective means of conveying ideas in a captivating manner—even within the corporate landscape. Woof’s Chronicles delves into the realm of Interdimensional travel and limitless virtual storage of physical items, concepts I believe may one day come to fruition.

Presently, I am immersed in the continuation of improbable tales. More volumes of Woof’s Chronicles are in the works, and I am putting the finishing touches on an Origins story. Curiosity about the inclusion of Gaelic terms in the fantasy dimension of Drea Madad led to a whimsical explanation: seven Irish setters have left their mark on my creative journey.

For anyone interested in discussing dogs or these fantastical narratives, I’m always delighted to chat. Feel free to reach out to me at [e-mail].

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Chapter 1

By the end of her hike on a sunny Saturday afternoon in mid-May, Ashley Thomas would discover things about herself she could never have imagined.

Feeling overwhelmed before her high-school graduation, just two weeks away, she got on her bike and started riding to Canyon Park with its miles of trails. As she pedaled on autopilot along a crowded bike path, her mind raced, grappling with the choices staring at her.

What would life be like without the predictability of going to school year after year?

Would it be the end of the Unclassifieds, her group of six independent-minded girls who didn’t care about being pegged as weird? Everyone was heading off in a different direction. The Unclassifieds had been a source of sanity and support. Now Ashley felt torn and uncertain about her course of action.

Conflicting advice didn’t help matters. Having opted initially for the safe route of attending the local college and pursuing a degree in Sports Administration, Ashley had begun to feel the need for something different. When she shared her dilemma with Shlomo Guterberg, the owner of the thriving Krav Maga Academy and her mentor, he immediately offered her a job as an administrator and instructor, recognizing her exceptional skills. However, her parents insisted on her enrollment in college. Suddenly, life seemed bewildering. Everything would work out. Wouldn’t it?

She coasted into the parking lot to find every spot taken and cars parked wherever they could squeeze in.

That’s why I’d rather bike, she thought as she effortlessly secured her bike in the rack. She opened her backpack to ensure she had ample water and put on sunblock, mindful of her flaming red hair and accompanying fair skin that required extra protection. It had only taken her a couple of times to look like a lobster to make her double-check every time she headed out into the sun.

She didn’t particularly like going to Canyon Park on weekends because the hiking trails became crowded, but she had to get out of the house.

Starting on the relatively flat Nuñez trail, she weaved her way through the crowds of weekend hikers, many of whom were chatting, walking slowly and making it hard for any serious progress.

After twenty minutes, she saw the sign she was looking for:

Brushlands Trail – For Advanced Hikers.

Warnings – Poison Oak, Poison Ivy, Rattlesnakes.

This trail is only for advanced hikers. It has rocky, rough footing and a lack of cover. To avoid dehydration, please make sure you have enough water on warm days.

Ashley turned onto the steep rocks that served as the beginning of the trail and set off strongly, careful to avoid the brush and prickly undergrowth at the edges of the path. She was used to the uneven footing – in fact; she even enjoyed it. After only a few minutes, she was already sweating, energized by the exertion. At first, she was the only person on the seldom-used trail, but suddenly, she became aware of someone gaining on her. She turned to look.

Hi Ash-a-lee, said the fellow hiker with a smile. I thought I might find you here.

Ashley stopped abruptly, slightly alarmed.

The man was a few inches taller than Ashley – around six feet – with a medium build, dark hair and even darker eyes. At first, she thought he was her age, but as she scanned his face more closely, she realized he could be a lot older. A gold link chain hung around his neck.

He looked harmless, but Ashley had heard too many stories from women in her Krav Maga class about apparently benevolent strangers who ended up being anything but. She had mastered Krav Maga because she loved hiking by herself and wasn’t going to allow herself to be vulnerable.

She glanced around but didn’t see anyone else. Exercising caution, she moved into her guard stance, one foot behind her and her hands in front of her chest, one hand casually holding the other.

Do I know you? How do you know my name? she asked, puzzled by the strange pronunciation. And how did you know to find me here?

It’s a long story, he replied. Let me put it this way. I knew you before George and Emma became your parents.

Is this guy a stalker? He knows my name and my parents’ names!

Now, she really was on high alert.

Okay, she replied slowly. "I’m confused. George and Emma have always been my parents."

The hiker looked chagrined by Ashley’s response. I’m sorry, I misspoke, he said. There’s a lot to tell you, and I’ll be glad to fill you in when we have more time. But right now, we’re in a rush. The reason I’m here is we need your help.

Ashley’s head was starting to spin from this conversation, which had started weird and was turning weirder.

Help with what?

Here, let me show you this.

From out of nowhere, the hiker produced a device that looked like a game controller.

Where did that come from?

She resisted the urge to kick it out of his hands in case it could be used as a weapon.

He touched the apparatus, and it projected a vivid holographic image in the air of the most beautiful dog Ashley had ever seen. It looked like an Irish setter, and its eyes reflected an intensity of intelligence, emotion and empathy.

Ashley gaped at the image, which looked as if she could reach out and touch it. Wow! That’s amazing.

The hiker gestured toward the hologram. I rescued Woof—

Ashley interrupted him. The dog’s name is Woof?

Yeah.

And what’s your name?

Bobo.

Is that short for something?

Bobo looked puzzled by the question. No, he said while shaking his head. Anyway, I saved Woof from the Inalterables. If they have the chance, they’ll kill both him and me, along with the rest of our people, the Madad. Being from Earth, you’ll be able to neutralize one of their major weapons. And you also may have other powers in our dimension.

Being from Earth? Another dimension?

I feel like I’ve walked into a science fiction movie. Wait a minute! Did my friends put you up to this? Where’s the camera? Ashley asked.

What camera? asked Bobo. I know it’s a lot to take in, but once we get to the portal, you’ll see for yourself. I’ll explain it to you later, but we have to get going.

Bobo pressed a button on the mysterious device, causing the hologram to disappear.

C’mon, he said as he turned off the trail. Please follow me. I promise I mean no harm and that everything I’ve said is true. You saw the hologram.

Suspicious but intrigued, Ashley followed... Is this guy trying to lead me into a trap? But he has that hologram thing, and I can take care of myself. What the heck is a Madad?

What portal? she called out, but either Bobo didn’t hear her or didn’t want to stop to answer.

He consulted the controller as he jogged ahead. To Ashley’s surprise, the brushland became a pine forest. She had always stayed on the trail because she didn’t want to get lost.

After ten minutes, they arrived at a clearing in the middle of the forest. Bobo pressed various parts of the device, and the lights glowed blue, then red; he pressed more parts of the device, and a front door-sized hole materialized in thin air, providing an entrance into some place that was clearly not Canyon Park. Through the portal, it was later in the day and the terrain had very different hues – hues that Ashley, being color blind, had never seen before but could see through the portal.

Wow! The portal! exclaimed Ashley, goggling at the vibrant colors on the other side.

Wait here, Bobo instructed her.

Ashley watched the hiker walk through the portal.

Woof, he called. I’ve found her. Hey, Woof!

Ashley heard a scuffling sound coming from somewhere beyond her line of sight.

Ash-a-lee, help! called Bobo as he reappeared, pursued by a half dozen people.

As part of her Krav Maga training, Ashley had defeated multiple opponents simultaneously. She tried to cross into the portal to help. However, while she could see inside, an invisible barrier blocked her. The people, who were dressed in brightly colored clothes, chiefly Kelly greens and bright reds, overpowered Bobo. The colors astonished Ashley. Because of her color blindness, green and red had always looked like shades of gray, but on the other side of the portal, she could see them so differently.

Then she saw Woof, bound by his feet with ropes, hanging upside down and being carried on a long horizontal pole by two people.

Throw the Kyber out of the portal before the Inalterables get it, Woof shouted to Bobo.

Holy crap, a talking dog!

Ash-a-lee, you’re a Madad, and you have to help us, said Bobo as he flung the game controller-like object – which must be the Kyber – through the portal to land at her feet. When she picked it up, the portal disappeared. She looked for signs of it, but the portal was gone without a trace.

What the heck just happened? Did he say I’m a Madad? Isn’t that what he said they are? I don’t get it. And what happened to the portal?

Ashley examined the Kyber in the hope of making the portal reappear but couldn’t figure it out. It reminded her of a very complicated game system controller with symbols she had never seen before, like letters of an unknown alphabet. It seemed contoured to fit into a hand and had four buttons on the front right side toward the top and four buttons on the front left side toward the top, four triggers across the very top, two analog stick clicks on the front bottom right, two analog stick clicks on the front bottom left, a touchpad in the middle and a light bar on top. The buttons, analog sticks and triggers all had mysterious symbols.

She tried pressing buttons and using the triggers, analog sticks, and touchpad but the light bar would glow for about fifteen seconds, then shut off. Ashley tried working the Kyber for quite some time until the sky started to get dark. In frustration, she gave up and put it in her backpack.

She headed back the way she had come but couldn’t find the Brushlands Trail.

That’s why I never go off the trail, she thought anxiously.

They had walked away from it for ten minutes.

I think we went due east, so let me follow the setting sun west.

After ten minutes, she was still in the pine forest.

Crap! Where the heck am I?

Just as she was starting to panic, she reached the brushland and found the trail, hurrying down the steep slope as fast as she could due to the fading light.

I’d better call my parents, or I’ll be in for it for getting home so late. She checked her phone. Oh no! No cell phone coverage in this part of the park.

Chapter 2

Ashley turned onto the Nuñez Trail and rushed back to the park entrance as the sun sunk below the horizon.

Uh oh. A Park Ranger, easily identifiable by his Smokey the Bear hat and khaki shirt with the circular California State Parks bear logo, stood next to her bicycle. It was the only vehicle left in the parking lot.

I was wondering whose bike this is, said the Ranger, who looked to be about her dad’s age. His ID identified him as Cummings, and he seemed agitated. The signs state this park closes at sunset, he said, pointing to one just ten feet away.

Ashley didn’t think it was a good idea to tell the Ranger about her strange encounter. He’d think she was either making things up or had lost her mind. She decided humility and respectfulness would work best.

I’m sorry, sir, she said. I got turned around on the trail and was just now able to get myself down here.

These trails are clearly marked. How did you get turned around?

She didn’t want to tell him too much. She mumbled, I’m not sure.

Which trail did you get lost on?

The Nuñez Trail.

How the heck could you get turned around on the Nuñez Trail? If you don’t wander off it, you can only take it to the waterfall and back. And there’s signs all over the place tellin’ you to stay on the trail!

I don’t know, she said very quietly.

Were you hiking by yourself? Because if you’re not an experienced hiker, you should never wander off these trails! the Ranger scolded her.

I was here with my boyfriend. He started arguing with me, and he left me on the trail, she responded.

It had the desired effect. Oh, said the Ranger.

It was a good time to get out of there. Ashley quickly unlocked her bike, got on it, turned on her headlight, and started pedaling as fast as she could to avoid having to answer any more of the Ranger’s questions or, worse, having him take down her name.

She decided to wait until she got home to face the music instead of stopping and calling when she got within cell phone range. It was dark, and she knew her parents would be upset.

As soon as she entered the house, words tumbled from her mother, who had moved a chair from the kitchen to be in front of the door.

Thank God you’re home! Where were you? Didn’t you think to call? Do you have any idea what time it is? We were just about to call the police! We were worried sick!

The avalanche continued for a couple of minutes while her mother hugged her and told her repeatedly how worried they had been.

Ashley kept repeating quietly, Sorry, Mom.

When her mother was done, it was her father’s turn. Ashley, you know you need to call us when you’re coming home much later than we expected. It was really getting late. We left messages on your phone.

Sorry, Dad. I would have, but I was hiking in Canyon Park, and there’s no cell phone reception in large parts of it. Then, when I got on my bike, I didn’t stop to check my phone because it was getting dark, and I wanted to get home as soon as I could.

"Couldn’t you have gone to a part of that park that has cell phone coverage?" her mother asked.

Mom, it was so crowded today I had to go to a more remote area so I could enjoy hiking without feeling I was in a mob. The more remote areas don’t have coverage.

I don’t know if that’s such a good idea, said her mother.

No coverage at all? her father asked.

None.

But when it started getting late, why didn’t you leave? You must have seen it was getting dark, he said.

Ashley measured her words carefully. While I was hiking, I met a guy.

Her mother’s eyes opened wide. A guy! What type of guy?

"A nice guy. Another hiker. We started talking, and you know how it is. Neither of us realized how late it was getting."

I wonder if I should mention his remark about knowing me before you were my parents.

Were there other hikers around? asked her mother, interrupting her thoughts. She had expressed reservations about Ashley hiking alone in remote parts of the park.

Yes, Ashley lied, although she hated doing it.

She sensed things had settled down. I’m really sweaty. It was pretty hot on the trail. I’m going to take a quick shower.

Her parents went back to the family room to watch TV. Once in her room, Ashley wondered if she had imagined what had happened at Canyon Park. She had told different stories to the Park Ranger and her parents but hadn’t told any of them what had actually happened.

She opened her backpack. The Kyber! She took it out and looked at it again, turning it over to see if there was anything written on the back, but there was nothing. She turned it back to the front and pressed buttons, pulled triggers, used analog sticks, and played with the touchpad but with the same result she had obtained at the park. The light bar glowed for fifteen seconds and then turned off.

I’ll deal with you later, she said as she placed it on her dresser and headed for the shower. So, it was all real. Could she possibly be one of the . . . what did Bobo call them? Madad? That didn’t even make any sense. But there was a portal to somewhere, an amazing hologram, and a talking dog. And she had seen distinct colors through the portal, so vibrant from what she usually saw. She studied her face in the mirror for half a minute. Same Ashley!

Clearly, the Madad needed her help. But she couldn’t do anything until it was light again the next morning.

After showering, she put on fresh clothes, making her feel a lot better. Then she decided to take another look at the Kyber. She went to the dresser. It was gone!

I could have sworn I put it there, she mumbled to herself. She checked her backpack. Empty. She looked in her drawers. No.

Is it possible Mom or Dad took it?

She went to the family room, where her parents were watching TV and eating pizza.

There’s Dominos in the kitchen if you want any, said her mother.

Maybe later. Mom, Dad, did you see this game controller I left in my room? she asked, trying not to sound too anxious.

Game controller? her father asked. For what game?

I don’t know. It looks a little like a PlayStation controller.

Where did you get it from? her mother asked.

This guy I told you about, who I met on the trail, gave it to me. I promised I’d give it back to him.

Sorry, hon, I haven’t seen it, said her father.

Ashley returned to her room and searched some more. What could she do? The dog, Woof, and the guy, Bobo, sounded like they desperately needed her. But she wouldn’t have any way to help without the Kyber.

It couldn’t have just disappeared. Ashley had held it in her hands. She’d figure out what to do tomorrow as she was exhausted and needed sleep to clear her head. As soon as her head hit the pillow, she was out.

Chapter 3

Nearly eighteen years ago

A portal roughly the size of a front door materialized in thin air in the middle of a forest. Blazing light streamed through, illuminating the moonless night.

From the other side of the opening, where the midday sun shone on an alien terrain of vibrant purple and orange hues, stepped two creatures resembling a fully-grown German shepherd and an Irish setter puppy.

When the portal vanished, the forest, in a remote part of Canyon Park in Southern California, became pitch black again.

The German shepherd, Bobo, surveyed his surroundings, then accessed a silver device housed in his poca, a gold link chain around his neck, advanced technology from his dimension that defied the laws of physics and contained virtually limitless storage space for physical objects.

He spoke to the silver device in a guttural language, which to an Earth human would have sounded like a growl.

Come on, Ash-a-lee, he said to the pup in the same language.

Ash-a-lee, smelling animals, vegetation, terrain and poo that were all new to her, couldn’t stop sniffing and exploring.

I don’t have time for puppy shenanigans, Bobo muttered, annoyed at being ignored.

He picked up the pup in his mouth, put her into the poca using its matter/energy conversion technology, and trotted for several miles, following instructions he received telepathically.

He arrived at a subdivision in the bedroom community of Lemon Grove Estates, finding the architecture ugly and bland, a sea of sameness. The silver device directed him to a specific house where he took the pup out of the poca and placed her on the front lawn. The pup started sniffing her surroundings, wanting to explore.

Ash-a-lee, just quit it! he said in a firm voice. Remember what your father said.

Reluctantly, the pup plopped down on the lawn and let out a big sigh.

Bobo searched for a bassinet, which he had been briefed would be under some dense bushes. When he found it, he moved it to the porch, setting it before the front door. He put the pup in the bassinet, licked her, and said, Your people will be waiting for you.

He chanted in the guttural language. The pup turned into a baby girl a few months old, with vibrant red hair. She was fast asleep. The dog pulled a blanket over the baby, then went back to the bushes to find an envelope with the words George and Emma Thomas printed in English on the front. He picked up the envelope in his mouth and put it on top of the blanket covering the baby. He got up on his hind legs, rang the doorbell, and returned to the bushes to hide, watching and listening intently.

George and Emma Thomas, a childless couple who had been married for twenty-three years, lived inside the modest house. Both were sound sleepers, but George had awakened to go to the bathroom.

As he stumbled sleepily to the toilet, he thought, don’t pee on the floor, or you’ll catch it from Emma.

George washed his hands before returning to bed. Is that the doorbell? He glanced at a clock – nearly three. If he had been more awake, he would have been alarmed at someone being at his door at that time