The Chameleon Soldier: NOW AS AN ALIEN BLUE HE CANNOT DIE. by D.B. Silvis Page A

about, Killian Kilkenny.”
    “Why, sure, good God, Kip’s mentioned you so many times I feel like I’ve already met you.” Zack and Killian shook hands. “You’re darn welcome here, Killian, it’s good to finally meet you.”
    “Likewise, Mr. Smith.”
    “Call me Zack, everyone does.”
    Killian smiled. “I can do that.”
    “Good. I was about to pour a drink. Can I get you boys one?”
    “I’ll fix them, Zack. I know what you like.”
    Kip stepped over to the poolside bar, and began to mix the drinks. Zack put on a brown terrycloth robe and sat down. “Have a seat, Killian. Make yourself to home.”
    Kip handed Zack and Killian their drinks. “That’s why we’re here, Zack. I’d like Killian to live here for a while, and work as one of your horse trainers.”
    Zack nodded, “Why not? From what you’ve told me in the past, Killian’s pretty damn good with horses.”
    “He’s the best, Zack.”
    Kip then told Zack why he wanted Killian working at the ranch. He informed him about his upcoming meeting with Director Spencer, and his hopes of getting Killian working on reconnaissance, and covert operations with the CIA.
    Zack frowned. “That Spencer a tough old cob, no offense, Killian, but a person really has to cut the mustard to be one of his men. Being a good horseman, and able to handle a gun won’t be enough for him.”
    Kip and Killian shared a smile.
    “Zack, I’m the only person who knows what I’m about to tell you. I’ve assured Killian you’re a man who would never divulge a secret that was entrusted to him.”
    “You know that to be the honest truth, Kip,” said Zack.
    “Grandfather, never in your life have you ever heard a story like the one I’m about to tell you.”
    Zack knew it must be serious, as Kip never called him grandfather unless he was talking about a matter of great importance.
    Kip then told Zack about the real Killian. It was the first time in Kip’s life that his grandfather didn’t interrupt him during a story. The old man hardly even took a drink as he listened intently to his grandson. When Kip had finished Zack stared at Killian.
    “Is it possible, Killian?” he said at last. He was clearly stunned.
    “Yes, sir, it is,” Killian answered. Then he stood up and, in front of Zack’s unbelieving eyes, transformed into a black man. “This, sir, is how I enlisted in the 1st Cavalry as a Buffalo Soldier.” Then he transformed back.
    “Jesus Christ, I need another drink!” Zack held his glass out to Kip. “And make it a strong one.”
    Kip took Zack’s glass as he and Killian laughed at the old man’s reaction. Over the next hour, the three men sat talking and drinking, as Zack had a number of questions.
    Zack studied Killian with wonder. “Holy Moses, I’m seventy-one years old and you’re fifty years older than me, isn’t that something? Well, as long as you’re going to be living here, you and I are going to be sitting out here by the pool doing a lot of drinking and talking. I need to hear all about your life. Damn, it’s really got to be something!”
    “Oh God Killian, what have I gotten you into?” said Kip, roaring with laughter.
    That evening, Kip took Killian next door to meet his parents. Kip’s mother, Jesse, was excited to meet the man her son introduced as his best friend. Kip’s dad, Arthur, mixed them all his favorite welcoming drink, a whiskey Manhattan, while telling Killian it was about time he came to Virginia to visit them.
    Three days later, Kip entered Deputy Director Spencer’s over-sized office. They shook hands.
    “Thank you for seeing me on such short notice, director.”
    “No problem, Kip… ah, I guess I should call you congressman now.”
    “Kip is fine, sir.”
    “Yes, that’s more natural for me. I’ve been calling you Kip since you were knee high to a grasshopper,” said the deputy director, chuckling.
    “You’ve been a friend of our family for a long time, sir.”
    “That I have. How are your parents,