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SAM
By Andrew Heighway

(A Monologue of things to come)

“It’s funny how things turn in out in life. You often look back and wonder if things could have been different. Take my life for example... by the way my name is Sam. I’ve never had any place in the world and for good reason; I’m not the type that fits in a crowd for one thing. I get a lot things said about me, it’s not like I chose my family or anything... actually I never met my family... but I know what I am and you know what I don’t care.
I suppose it started when I was looking through a couple of garbage cans for some scraps to eat... when another dog approached me and let me tell you now that is really unusual. ‘Hey dad what are you doing?’ he said, when I turned around he apologised and walked away, he’d mistaken me for someone else... I mean how could he? This guy was quite young, reddish fur and part of the Mail run between Nome and White Mountain... I don’t venture into towns that often so I couldn’t understand how the little man servant could mistake me for someone... unless, I wasn’t alone I the world after all. So I waited and waited for the mail run to come back, and there the kid was now the leader of the group. I tracked them for days; right across the harsh Alaskan conditions... the snow was so annoying too. It’s a good job I used my hunting instincts to get food, the only good thing my mom ever gave me.
So here I was, in a little town called Nome. Charming little place in an absolutely no where else to go sort of way, in my opinion. I was sticking to the shadows following the kid, I was wondering if this was even worth it, it seemed a little sad to be following some guy I don’t even know because he mistake me for somebody else... actually no... Not just somebody else, his Father. Ahhh Father, who are you? Anyways... I followed him to a boat that was wrecked on the frozen shore line just outside the town. Why would he go here? He seemed like the classy type, someone who has an adoptive family with a nice home. But then... like clouds clearing for a sunny day... it was revealed.
It was amazing, the guy he met looked almost like me, there where some differences but still. But was he the guy he mistook me for, I still wasn’t sure until he said that one beautiful word... ‘Dad’. How could this be? His son looked like a dog, which meant that his mother must have been a dog too... unbelievable. I never knew my Mom and Dad... I just assumed I was alone in this world and had nothing to call family... now that really is a whacky concept for me. But I couldn’t help, just one word came to mind when I saw this guy, just one... Brother?
I thought about it for days and finally decided to meet this guy, but I had to learn more about him first. So I listened to stories and rumours about him. I was impressed... but also a little bitter, he got the good deal and what did I get? Jack is what I got. But before I judged him for that I had to see him in person... but will he accept me?”

TO BE CONTINUED...

I like this fic very much, once again you've caught my interest

Thank you

The start of the story will be posted tommorrow.

Part One...

Kodiak was walking along the frozen shore line on a starry winter night, he was tired after the constant mail runs he had been doing over the last month or so. It was nearly Christmas for the townspeople of Nome so it was understandable how tired he was. As he was walking along he felt like he was being watched by someone, and it made him uneasy. He was looking along the icy beach to see if he could see someone, suddenly he heard a crumbling noise behind him and looked in the same direction... and saw nothing. He sighed and decided to resume his journey, only to bump straight into Steele who was standing right in front of him. Kodiak jumped out of his skin...
“Oh man! What are you trying to do Steele? Give me a heart attack?”
“I’m just protecting what’s mine” said Steele.
“And that would be ‘what’ exactly?” asked Kodiak.
“I’m protecting my stretch beach little red riding dog!”
“I’m not little! And since when do you own this part of the beach?”
“Since always... now get lost before I chew you up into...” he stopped as Kodiak started to giggle. “What! What’s so funny?!”
“You know, since you became crazy homeless dog you’re not half as intimidating as you used to be.”
“Don’t be ridiculous! I’m bad, I’m tough and...” Steele stopped again as Kodiak was now laughing out loud. “Stop it!” he shouted almost childlike.
Kodiak just began to walk away whilst still laughing. Steele just stood there shaking with annoyance and grinding his teeth. Kodiak disappeared over the frozen sand dune towards Balto’s boat. Steele then began to pace up and down the frozen sea shore.
“One of these days... one of these days... I’ll show them I’ll show them all, I’ll...” Steele stopped as he heard a cracking noise; he looked down... and fell through the ice. After a few moments he poked his head out of the water and said...
“I hate my life...”
Steele climbed out of the water and started to walk away completely drenched. Over on the frozen dunes was a dark figure in the shape of a dog watching what was going on. He just ignored Steele and then followed in the direction that Kodiak was heading.
The figure arrived at the boat and climbed onto the deck and was watching both Kodiak and Balto having a conversation.
“So how was the mail run son?” asked Balto.
“Exhausting, it would have gone a lot faster if Ralph would exercise in between runs.” Replied Kodiak.
“Is there something else?” asked Balto.
“Steele has started patrolling a section of beach, claiming it’s his... I think he’s losing his edge”
“Or his mind, assuming he had one to begin with.” Said Balto. “Do you want me to get rid of him?” he continued.
“Nah... He’s not scary... just annoying. He really used to give you a hard time?”
“Yep that he did. Just because I’m half wolf. The guy really has no imagination; it’s all about looks to him.”
“Pity he didn’t work on his own, the guy looks a wreck.” Said Kodiak.
The figure then just walked away into the night, he had now found what he was looking for.

Part Two

Meanwhile Steele was walking into to his new home... the garbage cans outside the butchers shop. He simply sat there wondering what the point of his existence was. To make things worse it was soon going to be Christmas... not his favourite time of year... it may have something to do with people other than him being happy. As he sat there, he heard a noise coming from the other end of the alley. At first he ignored it and wanted to get some sleep, but then he heard it again and decided to take a look.
“Is anyone there?” he asked.
There was no response, just another noise. Steele wasn’t amused by this and started to get annoyed.
“Okay, is this the part where I say ‘Who’s there?’ and something creepy happens?”
There was still no response, so he crept forward a few paces ready to kill who ever it was. But suddenly...
“Guess again!” shouted a voice.
Something started to charge at Steele and knocked him to the ground. Steele started to yell in agony and the sound of punching noises and impacts on trash cans. Unfortunately for Steele, not even the passers in a near by street cared what was going on.

The next morning Balto woke up after a good night’s sleep and saw Boris mopping the deck.
“I don’t know why you even do that.” Said Balto whilst yawning.
“It is called having pride with your home, you should try some cleaning yourself sometime.” Replied Boris.
“But does moving the dirt around the deck actually count as cleaning?”
“That’s funny; I ask myself that question when you go for a bath.”
Balto started to laugh sarcastically.
“You’re a real funny guy, you know that.” Balto started to walk away and said quietly “Herring breath.”
“I heard that!” shouted Boris.
Balto walked off the deck of the boat and saw that Dingo was waiting for him outside.
“Morning dad” he said with a silly grin on his face.
“Well you seem happy, which can only mean two things... you either finally had the nerve to ask Rose out on a date. Or you got a free lunch... and since I don’t see the remains of sausage meat around your face I’m guessing it’s the former than the latter.” Said Balto.
“That would be nice, but no. It’s something else and you’re gonna love it.”
“I’m intrigued so what is it?”
“Somebody beat up Steele in an alley last night, isn’t that cool?”
However Balto just stood there with no emotion on his face, he wasn’t pleased by this news at all.
“What’s the matter?” asked Dingo.
“That isn’t good news, it’s not tragic but it’s not good. Who did it?”
“Nobody knows, no one has owned up to it at any rate... You’re really not pleased by this?”
“Of course I’m not, I’m not exactly petty.”
“So why did you say it wasn’t tragic?”
“I’m not petty but I still don’t like the guy.”
Dingo just looked confused by the statement and simply carried on walking along the beach with his father.
As they where walking along they heard barking coming from the edge of the forest. Both of them decided to go and investigate, as they approached the area they saw Kodiak trying to fight off a wolf that had come near the town. Kodiak was knocked to the ground quickly, Balto then started to run straight at the wolf to chase it off... but then another ‘dog’ jumped onto the wolf before he could. Balto came to a halt; Dingo went over to Kodiak to help him up. The other dog was winning the fight with the wolf and managed to knock the wolf to the ground, the other dog turned to face Balto. He couldn’t believe it; it was like seeing a double, the only difference was the colour of the eyes. It was another wolf-dog...
“Hi, you’re Balto right?” said the Wolf-dog. The wolf then came back to attack the wolf-dog, but the wolf-dog again got the upper hand and continued with “I’m Sam, I guess that you and I are brother’s”
Balto just stood there with shock; he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Sam as he called himself was doing a good job fighting off the wolf, the wolf then ran off back into the woods. Sam turned to Balto and walked right up close to him.
“I guess we have a lot to talk about.” Said Sam.
Dingo and Kodiak didn’t know what to think and Balto was still standing still. But somehow, Balto knew that this ‘Sam’ wasn’t lying.

Oh dear... have I done badly this time?

Honestly, I'd like to know.

I don't think so, but Sam's introduction, seems a little too weird, or happy. Like he had planed for the wolf to fight Kodi and lose to him, but not Kodi.

Part Three

Dingo and Kodiak where walking through town later that day, they where still in shock about what had happened. They didn’t know how to react to it. But Dingo’s first priority was to get his injured brother home.
“Are you sure you’re fine Kodi?” asked Dingo.
“For the third time yes, I’m fine. He caught me by surprise that’s all... I nearly...”
“Ended up getting your butt kicked, what where you doing near the woods anyway?”
“I was just walking, it’s weird I always take the route and this has never happened.” Said Kodiak.
“It’s just one of those things, if that... stranger wasn’t around dad would have saved you.” Replied Dingo
Kodiak stopped in front of Dingo.
“’Stranger’, that guy is our...”
“We don’t know who he is Kodi, for all we know he could some crazy stray” interrupted Dingo. “It’s best if we just leave it to dad okay, once it’s proved who he is then fine. I’ll welcome Uncle Sam with open arms.”
They continued to walk on back to Kodiak’s home.
“Heh, Uncle Sam... Do you get it?” said Kodiak. Dingo just looked blankly at Kodiak. “Well I thought it was funny” continued Kodiak.

Meanwhile Balto was back at his boat with Boris and Sam. Balto and Sam where sitting at opposite ends of the deck just looking at each other, however both of there expressions where blank. Boris was sat in between them both looking amazed at both of them. There was just a long awkward silence between them all, but Boris just couldn’t keep it up...
“So... erm... how are you liking Nome Sam?” said Boris who just had nothing sensible to ask.
Sam looked at Boris for a few seconds before replying.
“It’s okay, just a town you know.”
The awkward silence then resumed again, Boris knew that he had to leave them both alone now. So he just silently walked away. The Silence however was still continuing, Sam was the first to finally say something between them.
“That’s it... you’re just gonna stare at me.”
Balto still didn’t react right away. But after a few moments...
“I’m just trying to figure out something.” Said Balto.
“Figure out what?”
“Whether you’re a liar or just crazy... I know it has to be one of them.”
“Or there could be a third option, that I am who I say I am... you don’t know what this means to me Balto to finally...”
“Sorry” interrupted Balto. “I can’t do this, you better go. Thanks for... well just thanks.” Balto just walked away, but Sam went after him.
“Balto! Come on. You know I’m telling you the truth.”
“Alright! So you’re telling the truth... Where have you been? Do I have any other Brothers? Do I have Sisters? Can you even answer those questions? All I know is that I’ve been on my own most of my life, I thought I was alone... then you suddenly turn up and what? You expect me to welcome you with open arms.”
“To be honest, yes I did expect that. Because I’ve been alone all my life, just like you. If I’d known about you I would have been there with you... but I got separated from mom too when I was young.”
Balto walked closer to Sam and looked him straight in the eye.
“If you really knew mom... then what did she look like?” he asked.
“She had... she had a coat of white fur. I remember her eyes... and her voice... that warm caring voice that made you feel that everything was okay even when it wasn’t. If I am a liar as you claim, then how could I know this?” said Sam. But Balto didn’t react. “Well... I guess that’s that then.” Continued Sam. Sam then began to walk away.
Balto was about to just let him go, but something was telling him that he was his Brother and all what mattered was that he was here now and if he let him go he may never get another chance.
“Wait...” said Balto. Sam stopped and turned around to face Balto. “Do you... Do you wanna meet the rest of my family... our family?” continued Balto.
Sam just smiled and walked back over to Balto.

Part Four... (Some light hearted stuff before some dramatic stuff)

Dingo was waiting outside a house; he was looking at his reflection in the ice trying to tidy up his scruffy appearance. She then came out of the house, a beautiful Husky dog named ‘Rose’. She gracefully walked by Dingo...
“Good evening Dingo” she said.
Dingo’s jaw dropped slightly with a little drool trail hanging from the end, he then snapped out of it and walked after Rose.
“Hi...” he said in a high pitch tone, but coughed and put on a deeper masculine voice. “Hey Rose... how’s it going?”
“Just fine sweetie, how are you?” she replied.
“Well you know... I’m... good...” he replied. Realising how stupid he sounded he smacked his head. “So how are you?” he asked again.
“You’ve already asked me that once... tell me something, you don’t talk to girls that often do you?”
“What... of course I do... all the time in fact, ask anyone.”
“Hmm, and here I was thinking how special I am that I’m the first girl you’ve tried to ask out.”
Dingo was astonished... he kept thinking ‘How does she know?’
“Your Special! I mean... of course your special, don’t think otherwise.”
“So?” she said.
“So what?” he replied.
“Aren’t you gonna ask me out already? Or do I have to spell it out for you?”
Dingo was frozen, he didn’t know what do to.
“Okay...” she continued. “How about we meet up tomorrow night, on the shore line and take in the view.”
Dingo then started to shake, but was able to say one word...
“...yes...”
“Perfect, I’ll see you then.” She then kissed Dingo on the forehead. “You know, I could just eat you up.” She then gracefully walked away leaving Dingo still frozen on the spot.
Ralph then approached Dingo, he had seen everything.
“Was that?” asked Ralph.
“Yes” interrupted Dingo.
“And did you?” asked Ralph
“Not exactly, she asked me.”
“And did you say?”
“Of course I did... she said she was gonna eat me up... what do I do?” asked Dingo.
“I can’t help you there I’m afraid... you’re on your own.” Said Ralph who began to walk away.
Dingo was still frozen on the spot and it looked like he was going to be there for a good couple of hours.

Part Five

“They seem like good kids” said Sam who was sitting back at the boat with Balto.
“They are. I’m proud of them all. I miss some of them like crazy, Saba... Aleu. I take you don’t have any...”
“No” interrupted Sam. “There hasn’t been anyone; I’m not exactly what girls want in a guy. Let’s just leave it at that. So where is this girl of yours?”
“She’s away with her adoptive family for Christmas, New York I think.”
“Must be lonely without the little woman. She you’re first love?”
“First true love? I suppose, if you believe in such a thing. But she isn’t the first girl I more than liked.... buts that’s another story.”
“No go on.” Insisted Sam.
“Her name was Jade, very pretty. I eventually asked her out, but she turned me down flat and with a lot of nasty name calling. I was new in town and you know... not her type what so ever.” Explained Balto.
“That must have hurt... still; she’s only a husky after all.”
Balto didn’t like how he said that statement.
“What the hell does that mean?” asked Balto.
“Just what it sounds.”
“Aren’t you forgetting that I’m in a relationship with one? Not to mention my kids?”
“Don’t worry about it, it’s not their fault.”
Balto was now starting to get annoyed; Sam just looked blankly at Balto like nothing was wrong.
“Not their fault?! Aren’t you forgetting about yourself?”
“Don’t remind me, it sickens me to think about it.”
“Do I sicken you? If I do then why are you here?”
“Man, what’s the big deal?”
“The ‘big’ deal is that you seem to think there’s something wrong with being part dog. You’re...”
“DON’T GIVE ME LECTURE BALTO! YOU’RE NOT MY FATHER!” He shouted.
Balto stood up and saw that Sam was in an attack position. But he then snapped out of it, and began to calm down.
“Sorry... I’m, sorry.” Said Sam, who had no exited the Boat leaving Balto looking confused about what had happened.

Later that evening on the other side of Nome a female Husky dog was walking down the street and into an alley, she was holding a piece of butcher’s meat in her mouth. She was light brown and had green eyes; she was wearing a collar with the name ‘Jade’ engraved onto it. Suddenly a very bruised Steele stands right in front of her ready to attack her; she dropped the meat on the floor.
“Give me the meat little miss! Otherwise I’ll...” The female Husky then slaps Steele across the face “OWWW!” he whaled.
“Get out of my way loser!” she shouted.
Steele just stepped aside; his pride couldn’t take much more of this. The Female Husky just picked up her meat and continued to walk away.
“Wench” he said under his breath.
“I heard that!” she shouted back.
Steele just groaned and limped away.
The female Husky was now eating the meat she had collected form the butcher’s shop, as she was eating she could hear a strange noise. She looked up, she knew someone was there.
“Get lost Steele!” she shouted. But there was no response.
Something began to charge at her at full speed, all she could do was scream.

Hmm, aparentely he has some brain damage or something. It gives the story a twist. (Uncle Sam! )

It's more complicated than Brain damage, and somewhat more scarier as the story goes on.

Part Six...

Steele was walking alone across the frozen beach, he was shivering cold and looking for a place to sleep. He then saw it and it occurred to him, that he really had only one last chance to find somewhere to sleep. He couldn’t believe he was going to do this.
He crept up the ramp trying to make as little noise as possible, when he reached the top of the ramp he carefully tip toed across the deck trying not to alarm him. He saw that he was asleep under his blanket...
“Wolf d... erm... Balto?” whispered Steele. “Balto” he whispered again this time nudging Balto with his paw.
Balto turned on his side and muttered...
“No dad I don’t wanna play with the other puppies”.
Steele just rolled his eyes and gave up.
“Wake up!” he shouted.
Balto yelled and punched Steele across the face.
“What! What!” reacted a very confused Balto. He then looked to see Steele rubbing his nose.
“Why does everyone keep punching me!” he shouted.
“Steele? What the hell are you doing...? In fact forget it, get out!”
“If you must know, I was... you know what it doesn’t matter.” Said Steele who had started to walk away.
“Good get lost” replied Balto.
“Oh you would just let me go back into the cold wouldn’t you!” said Steele who had now turned back to face Balto.
“Yes... that’s the general idea.” Said Balto.
“What did I ever do to you...?”
Balto didn’t even dignify that question with a response.
“Alright stupid question.” Said Steele. “Can I stay for the night?”
“No!”
“Look just for one night, that’s all and I promise I’ll never ask again... come on Balto you’re not a petty guy like I am... please?”
Balto just groaned and rolled his eyes at Steele.
“Fine... whatever...” said Balto.

Several minutes later Steele was tied up to the bulkhead with some rope, Balto was tightening the rope with his teeth.
“Is this really necessary?” asked Steele.
“I may not be petty but I still don’t trust you.” Said Balto whilst tightening the rope some more.
“OWW!” yelled Steele.
“Did that hurt?” asked Balto.
“Yes!” Replied Steele.
“Good...” said Balto, who was now heading to his Blanket to get some sleep. “If you wake me up again you’re out.” Continued Balto who had now closed his eyes and got under the blanket.
“What? Not wishing me pleasant dreams” said Steele sarcastically.
“Shut-up Steele”
A few moments of silence passed...
“Oh Balto...” said Steele pretending to be Jenna. “I really really love you.”
“Shut-up Steele!”
Another few moments passed...
“Balto.” Said Steele still pretending to be Jenna.
“Stop it!” reacted Balto.
The bickering continued on for another hour or so until finally both managed to fall asleep.