POLAR BEAR in PARROT JUNGLE You know, or have a passing acquaintance with, Jason Beckman, that polite, smart young man who joined the military. Maybe he took up the offering in church or worked part time at Frank's Garage, changing oil and doing brake replacements. His family has that big spread north-east of town; just regular, God fearing farmers who raised honest, hardworking sons. The navy didn't change Jason very much and he was content with his life, aside from the frustration of not having a regular girl. Normally one wouldn't think of being best man at a wedding as a potential deciding moment in one's life, but for Jason it was. He did have an opportunity to end the evening early. Wealthy heiress Joyce Bancroft acquiesced to her cousin's request to sit with Jason at the wedding table. Yes, he was strong and handsome, especially in his uniform. If nothing else he might be a good, temporary companion. Normally one wouldn't think of being a last minute escort at a wedding as a potential deciding moment in one's life, but for Joyce it was. Jason did offer the opportunity to end the evening early. POLAR BEAR in AUSTRALIA Jason makes a deal with the devil (actually a navy commander who dangles a sweet shore assignment his way) and accepts a commission and shore duty assignment at the U.S. Embassy in Australia. The country is a friendly ally and the language is English... what could go wrong? POLAR BEAR in the CARRIAGE HOUSE Who wouldn't want a barn filled with old cars and trinkets from the past? The structure stood unmolested for over 50 years, waiting for the first husband of the first female Bancroft, a provision of the will of Cornelius Bancroft. Yes, Cornelius might have been a bit eccentric, but then again his life may have had a darker side and eccentricity was not the motive behind keeping the barn doors closed: there were those rumors.