Sonny

"Sonny" by Rick Raphael is a science fiction tale that follows Private Jediah Cromwell, a homesick young man from West Virginia, through the trials and tribulations of Army training in the early 1960s. Jediah, also known as "Sonny", finds himself grappling with military life while simultaneously discovering his extraordinary ability to manipulate electrical power and connect telepathically with his mother. As Sonny adapts to the rigors of Fort McGruder, he realizes that his thoughts have a tangible effect on electronic devices, leading to both humorous mishaps and moments of profound connection, especially when his efforts to communicate with his mother cause strange electrical disturbances. His marksmanship also sets him apart, baffling his fellow recruits and superiors alike, as he credits his success to his unique gift. Sonny's extraordinary talents attract the attention of those in charge as he finally manages to communicate with his mother while demonstrating control over power systems, representing the potent mix of familial love and personal identity.