The Next Objective is a sequel set 20–25 years after the events of Primary Objective, written in the vivid, character-driven style of Quentin Tarantino and Thomas Harris. The story picks up with Jerry Johnson, now retired and running a martial arts dojo, still wrestling with PTSD from his military past. Dr. William D. Horton, once a military psychologist, has transformed into a high-profile motivational speaker and consultant to intelligence agencies, teaching advanced influence and persuasion techniques. The novel weaves together psychological thriller elements with lessons in neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and hypnosis, using the characters’ interactions and personal struggles to illustrate real-world applications of psychological manipulation and self-mastery.

Synopsis

Two decades after his military conditioning resurfaced in dramatic, life-altering ways, Jerry Johnson has found a measure of peace teaching martial arts to a diverse group of students. The dojo is both his sanctuary and his way of channeling the discipline and trauma of his past into something positive. Yet, beneath the surface, Jerry’s PTSD lingers, triggered by everyday stimuli that echo his old training. He remains a figure of quiet intensity, respected by his students and haunted by memories he can never fully escape.

Dr. William D. Horton is now a household name in the world of influence and persuasion. His public seminars draw crowds eager to learn the secrets of NLP and hypnotic suggestion, but behind the scenes, Horton consults for the Department of Defense and the CIA, where his expertise in psychological operations is more relevant than ever. Horton’s life is a balancing act between public enlightenment and covert manipulation, and he struggles with the ethical implications of his work.

The story kicks into gear when a series of bizarre, seemingly unrelated incidents suggest that someone—or something—has reactivated Jerry’s old psychological programming, or worse, is using it as a blueprint for a new generation of operatives. As Jerry and Dr. Horton are drawn back into each other’s orbits, they uncover a shadowy conspiracy that blurs the line between therapy and psychological warfare. Their investigation leads them through a labyrinth of government agencies, rogue psychologists, and former operatives who have taken the principles of influence to dangerous extremes.

Narrated with the dark humor and non-linear storytelling of Tarantino and the psychological depth of Harris, The Next Objective explores themes of trauma, redemption, and the fine line between influence and control. The novel uses the characters’ experiences to teach advanced NLP and hypnosis techniques, making the story both a gripping thriller and a masterclass in psychological manipulation.

As Jerry and Dr. Horton confront the ghosts of their pasts and the dangers of their present, they must decide whether the skills that once saved them can be used to protect others—or if they are simply tools for a new kind of war.