Stones and Bones - the Crystal People Speak: The Crystal People Series, #1

By S.D. Anderson

THE STONES

Seeded from several star systems to Planet Earth 100 million years ago for the preservation of humanity, the Stones were originally placed in Pangaea, as that super continent had all of the desired aspects for the protoplast of a new civilization. Cosmic forces compelled their removal to the Ural Mountains of that planet under the protection and guardianship of  a race of Uighurs. The Stones' Ancient knowledge and healing properties were to remain hidden for over 800,000 years.

THE BONES

Aptly named 'The Bones' from the insignia worn on their shirts, an army of highly developed androids, led by the infamous Dr. Durenberg, plot to steal the stones to create an army of Humanoids to dominate  the Universe, one star system at a time.

Abbie, Sam, and Ty risk their lives to rescue the Stones and each other with the assistance of several members of the Galactic Bureau of Inquiry (GBI). Join them as they travel throughout the Galaxy matching wits against the immortal Dr. D. and his attempt to capture the Stones for his own nefarious purpose.

• Language: English
• Publisher: S.D.Anderson
• Release date: Aug 8, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393723042

S.D. Anderson

Sharon D. Anderson, Ph.D., R.M.T., is an Indie Author/Publisher, dedicated to her craft for more than 30 years. Writing in her genre, Visionary Fiction and Non-Fiction, all of her books, websites and blogs merge a far-seeing perspective of New Age and Ancient Wisdom.  She is the founder of the Cape Cod Writers' Studio where she teaches professional self-publishing and supports writers and students on their paths to publishing in this digital age. She is a permanent resident of her beloved Cape Cod.

Book preview

Special thanks go to my Beta Readers whose insights and suggestions helped make the book eligible for human consumption. Here are their beginning comments... I made all of the changes they suggested and was grateful for them.

My YA readers from the Centerville Public Library: Grateful thanks for your excellent ideas. I used every one of them. 

Kasey V., Marcy R. and Mackenzie J.  

My other readers:

I loved this book. It was so interesting and fun to read. It was right up my alley! Crystals, fiction, action and love. Perfect combination!

Talia –YA Beta Reader - Mashpee, MA

I’m not sure if this book is part of a series. It needs more explanation, and a sequel.

Celia – YA Beta Reader, Mashpee, MA

I enjoyed the story a great deal, and hated to see it end. . . . I also was left wondering what Ty and Abbie would do next.

K. C., Beta Reader, Falmouth, MA

Very good story, one of the best you have written. Good character development, plot is easy to follow. Story moves along at a quick pace, leaves the reader feeling good at the end.

JMG – Beta reader - San Antonio, TX

I dedicate this book to my Unseens who helped me write it and are ever present in my life.

I am most grateful.

Stones and Bones, the Crystal People Speak by S.D. Anderson

©2020 by Sharon D. Anderson, Ph.D., R.M.T. Second Edition

This is a Creative Work of the author fixed in a tangible medium. All rights are reserved. In accordance with the U. S. Copyright Act of 1976 and the DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act), the scanning, uploading and electronic sharing of any part of this book without the written permission of the author/publisher is unlawful piracy or theft of the author’s intellectual property. If you would like to use material from this book (other than for review purposes), prior written permission must be obtained by contacting the author or publisher: [e-mail]. Thank you for your support of the author’s rights.

ISBN: 979-8673034293

Cape Cod Publishing

Cape Cod, MA 02632

Crystals are the DNA of the Earth.

Judy Hall from the Crystal Bible

The Solar or Sol System

The Beginning

Cycle: 2313

Location: Ganymede, Moon of Jupiter

Orbit: Capricorn

Rotation: 16:30

Ganymede, softly circling the planet Jupiter, was unaware of the feverish activity inside some of its surface craters which covered much of the pitted exterior of this vast moon. A university excavation was in progress. Not an unusual event, but these scientists were from the Federation of Galactic Universities, Ceres campus, the most prestigious university throughout the galaxies.

Students chosen to study there were from the upper one percent of intelligentsia in academic intellect assembled from all of the solar systems and beyond. Upon graduation, when completely processed and duly conferred in the academic fields of their choice, these students would be sought for employment in every known universe. They would take humanity into the future.

Ty Collinwood, brilliant scholar completing his doctoral studies, was leisurely making his way out of the crater where he’d been assigned to excavate. His progress was slightly impeded as he rapidly scribbled notes on his small antiquated notebook, swiftly turning pages, writing, tearing them out and stuffing them in the many pockets of his titanium suit.

Lack of communication connections on this moon to any of the inter-galactic technologies was frustrating for all of the staff and students, who were used to the most up-to-date technology. This deficiency impeded Ty’s research, which would have progressed far more quickly if he had use of his mind to memory Scriber. Instead, he was required to write his deductions and conclusions with a shorthand code he invented to use with the archaic art of notebook, paper and pencil.

Also, he desperately needed an assistant to organize these notes which were scattered everywhere in his temporary sleeping quarters. There was little room for him to sit comfortably, let alone lie down. Three Ganymede moon orbits had over-extended this excavation.

Above average in height and athletically toned, he considered himself passably good looking, with the exception of his nose, which had been broken during a martial arts session, and consequently, had healed crookedly. No one he could recall had ever said he was handsome. Hair, which he kept short and neatly groomed, was a non-descript brown, and he daily cursed the natural waves that kept working their way in, even after careful combing and applying plenty of gel. Many a morning he threatened to have it all removed completely.

During this dig, he had not bothered to stay clean faced due to the limited amounts of water, and usage time constraints. His shaggy dark facial hairs were making him look, he thought, primeval. Removing it clean as soon as he landed back on Ceres was a first priority. It was uncomfortable, itchy, and a trap for any food that missed his mouth.   

The primitive food and lack of sleep had started to upset his internal functions. Most of his body fat was gone, and his immune system, when he last checked it, was weakening under the stress. This on-site excavation was the last requirement for his doctoral conferral; otherwise he would have preferred to remain in his laboratory doing his research by remote robotics.

Ty worked his way up through a series of shafts formed by cooling molten rock after the meteor that made the caldera had settled. Even in this low gravity, the climb was draining what little stamina he had left. Pausing for breath, he picked up a faint blue glow in his peripheral vision.

Now I’m seeing things. ‘My vision must be wavering because of the lack of light in this shaft, or maybe it’s a reflection from the outside. Perhaps a shaft I haven’t found yet.

He stood up, stretched leisurely, and turned on his booted foot to head up the last tunnel towards the campsite. But, there it was again, a faint blue light, only this time more distinct. Dousing his torch, he turned into the small side shaft and quietly approached the glow.

The closer he moved, the more intense the glow became; a bright luminescent blue that appeared to be hovering over a single spot, as if it were protecting something.

He crouched down, set his tools and notebook to one side, and used his energy sensor to probe the spot where the glow was suspended. His first scan found no harmful radiation, yet some energy force existed. In turn, he felt pleasant warmth surround his body; the glow wobbled noticeably as if doing some sort of scan itself, and then soothingly encased his hand. The warmth increased in a non-threatening manner, as if welcoming his presence.

There was a slight mound in the soil under the light. He began to gently smooth the rocky dust aside, using a negative energy mode on the probe to relocate the material gently. He was following mandated procedure when approaching anything that might be a specimen of some unknown culture or civilization.

Deciding this procedure was far too slow, his inquisitive mind wanted to find the source of this phenomenon. Unable to contain his mounting excitement at what he’d encountered, he broke the first rule of modern Archeology. Tearing off his shielding gloves, he used the tips of his fingers to probe; his focus so mesmerized in this light that he dared not reach over for any other tools.

As he physically touched the mound to move more of the rocky soil, he felt a jolt of energy run up his arm, accompanied by a flash of bright light. It seemed to instantly fill the shaft, illuminating his immediate space with a feeling of certain sacredness. Only once before, on an earlier excavation, had he experienced this holiness. It was in the tomb of an ancient Atlantean King on Planet Earth.

Clearing the last of the soil away, he saw them. Large chunks of quartz, they resembled fragments of thick, shattered glass.

There’s no glass on this moon, he recalled from his preliminary studies of this location. This particular spot was to find ancient artifacts. Do these strange pieces of a geometrically shaped crystalline substance qualify?  They look like chunks of ice!

The fragments of crystals were huddled together like little lost children. At least that was the image that came to his mind as soon as he saw them sitting there. Abandoned and forlorn, his found his emotions deeply touched.

What’s the matter with me? He shook his head to clear it. Where is my logical scientific mind?  They’re just crystals, aren’t they? They have a basic crystalline structure and, and . . ."

A one word thought crept in, Protoplast.

Where did that thought come from? Am I hearing things? Am I losing my mind?

His thoughts were running non-stop now, as if someone had turned a switch and spun him around, and around. Unable to remain standing, he folded himself down on the unyielding floor of the tunnel trying to overcome the dizziness.

This has never happened to me before.

He sat stunned, trying to regain some semblance of control. Slowly, he felt the dizziness ebb from his body. He glanced over and saw that the glow had grown brighter still, and was sending out streams of light, like little shooting stars.

This is STRANGE, UNCANNY. I must be in a dream state. He looked around to check if his surroundings had changed. No, no dream state. Then why is this happening to me? Why have I been chosen for this – what-ever-it-is that is going on here? He leaned forward and touched his tools. At least these tools are still the same. Is this some sort of mind control? Who would be doing that here in some forgotten shaft on a moon circling Jupiter? I don’t feel invaded. This feels more like a connection. A connection to what? To these stones? That’s impossible

He shifted his body around and regained his knees. Somehow, through the dimness of the shaft and the cloudiness of his mind, Ty was receiving messages, as if the stones were talking to him.

Ridiculous, he muttered, stones can’t talk. Whatever they are - stones or crystals, some inner ‘‘hunch’’ is telling me to collect these specimens and keep them safe, away from others who want to do them harm.

Now, where did that thought come from?  As if chasing something unknown, he shook his head and tried to think through the clouds in a rational manner.  I don’t know anything about these stones or their crystalline structures. There is no way I can even scan our data to find any information. I don’t think I know anything anymore. One thing is certain in my befuddled mind right now; I need food energy. And, I had better keep this a secret from everyone. Do you hear me voices? A secret! Otherwise I will lose my scientific reputation, credentials, and most probably, my mind."

Darkness descended quickly on this moon, as it was spinning into its shadowy cycle. Ty leaned over, dusted the last of the rocky soil from around the stones and carefully picked them up one-by-one. He slid them into one of the deep pockets of his titanium suit, and sealed it. They grew hot against his leg, even penetrating the heavy fabric.

Good thing the glow is less now, because the staff and students would think it strange that one of my suit pockets was glowing blue. Better light my torch. I can’t wait to tell Abbie.

Abbie? Oh no. I’ve kept her waiting again and she’ll be in orbit!

He felt mortified as his earthly thoughts took over.

She will be livid. Why do I do that? I am always forgetting. I get involved in my work and lose track of everything. I’ve got to make it up to her.

Whenever I see that sad unhappy look in her eyes because I have forgotten the time or kept her waiting, I feel so sorry and so guilty. It’s not deliberate; I just become involved in what’ I'm doing. She is quick to forgive me, though. Most of the time, I feel I don’t deserve her kindness. Perhaps that is why she is so distant, so reserved. Standing and reverse charging his suit to remove any foreign materials, he stood there thinking about her.

Abbie’s special, though. Slim and beautiful with all that gorgeous blonde curly hair, misty green eyes, and perfect complexion. Males of every species in our classes were in awe of her. She looks gorgeous, even in her titanium space suit and heavy boots. Here on this dig I’ve noticed the admiring eyes following her when she walks by.

Our classes and labs have thrown us together throughout our university experience. She is really brilliant and excels in her course work. I know most of the other females are envious, because I’ve overheard them talking about her. That’s probably another reason why she keeps to herself.

Whenever I ask her out to a film or a café, she always uses the excuse that we don’t have anything in common. I sense that she has created this shield of protection around herself. I have tried to recognize that and respect her wishes, but Abbie has been the only female in my life that I am remotely interested in. I don’t date or pay attention to any of the others. She can think what she wants, but I think differently. I feel we have a great many things we agree on and not necessarily academic.

He looked towards the crater opening and saw the terminal shadow closing in.

I’d better hurry, the sky is almost black and I can smell the mouth-watering aroma of something good to eat. Those few Querkles and that slice of very dry cheese were eaten when I took a brief break here in the shaft earlier. I didn’t realize how hungry I am. Hope it isn’t lentils again, although even they would taste good. 

17:00

Abbie was anxiously waiting for Ty near the portable galley. She was worried. The sun cycle was finishing and soon they would be in the total darkness of this moon cycle.

Ty has been in that crater alone since the beginning of this sun cycle. I know which crater he’s in because of the peculiar symbol over the mouth of the opening. None of the other sites have that marking. I’ve never seen one like it and have no idea who put it there or why.

As if on cue, Ty stepped out of the crater entrance into the glow of the campsite to see Abbie waiting for him. He let out a deep sigh. I’m in for it. She’s not only worried but looks like a stormy weather cloud about to unleash its fury. Her eyes are flashing dangerously, and I can feel her angst. He cleared his vocals.

Hi, Abbie, sorry I kept you waiting, again.

Ty Collinwood, I have been frantic with worry. You should not have been in that shaft alone. She walked slowly towards him speaking quietly with a great effort; her worry and anger in check, now that he was here and out of the crater. No one is supposed to be off exploring by themselves. What if something happened?

Ty smiled that smile that always melted her heart as her anxiety slowly vanished.

I would have been with you, but Professor van der Hidell wanted me to start an inventory. Was there no one else to go with you?

No, Abbie, the other students and staff were on their own sites. Is the food ready? I’m hungry. I only had a small meal earlier in the shaft. I was preoccupied.

Yes, our meals, such as they are, are waiting. Do you want to eat here in the galley pod, or go to your quarters? You look exhausted, and I’m concerned about you.

Knowing on the instant that I’d admitted too much, my color began to heighten and I became momentarily lost in thought. Did he hear me or were my words just background noise? This dig is wearing on everyone. Tempers are short, sleep is difficult or almost non-existent because of this moon’s short cycles, and everyone, it seemed, is impatient to return to university. Ty was answering my question.

I would prefer my quarters, will you join me? Its security shielded and I have some notes I want to ask you about.

I practically collapsed with relief. My color returned to normal. He didn’t hear me!

"Security? That tells me you may have found something today." I grinned and turned so Ty couldn’t see it, and started to walk over to the galley pod, Ty was right behind me.

That shaft is so isolated, Ty, I hardly think there would be any artifacts there. However, the Professor is pleased as some of the other craters have been great sites, and yielded many valuable relics.

Ty turned to face me. That only makes me question why he assigned this shaft to me.

I have no idea, Ty. Only he knows that this moon has been a haven for space pirates from many galaxies throughout countless time cycles. I smiled at him. With your brilliant mind finding many treasures on digs in other biospheres, maybe he thought your uncanny perception could find something here. I reached out to touch him, but withdrew the gesture, afraid I might offend. Neptune, thought to be our next destination, is another planet that was used for stashing treasure. No telling what artifacts are buried there.

I stopped walking and turned to Ty, almost causing a collision. I dropped my voice to a whisper.

Professor van der Hidell seems to believe that investors will begin building a holiday resort here on Ganymede very soon: a perfect location because of the polar caps and salt water oceans, and newly generated atmosphere.  That explains the urgency to locate as many of the artifacts as possible before ground work begins.

Ty nodded. He had other thoughts about the Professor’s purposes and motives, but decided to say nothing.

Approaching the galley pod, they saw their meal cartons packed neatly onto a floating capsule, waiting for them on the warmer. They weren’t the only