The Time Shifter

By Gary T Brideau

I was born in Brooklyn, Nova
Scotia, Canada in 1947 and
moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut
as small boy. I met Lauren, the
love of my life, in 1985 and were
married years later, and moved
to Bristol, Connecticut.
One night, I had a vivid dream that caught my
attention, which spurred me to write it down,
and sent it to my sister T. Jene Brideau, for an
interoperation who also is a writer. She wrote
and told me that the story was good. I took her
encouragement and my imagination went to work.
That’s when I discovered my God given talent to
write great space adventure stories. From then on, I
have written over fifty stories, of which only seven
of them have been published with great reviews

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 5, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483620053

Gary T Brideau

I was born in a small house in Brooklyn, Nova Scotia, Canada in 1947 and moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut as a small boy. I met Lauren, the love of my life in1985 and were married years later and moved to Bristol, Connecticut. One night, I had a vivid dream that caught my attention, that spurred me to write it down, and sent it to my sister T. Jene Brideau, for an interpretation who also is a writer. She wrote and told me that the story was good. I took her encouragement and my imagination went to work. That’s when I discovered my God-given talent to write great space adventures stories. From then on, I have written over fifty stories of which only seven of them have been published with great reviews.

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Copyright © 2013 by Gary T. Brideau.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 07/24/2021

Xlibris

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CONTENTS

Chapter 1   The Past Returns

Chapter 2   Change

Chapter 3   A Foothold

Chapter 4   Parts Unknown

Chapter 5   Doctor, doctor who’s the doctor

Chapter 6   Revealed

Chapter 7   What did he say?

Chapter 8   Precarious Perch

Chapter 9   A moment of Truth

Chapter 10   Overrun

Chapter 11   Intervention

Chapter 12   Unforeseen

Chapter 13   The Assault

Chapter 14   Thor, Who?

Chapter 15   Thor Returns

Chapter 16   Infiltration

Chapter 17   Prepare for the worst

Chapter 18   The Lost, Found

Chapter 19   Carnivorous Slime

Chapter 20   Albert’s Innocence Declared

Chapter 21   Moon Lake

Chapter 22   Trouble in the Jungle

Chapter 23   The Red Sands of Avalon Prime

Chapter 24   An outside Intervention

Chapter 25   A Clever Ruse

Chapter 26   Dead End

Chapter 27   Heath gets a Surprise

Epilogue

I thank my wife Lauren, my chief editor

who spent many long hours

correcting this story

CHAPTER 1

The Past Returns

After the morning meal, Tippy said, Mom, I’m going to read the Word, on the beach, for awhile.

Walking across the beach in a pink sundress, to her favorite spot under a palm tree, she spotted a dark, object, lying at the far end of the beach. She paused, wondering, is that a body? Tippy took flight, and flew across the beach. Then, she hovered over the body of an unconscious woman, lying on her stomach. Tippy zoomed inside the house, landed in front of her mother, and stated, Mom, there’s a woman lying, on the beach. I think, she’s hurt, get Dad.

Aggravated, Cherry scolded, Tippy, how many times, have I told you, not to fly in the house? You could hurt yourself, or someone else.

As soon, as Cherry had the first aid kit in hand, Tippy quickly grabbed her mother under her arms, and flew out the door, saying, You can ground me, later. This woman needs our attention, fast.

By the semi-comatose woman, Cherry tapped her communicator, and said, Thor, Tippy, has found an unresponsive woman, by the water slide. She’s about five feet, nine inches tall. About, one hundred and forty pounds. Cherry glanced at Tippy, and said, Give me a hand, in turning her over. Let’s see, what she looks like.

Tippy gasped, as the woman was turned over, with her mouth quivering, then she gently touched the woman’s face.

Are you, alright? questioned, a concerned Cherry.

Yeah,

As soon the paramedics arrived, Tippy was about to fly, when, Cherry hollered, Tippy!

What, snapped Tippy, as she turned around, glaring at her mother.

Remember, rule one: Modesty in flight. stated Cherry.

Remembering that she had a dress on, she spotted a paramedic eagerly smiling at her, Tippy marched up to him, grabbed his jaw, and stated firmly, Clean it up, mister. No free shows, today. Then, she marched off, across the beach, in a huff, leaving a stunned paramedic, wondering, What was that, all about?

High in a tree, miles from the Institute, Tippy perched on a branch, and let out a long, mournful shriek. Then, she prayed, Lord! Why did she, have to show up? I thought, she was dead. What do I tell Mom, Dad, and my friends? All I know, Lord, is I can’t show my face, around the Institute, anymore. Tippy let out one long sorrowful shriek, after another.

Excuse me, but, have I come, at the wrong time? Inquired an older, red female Will-of-the-wisp as she hovered four feet in front of Tippy.

Aunt Dixie! shouted Tippy joyfully, When, did you get back in town?

Last night. I had heard, that you had taken human parents, so, I thought I’d drop by, and say, Hi. Mind if I join you?"

By, all means. Find an empty branch, and sit.

Dixie stared at Tippy for a minute, then, asked, "Why, the long face?

She showed up today. I found her, unconscious, on the beach. I was told, that she had died. What am going to do? If they find out, what I really am, they’ll probably throw me out.

If the humans care for you. They’ll love you, no matter what your past.

I’m a crossbreed, screamed Tippy, as the tears streamed down her cheeks.

You can’t run, from your past all, your life.

I can, try.

I don’t think, you’re a crossbreed. That talk is nonsense!

Then, why did Mom spend all her time, with the humans? Because, she had a human mate, before she met Dad, that’s why.

That’s your father, Agar, talking. You’re a full breed Will-of-the-wisp. If you don’t believe me, let’s ask your mother.

You mean, go back to the Institute? Will you come, with me?

Of course. I know, facing your past isn’t easy, but, Aunt Dixie will be, right by your side.

Tippy somberly entered the infirmary, with her head down, and asked, How is she?

She’s holding her own, but, she is still in a coma. Thor is trying to find out, who she is.

No need to bother, I know who she is. She is my mother.

But, she’s human. Is that why, your skin tone is like ours, and not like a Wisp because you’re only part Will-of-the-wisp?

Tippy remained silent, as Dixie held her breath, and she glanced at Tippy, wondering how, she would respond. Silently, Tippy placed her hands on her mother, Megan’s temples, and concentrated. In seconds, the unconscious woman morphed back into a red female, Will-of-the-wisp.

Debbie entered the infirmary, glanced at the Will-of-the-wisp, and inquired, Who is she? Are we helping Big Blue, with his sick? Oh, I almost forgot. Tip, we’re needed.

Be there in a second. Tippy turned to Dixie and stated, Aunt Dixie, when you leave here, turn right at the end of the hall. Then, turn right again, enter the second door on your right. Which will be the cafeteria. There, ask for Morale officer, Cathy Loganberry. Gotta go, see you later.

At the Omega base, Tippy questioned, What’s up?

Don’t know. All I know, is Alpha One said, that we had to be, at the location, ASAP.

Clad in their uniforms, the GS-2 squad stepped through a crimson portal, to a park on Avalon Prime, crowded, with screaming kids. Delta queried, Where’s the immediate danger? All I see, are ankle biters. Alpha One approached the team, and stated, They’re kids, now, wave, and smile. People need to know, which side, we’re on.

Ow, hollered Delta glanced down, to see a little boy biting her leg."

Johnny! hollered the mother, as she swiftly grabbed her son, smiled sheepishly and said, Sorry, he’s teething, then, left.

Teething? Who’s she kidding? grumbled Delta, That, little monster, just, took a chunk of my leg! Next time, I’m wearing my shin guards.

What are we supposed to do, besides stand here, and look stupid? questioned Beta.

Mingle, stated Alpha One, Mingle.

Back at the Omega Base, three hours later, Tippy moaned, I don’t believe it. Some little brat stuck his gum, on my wing. Moe, would you, get the tree sap solvent from my room? I don’t dare close my wings, or, it’ll be a task, just, to get them opened, again.

Sure, no problem, Five minutes later, Moe asked, Tip, could you scrunch down, a bit? So, I can, remove the gum? Moe then, stated, You’re lucky, There was this one kid who kept kicking me, every time, he saw me. If we had to stay any longer, I know, I would have taken that monster, over, my knee.

I don’t know about you, but, I’m gonna take advantage of, that hot tub, stated Tippy.

Back at the Institute, Pixy was on the fourth floor, busy buzzing from one cell door to the next, searching for Heath, the scientist who had cut off her wings. Wanting to be sure, he was still there. As she picked in the eight and a half by eleven inch window in the steel door, and inquired, Guard. Why do you have a three dimensional image of Heath, lying on his cot?

Pixy, stop playing games. You know, as well, as I do, that the scientist can’t escape from here. Now, run along, before, I report you, to Thor."

I’m not playing games, shouted Pixy, as she stomped her foot, on the floor. Heath isn’t in his cell!"

Pixy, I’m warning you.

Would it hurt, for you to just take a look? snapped Pixy.

The guard casually sauntered over, glanced in the cell door window and inquired, Who is that, on the cot?

Look again. Only this time, study his face.

After studying Heath, for three minutes, the guard tapped his communicator, and shouted, Heath has escaped! Security, to the fourth floor!

In minutes, the floor was flooded with security, with Rock shouting, I want this building in lock-down, now! You two, guards, check every inch of Heath’s room to make sure, he’s not hiding, somewhere.

Pixy stood next to Rock, squinted, as she stared at, a faint, blurry image, slowly moved towards the exit. Pixy nudged Rock, and pointed, Heath is over there.

Rock glanced down the hall, and replied, There’s no one there. You must, be seeing things.

No I’m not, stated Pixy, she grabbed Rock’s club, and threw it, at the faint shadow, hollering, There! Rock shouted, Heath is invisible! As the club bounced off the invisible object, Pixy flew down the hall, scooped up the club, and went after Heath, to stop him. A flash of energy from Heath’s weapon struck Pixy in her stomach, knocking her to the floor. Seconds later, the guard at the exit, went flying up against the wall, as the exit door to the fourth floor flew open. Five minutes later, the guard in the Retrieval Room shouted, over the com, Sir, someone has bypassed the security lockouts, and activated the Retrieval Computer!

Stop him, hollered Thor, We’ll be right there! As Thor rushed, into the Retrieval Room, with it’s massive computer and control panel, the guard quickly stated, Sorry sir, I couldn’t stop him.

Did you get a fix, on his destination?

Yes sir, it’s the northern region of Slandor.

Contact Blue, and inform him of the situation. Then, get hold of King Mex, so, he can warn his people, to stay clear, of that area.

Thor tapped his communicator, and stated, Cherry, get your gear together we’re heading for Slandor, pronto.

In the Arboretum, two Sprites; Misty, dressed in a forest green, slack suit, and Mary Bell, who had on blue shorts and a white, short sleeved top. Hovered high above Cathy, the morale officer as she practiced her pantomime. After five minutes, Misty snickered, I think Cathy’s lights are on, but, no one’s home.

No, no, whispered Mary Bell, I think, the wind is blowing, but, nothing’s moving.

I got it, answered Misty, Cathy’s two flowers, short of a garden. The two Sprites continued to quietly poke fun at Cathy, until she turned around, glanced up and inquired, You two want to tell me, what’s so, hilarious?

You, replied Misty, You look, like a fashion nightmare with that black and white getup, you have on; and what possessed you to put white makeup on your face? Eeeewww!

Critics, grumbled Cathy, as she went back to her miming.

Noticing a swarm of bees close to Cathy, Mary Bell suddenly shouted, Look out! There’s a bee’s nest, on your left side! Thinking Mary Bell’s, warning, was another joke, Cathy paid no attention to her. Mary Bell darted down, and got into Cathy’s face, to tell her, but, was stung instead.

You okay, little sis? inquired Cathy.

No, answered Mary Bell, Stupid bee, stung me on my sit-down!

Cathy snickered, See, that’s what you get, for being a pain in the butt.

That’s not funny, cried Mary Bell.

Okay, I’ll stop needling you, quipped Cathy.

Give me a break! I’m in pain, here!

Sit down, and I’ll see what I can do for you.

Did you forget, where I was stung? questioned, an irritated Mary Bell.

Cathy pulled, out a large pair of pliers, from her bag. Mary Bell quickly spun around, placed her hands behind her, and inquired, wide eyed, What are you going to do with those?

Nothing, so relax, turn around and bend over; this won’t hurt a bit.

Not until, you put, those things away.

Okay, they’re away. Now, bend over, so I can pull out, that stinger. Misty, warn me, if someone’s coming.

As Cathy was removing the stinger, Misty hollered, Hi, Patrick!

Mary Bell swiftly straightened up, and flew behind Cathy for cover. Misty giggled, Only kidding.

You two are a load of laughs, you know that? Mary Bell, why don’t you soak in the waterfall, and stop, being such a pain.

A minute later, Cathy heard a scream for help, from the waterfall. Cathy immediately dropped everything, and raced through the Arboretum, knocking over a small statue. Arriving at the falls, there was Misty, desperately trying to drag an unconscious Mary Bell, out of the water.

What happened? inquired Cathy frantically, as she picked up, the Sprite’s limp body, from the water.

Sniffing, Misty answered, I don’t know. She suddenly began, to gasp for air.

Cathy then suggested, Misty, why don’t you fly ahead, and alert the doctor, I’ll bring Mary Bell.

On Smile Lake, Tippy slowly stepped onto the porch of the cottage, carefully scanned the surrounding jungle, then, flew off to a secluded spot. After fashioning a hut, she sat, on a log, to read the Word of God for a minute, then, closed the Bible, glanced up, and whispered, I do not want my friends and family, to know that, that’s my birth mother in the infirmary. So, until she is gone, I’m going to stay right here.

Are you sure you want to do that? questioned Dixie, as she sat next to Tippy.

Aunt Dixie, shouted a startled Tippy, How did you find me?

You are thinking to much like a human, remember, Will-of-the-wisps have an ability to locate another Wisp, who is close by.

Tippy hung her head, and replied, "Oh yeah, I forgot about that. And yes, I will stay here, until she is gone. I refuse to be associated, with that Wisp, as my mother, and that’s, that!

Do you have any food and water, questioned Dixie, trying to divert Tippy’s attention, onto something else.

I, ah, forgot. I was so upset about, that Wisp, that it completely slipped my mind.

Okay, I’ll be right back, with the grub.

Tippy found a comfortable spot under a tall, palm tree, opened the Bible to read, but, a still, small voice nagged her, you know, you should forgive her.

I forgive her, grumbled Tippy, For the way, she shamelessly flaunted herself around the humans. But, as, far as I’m concerned, she’s dead!

CHAPTER 2

Change

With a forlorn expression on his face, Patrick entered the infirmary holding his forest green hat in his hands, and asked softly, How’s Pixy doing? He glanced at the I-V, in her arm. The doctor looked up, and answered, If she survives the next hour, I’d say, she has a twenty-five percent chance to live.

What about, contacting King Mex, and have him send a medical team, that’s more qualified, to handle Pixy’s condition.

That’s totally out of the question, bellowed the doctor, I will not have them in my infirmary!

Patrick positioned himself in front of Pixy’s bed, and stated firmly, You don’t have a choice! The last time Pixy was injured, she told you, to stay away from her. So, contact King Mex. Now!

Get out of here! This is my infirmary, and I will not have those imps in here!

Misty suddenly barged in the room, shouting, Mary Bell got stung, by a bee, and has passed out! She was followed shortly by Cathy, carrying a limp Sprite, in her arms.

Quick, put her on the table, while I get the injection ready! stated the doctor.

No, shouted Patrick, That will kill her! A Sprite’s physiology is different from a humans!

The doctor paid no attention to Patrick’s warnings, as he prepared to give Mary Bell the shot. Patrick rushed over to the doctor, and tried, to push him away. Cathy, get this imp outta here, so, I can concentrate, on what I’m doing. grumbled the Doc.

Patrick quickly climbed up, on Mary Bell’s table, and swatted the needle, out of the doctor’s hand. Then, he rubbed his hands, stretched them out, generating a powerful force field, that sent the doctor flying across the room, and onto the floor, out cold. Quick, Cathy, get me my green, medical bag, with the white leaf on it. Patrick squeezed a green gel into a vaporizer, turned it on, then commented, It’ll take a minute, to heat up. As the green mist began to slowly rise from the small, green and white vaporizer Patrick held it under Mary Bell’s nose, and stated, Come on, girl, breath. That’s it! A couple more, deep breaths. After a minute, Patrick gave the vaporizer to Mary Bell, and ordered, Inhale and exhale slowly, until it’s all gone. Patrick leveled his sights, on Misty, and said, "Go, tell King Mex to