Radio-Active

By David Prunier

Visiting a distant world millennia ago, TeToe is forced to stay behind to defend his family from the clutches of a fierce Tyrannosaurus. Swallowed up by the earth and time itself TeToe awakens from his slumber eons later only to find himself part of a new and quite different family. Created to protect, TeToe comes to the aid of his new friends in ways he and they, would never have expected.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 22, 2020
• ISBN: 9781664119611

Book preview

1

Lost

T he clouds in the atmosphere parted as the space ship left the darkness of space and descended into the bright skies below. In the distance volcanoes were steaming and wildlife filled the sky. The ships navigator searched for an opening in the thick vegetation where it could land. There were several streams and very limited flat surfaces where the ship could take a firm footing. It finally settled in a clearing of brown earth just as a handful of other ships began to land in similar spots all within a visible range. The last of the alien craft was lowering through the sky as the first settled and came to a stop.

These were the Vario people as they called themselves; inhabitants of a cluster of five different planets in the constellation of Scorpius. Taris, the leader of this exploration group lived on a planet we would come to call Gliese 667c, a red dwarf star roughly a third the size of our own sun. They called their home, Breva. The planet was slightly warmer than our earth and received approximately ninety percent of the sunlight that we did on earth. But this was a different earth, what we would have called a prehistoric time. The Vario people were scientists and explorers. This mission that Taris lead was an exploratory trip, intended solely to expose the students on board the various crafts to the flora and fauna on the planet, to take samples and to document their findings. Each ship was considered a family and each family had assigned to it what they referred to as a Guardian. The Guardian was a massive bio-mechanical being constructed on Breva for the sole purpose as protector and keeper over the family to which it was assigned. Each Guardian held within it’s programming the wealth of knowledge that the Vario people had collected over time. It was both teacher and guardian to the students it supervised while on expeditions such as this.

Taris’ ship was the first to arrive and as such was responsible to examine the terrain and sample the atmosphere to make sure it’s students would be safe while observing the life therein. Taris communicated to all the ships that the students could disembark in small groups under the supervision of each of the Guardians but they had limited time. The area they were in was saturated with unstable volcanic activity and the area was experiencing numerous tremors. They were not to venture far off, just collect their samples and return to their respective ships.

Iden, (pronounced eye-din) was the youngest student on board Taris’ ship and was always eager to be the first to set foot on the surface of any new planet or celestial body they would encounter. As such he had developed a close relationship with TeToe, (Mag-knee-toe) the Taris Guardian. TeToe stood at the door his back to the team of students waiting to disembark. His sensors tuned into the persistent pleadings of Iden. Why do you wait still TeToe? We have such limited time. Let us disembark! TeToe stood motionless. The Guardian was used to his impatient student. Mindful of his keep the Guardian liked to taunt young Iden by making him wait to the amusement of Iden’s father who just happened to be Taris the ships leader. Iden! Taris called out. Be mindful of TeToe while you are on the surface. I will answered the young boy. TeToe released the safety latches on the door and de-pressurized the cavity they stood in. When the pressure stabilized the door began to rise from the bottom up, light from the alien world flooding the compartment that they stood in. Each student wore a visor that automatically normalized the local light conditions to that of their home world Breva. It also provided them with data on their surroundings which made travel much safer and easier. Iden pushed past the slow moving TeToe and raced down the ramp to the surface of the planet. It was very hot, much hotter than the boy anticipated but it felt good to Iden. Iden slowly set foot on the surface testing the resistance of the ground beneath his feet as he did. When confident he would not be swallowed up Iden took another step. Before he could take another the shadow of TeToe cast over him and the giant foot of the Guardian planted itself in the ground aside Iden. This startled Iden but he did not let on. The remaining students began to spread out into smaller groups as they foraged through the plants and trees. Iden always liked to be by himself. A characteristic TeToe knew quite well and noted in his programming as they explored the surface.

This is a unique planet. Iden said aloud, talking to TeToe. I believe it is much more vibrant than many of the previous planets we have visited. It is full of life and so many strange plants. Iden stood taking samples from various specimens. The sounds of life were all around them. In the distance several large predatory birds circled some prey they were about to make a meal of. The horizon was filled with smoldering volcanoes of various sizes. The tectonic activity was intense as a result. TeToe was conscious of the surroundings all the while listening to his young friend. He scanned the skies and continually looked around. The guardian thundered a response to Iden Yes, it is full of life.

Iden looked up at TeToe and just smiled. He knew his enormous friend was preoccupied with his safety and that of the others. He went about collecting various specimens of plant life, placing pieces of the fauna into sterile vials for further study back on board. The sounds of TeToe breaking branches and moving the ground as he walked made it hard to concentrate at times. Iden looked out across a nearby meadow and could see some of the other guardians in the distance with the other families. They raised high above the trees and could be spotted easily. He recognized them mostly by their colors. Each family guardian had a distinct appearance about it but mostly defined by a particular color combination. He could see Aygo closest to them about five hundred yards off, a bright green and white. TeToe was a bright red by contrast. One of the few guardians he knew of that was uniquely just one color. Iden liked that, as he felt it made TeToe stand out from the other guardians.

Iden was lost in thought as he gazed out at the others when he could hear the sound of large branches breaking, snapping like twigs in rapid succession. Then it dawned on him. TeToe wasn’t moving. Before Iden could react TeToe had stepped in front of Iden anticipating that something bad was about to happen. Everyone turned to watch as the trees in the forest were parting and snapping in pieces. The sound was too loud to ignore. The other students froze in place just as Iden had, all their eyes fixated on the forest before them. TeToe was the closest Guardian and without hesitation took a few steps forward towards the shattering limbs. The Guardians knew no fear only their duty to protect. The ground began to shake beneath everyone’s feet. A volcano in the distance had erupted and it was causing many other creatures to come running out of the woods in desperate response to get away from the terrible trembling. A blaring tone came from one of the ships. It was a call back to the ships. They would be evacuating this unstable planet quickly. The many guardians in the fields and woods began to usher their respective watches back to each ship, taking off to the safety of the skies as soon as each ship was filled with its occupants.

Without warning a giant creature burst from the forest; clearly the source of all the trees breaking prior. It was a large dinosaur that stood taller than TeToe. Iden’s father now was at the ramp calling out to Iden who was frozen in his tracks. Iden! Come to the ship now! but Iden couldn’t move. He was watching as TeToe engaged this terrible lizard. The ground continued to move beneath them causing both TeToe and the dinosaur to falter in their steps. The dinosaur was intent on making Iden his meal and didn’t even seem to see TeToe standing there just as large as it was. TeToe grabbed hold of the beast and knocked it back off its feet. While the guardian stood waiting to see what the animal did next he turned and boomed to his young companion. Back to the ship, now! he pointed his large finger in the direction of the ship but still Iden didn’t move. While TeToe had his back to the beast it had bounded back up and charged TeToe knocking him to the ground but not before TeToe could take hold of the ferocious animal and bring it with him. The two of them hit the ground in a loud thunderous collapse that shook the ground even more than the earth was already moving.

Just then a large plume of volcanic ash filled the sky in the distance as one of the nearby volcanoes erupted fully. The ground began to fissure in several places. Trees were being swallowed up and other smaller creatures raced each other to get as far away as possible. Iden could suddenly hear his father’s voice calling him. How long had he been calling he wondered. He glanced back to the ship to see him standing there then back towards TeToe who had the dinosaur by the throat. It seemed that TeToe had things in hand so to speak so Iden broke from his trance and raced back to the ship as fast as his legs would take him. Quickly Iden! his father called out. We don’t have much time! A few moments later, out of breath and running at full speed, Iden hit the ramp and scrambled to get inside. The crew was in a frenzy to prepare the ship to depart. Patri! Iden called out to his father. What of TeToe? We must wait! The door was not yet shut to the ramp when Iden joined his father at his side. They both witnessed the ground open just then at TeToe’s feet. The great beast from the forest still in his grip. Both plunged out of sight in an instant. Iden screamed and his father gasped as well. Their friend and Guardian was gone. There is nothing we can do." Said Iden’s father as he moved the boy inside the ship. His father gestured to one of the crew members and the ship’s door closed. The ship was already in the air when another giant eruption began to spew lava and rock where they once stood only moments earlier. Iden watched a monitor in disbelief at the ground below him. Moments later the ship was back in the darkness of space leaving behind a long and trusted friend. Iden wept for TeToe knowing he would never see him again.

2

California Dreaming

T he morning sunlight barely outlined the shade in Ayden’s bedroom and he was out of bed and down the stairs. It was Saturday and with no school to occupy his time Ayden didn’t see any reason to waste a single moment. Today was the day he had planned to ride his bike to the dig site on the edge of town where the new condominiums were being built. The excavators were always digging up some intriguing things for a young boy like Ayden to pick over. The trick was not getting caught and chased out like the last couple of weeks.

Ayden’s mother Lori smiled as she lay in bed. She could hear her son in the kitchen making himself breakfast. She was always amazed at how easily Ayden could get himself out of bed when it didn’t mean he had to catch a school bus. She was equally surprised at his talents as a young chef when it came to preparing himself something to eat. God only knows what new culinary creations he would create this time she thought. Lori looked at the clock and realized just how early it was. Exhausted from her late shift at the hospital Lori didn’t exactly feel like getting up but she knew if she didn’t get to see Ayden now she wouldn’t until it was late Saturday and Ayden would make his way home from whatever the days adventure would bring.

So what new and interesting food combinations have we discovered today? Ayden’s mother asked strolling into the kitchen in her bathrobe and slippers. I fried some eggs and I’m rolling them up in the middle of a pancake! Then I drizzle some maple syrup over them and some whip cream. I’m calling them egg cakes! Ayden said with a broad smile turning the spatula on a new batch of pancakes. Would you like some? he asked. Well as good as all that sounds, I think I’ll pass. I’ll just stick to my coffee this morning. Ok, smiled Ayden but you don’t know what you’re missing! Somehow I think I do. Lori muttered to herself as she prepped the coffee pot. So what are you off to today? she asked rubbing Ayden’s hair. Mom! Ayden complained moving his head away from her hand. He didn’t like the attention or at least he pretended he didn’t. Scott and I are headed over to the construction site near the new mall. They’re taking down some of the old Springwater caves and we want to see what’s inside. Those caves have been there since I can remember, what a shame. said Ayden’s mom. Well don’t get in the way over there. Those bulldozers can’t see small children running around. Mom! We aren’t small children anymore! I didn’t mean you were I just want you to be safe, that’s all. Oh, Mom! Ayden groaned. Here, why don’t you take that one to go and I’ll clean up here. Lori offered her son. Thanks Mom! Ayden said darting for the door and not missing the opportunity. Hold up there mister! Lori said pulling Ayden back for a peck on the forward. She couldn’t help but rub his head one more time against his protests once more. Mom!

Ayden didn’t waste any time getting on his bike and creating some distance between his mother’s affections and making his way towards his friend Scott Taylor’s house. Ayden and Scott had become fast friends since Lori and Ayden moved into town several years earlier. Scott had an equal predisposition to getting into trouble just as Ayden did and they found themselves together on numerous occasions on a bench outside the principal’s office or in detention so it was only natural they began to talk. Scott was the brother Ayden never had. A brother that could keep a secret and a brother that wasn’t afraid to try something adventurous now and then. Usually too much dissent but always reluctantly agreeable.

Ayden downed the last of his egg cake in hand and laid his bike down on the grass outside of Scott’s house. In one fluid motion Ayden dismounted and began walking toward the front door. Ayden shouted a quick hello to Scott’s Dad who was working in the yard. The door opened before Ayden could even knock. It was Scott’s older sister Harper. What’s up? she asked as she headed out to give her dad a drink. Scotts playing games in his room. As if that’s anything new. she trailed off. Ayden walked in right at home. Hi Mrs. Taylor. he said as he passed Scott’s mom in the kitchen. Good morning Ayden! she chirped. I hope you’re here to take Scott outside and get some fresh air. God knows he’s seen enough of the TV screen for a while. Yes, Mam! Ayden responded. I’ll do my best."

Ayden let himself in Scott’s room and shut the door. Sup? Scott said never looking away from the screen and working the controller on his video game desperately. Haven’t you got past that level yet? asked Ayden. I’ve been done that game for weeks. No! These stupid alien zombies keep … Scott stopped talking mid-sentence as his on screen character met his demise yet again. Scott just stared at the monitor while Ayden leaned over and shut off the game. C’mon. said Ayden. Let’s get out of here. Just as well. replied Scott dropping his controller to the floor. Everyone knows you can’t kill a Zombie anyway. It’s easy said Ayden leading out of Scott’s bedroom. I’ll show you how when we get back. Where are we going? asked Scott. The Springwater caves. You know where the new condos are going in by the mall. Ayden replied. Weren’t we just there? asked his friend. It seems like we are there every weekend. Can’t we go someplace new? This is new. answered Ayden. The caves are being taken down. Haven’t you always wanted to know what was inside of them? Now’s our chance to find out! Sure, I guess so. said Scott reluctantly. But I’m not supposed to go near the caves. They won’t be caves anymore stupid! retorted Ayden turning to face Scott and pushing him on the shoulder. Duh!

The boys were on their bikes shortly after a brief exchange with Scott’s parents but not before Scott’s dad enlisted the boys to haul some lawn debris to the town dump. Scott hooked up a makeshift trailer on the back of his bike and the two boys loaded up several bags of leaves and were off. Ayden laughed as he watched Scott try and get enough momentum to get his bike moving with the heavy load in tow. C’mon slow poke! Ayden shouted as he rode circles in front of Scott waiting for him to catch up. I’d like to see you try and pull this! shouted back Scott as he labored to gain some speed. Weaving back and forth and pedaling as hard as he could Scott finally seemed to get the bike and trailer moving with some consistency. When the two boys got far enough away from Scott’s house and out of sight from his Dad Scott turned to Ayden. I hope you don’t think I’m lugging this all the way to the dump! No! said Ayden. We’ll dump it in the woods near the dig site and that will save us an extra twenty minutes easy! I like the way you think. responded Scott, the grin on his face getting a little larger.

Several blocks later and what seemed like an eternity to Scott’s legs the boys finally arrived at Springwater woods. It seemed like everything in this part of town was named Springwater after one of the town’s oldest settlers and founding fathers. The mall, the woods, the caves, but nobody ever recalled seeing any actual running water. Let’s ditch the bikes here and dump the leaves. said Ayden laying his bike down alongside a nearby boulder. We’ll dump the leaves and take the bags with us to toss in the trash later. Way ahead of you! replied Scott already dumping his first bag of debris into the already thick layer of leaves in the woods. Moments later the boys had emptied the contents of the trailer and could now focus on their original plans. While the boys were emptying out the large bags of leaves they didn’t notice the arrival of a news van and pickup truck. The commotion and noise caught their attention. Hey! exclaimed Scott pointing across the road and nearby parking lot. Where? queried Ayden trying to position himself for a better view. Isn’t that the News 3 van in the lot at the end of the mall?. C’mon said Ayden running across the street. What about the bikes? asked Scott reluctant to leave them there. Ayden jogged back to where Scott was standing. Just leave them here. No-one will see them behind these rocks. We’ll be seen if we go riding into the lot. So. replied Scott. Who cares if someone sees us? We want to check out the caves remember? answered Ayden. We can’t just go strolling in there. It looks like the digging isn’t going on today so this could be a great chance to get in there. Let’s see if we can hear what’s going on with the news crew first. Ayden was already across the street and in instant stealth mode with his not so stealthy friend following several feet behind. Slow down! cried out Scott. Shhhh! responded Ayden running with his head down near his waist. When he hit a patch of trees at the edge of the lot he sat down and waited for Scott to catch up to him. The boys normally would practice their soldiering skills whenever they got the chance. Although Ayden loved to run and hide and practice what he envisioned would be his future black ops role, Scott always seemed more destined for a desk job. Out of breath and holding his side Scott finally caught up to where Ayden was waiting. What’s the plan? he asked in between taking breaths. We’ll run along this tree line until we get to the edge of the clearing. Then cut over to those rocks where the debris pile is. We should be able to get close enough to where the News van is without being seen. We’ll check out what that’s all about and then double back to the rock pile again and make our way past those orange cones. he said pointing off into the distance then hopefully into the caves from there. Great, and here I thought it was going to be easy! replied his winded friend. It is. Just try and keep up. Then Ayden was off.

After a few minutes of awkward scrambling and less than quiet sneaking the two boys had managed to position themselves close enough to listen in on the news crew that was just setting up.

Scott was captivated by the woman who was setting up behind the microphone. It was Sandy Spencer, Tulane County’s very own. A former homecoming queen and the heartthrob of every 14 year old boy in the general area. Scott was no exception. Look who it is! exclaimed Scott pointing to the blonde reporter. Get down! yelled Ayden. I don’t want to make the news tonight! Sorry. Scott mumbled as he scooted back down alongside Ayden. The cameraman turned and looked over his shoulder at what he heard but the boys were not discovered. Refocused, the news crew continued on their report. It seemed that dinosaur bones had been discovered during the demolition of the caves so the digging had to be suspended while archeologists had an opportunity to examine the site. Since it was a weekend the site was taped off but no work would continue until Monday. Ayden was ecstatic. This was just the opportunity he wanted.

Ayden grabbed Scott by the wrist and tried to lead him away but Scott was averse to leaving, lost in an admiring gaze of the young news reporter. C’mon lover boy. You can watch her on TV later tonight. Ayden was already three steps away when Scott snapped out of his trance and ran after Ayden to catch up. The boys made their way along the construction debris until they came to an abrupt stop. Scott running into the back of Ayden. What’s the matter? asked Scott regaining his balance. Look over there. he said pointing to an inconspicuous white pickup truck guarding the entrance to the caves. There’s a man sitting in that truck. I think he’s security. Well, so much for this trip. Scott said with finality. Not so fast replied Ayden collaring Scott and pulling him back. Look, he’s reading a newspaper. Ok, so he knows how to read. What’s that got to do with anything? It means he’s pre-occupied. We can still sneak into the caves if we do this right. We just need to be quiet. Ayden turned and looked at Scott implying they both knew that Scott had trouble with that in the past. What are we supposed to do? asked Scott. Just walk right past him and into the caves? No, we need to come up with another diversion. Something to keep him busy a little longer. I don’t see this ending well. muttered Scott.

While Ayden and Scott were crouched brainstorming ways to distract the security guard Scott caught something out of the corner of his eye. A smile blossomed on his face. Tapping Ayden on the shoulder Scott whispered, I think we have our diversion! Look! he said pointing to the white pickup truck. Sandy Spencer was approaching the guard with cameraman in tow. Apparently they were looking to film some additional commentary and the security guard was the only person anywhere close by to interview. Ayden couldn’t believe their luck. Awesome! he said. We’ll only have a few minutes to get by the open space between here and the entrance. Do you think you can do it?

I guess so. said Scott very unconvincingly. Ayden looked at Scott again. Yes, I can do it. He said more firmly. Ok, let’s wait until they start rolling. The two boys waited and watched as the cameraman set up and the news reporter made small talk with the security guard. Scott was trying desperately to listen to Sandy but Ayden was already slapping him on the shoulder. Did you even hear what I said? asked Ayden. The puzzled look on Scott’s face was all the answer Ayden needed. Of course not. muttered Ayden. Just stay low, move fast and follow me. When we clear the line of sight from the truck we’ll rest in front of that pile of rocks over there. he said pointing to the cluster of boulders about thirty yards away. Scott looked back at the truck and then to his intended target. Are you sure we can do this without being caught? That’s pretty far away. Ayden saw the news reporter turn her back and talk to the camera man. Now! exclaimed Ayden and off he shot. Scott could feel his heart pounding in his throat but he had no choice but to follow his friend. It felt as if every scuffle of rock beneath his feet would betray him. He kept his head down and just followed after Ayden focused on the bottoms of his sneakers. His own breath sounded louder than he wanted and he felt like he was going to explode. Within seconds the boys were diving behind the rocks and catching their breath. Ayden just smiled at Scott and peaked around the corner to see the security guard getting interviewed. We did it! said Ayden to Scott. They didn’t see us! Scott wasn’t sure whether he was happy about that or not as he sat there trying his hardest to catch his breath. Ayden was already side stepping around him and headed for the entrance to the caves. C’mon he said as he cleared a construction saw horse with caution tape. Can’t we catch our breath? questioned Scott still sitting there. When we get inside. was the last Scott heard from Ayden as he moved out of sight. Not wanting to be caught sitting out there all alone Scott willed himself to his feet and scrambled after Ayden. Wait up! he called out still trying to whisper.

3

The Letter

A yden’s mom Lori was still in the kitchen cleaning up after Ayden’s culinary tour when she heard the doorbell ring. Puzzled as to who could be ringing the door so early she looked out the window over the kitchen sink first to see if she could catch a glimpse of the visitor. All she saw was a man in a denim jacket and hoodie wrapped around his collar. He wore a baseball cap and sunglasses were perched atop his cap. There was a plain looking dark blue pickup truck in her driveway with what looked like some sort of construction logo on the side of the door. She didn’t recognize the truck or this person but answered the door none the less.

Can I help you? she asked opening the door just slightly. The man was in his mid-thirties, with a stubble face and nervous look to him. Good morning Mam. I was asked to deliver this to you personally. and handed Lori a sealed envelope. What is it? she asked the man who was already turning back toward his truck in the driveway. He never answered her or even looked back. She watched him back out of her driveway and then she went back inside and locked the front door. Something didn’t feel right and she stared at the envelope in her hand pondering its contents when she was startled by the doorbell ringing once more. Lori let out a short yelp and jumped where she stood. She turned quickly to the door and shouted Who is it? this time not opening the door. It was her neighbor Emily Thomas. Lori let out a sigh of relief and opened the door. She found Emily standing there with a similar envelope in her hand. Can you believe the nerve of these people? she asked Lori stepping inside her kitchen. What people? she asked. I haven’t opened mine up yet. Lori said holding up her package. "Well I’d hate to spoil all