Sledge Rise of the Humanoid

By R.D. Crist

After a ten-year hiatus following a failed business venture, a company has returned to a secluded island to re-seek its impending fortune.  Unfortunately, what they left behind could prove to be an end to all prospects involved, including their lives.  Only Kevin Fastings, soon to be the next vice president of the company, has the crucial knowledge that can prevent the weekend expedition from descending into total devastation.  But will his personal involvement in the past prevent him from understanding and communicating what is necessary for their survival… or will his secrets, and the crew, be lost forever?

Because, for some people, forgiveness is never an alternative.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shoshana Regos
• Release date: Mar 30, 2022
• ISBN: 9780999882252

R.D. Crist

R.D. Crist is a psychotherapist who generates creativity via long walks and majestic views of nature. True inspiration to write, however, derives from personal hardships that have sparked a desire to help others manage life’s various struggles. Although R.D. Crist has only released one book, three have been written and several more begun, which span a variety of genres.  The focus of these stories are intended to center on Crist’s favorite dynamics of a story – personal conflict, relationship development, inner growth, and social revelation.  Each story is created with a greater purpose to stimulate a person to reflect on common challenges, be they personal, interactive, or in principle. Childhood influences include Ray Bradbury stories and character conflict movies like Twelve Angry Men. Socializing, listening to people’s stories, spending time with family, and relentlessly exercising (as if those last ten pounds cared) are some of Crist’s favorite ways to pass the day.

Book preview

Sledge

Rise of the Humanoid

By

R.D. Crist

Copyright © 2022 Pending by R.D. Crist

All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the express written permission of the publisher.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents used herein are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.00.

First Edition

ShoRic Publishing, Colorado

Printed in the United Stated of America

ISBN: 978-0-9998822-4-5 (Paperback)

ISBN: 978-0-9998822-5-2 (Ebook)

Cover design by Laercio Messias

www.facebook.com/LaercioMessias85

Edited by Paula from PaperTrue

Proofreaders & Contributors:

Shoshana

www.scarletreignbooks.com

For giving, no matter how little,

For believing, no matter how late,

For trusting, no matter how many the doubts.

To those who can turn less into more,

My belated thanks.

Table of Contents

Prologue

1.  Passage

2.  Introductions

3.  Rapport

4.  Conveyances

5.  Perspective

6.  Bearing

7.  Indiscretion

8.  Trapped

9.  Discovery

10.  Divergence

11.  Exploration

12.  Recovery

13.  Suspicions

14.  Skeletons

15.  Marshal Law

16.  Allegations

17.  Confinement

18.  Premeditation

19.  Collusion

20.  Revelations

21.  Warfare

22.  Escape

23.  Detained

24.  Fortitude

25.  Crossroads

26.  Severances

27.  Survivors

28.  Duress

29.  Determination

30.  Scrap

31.  Consequences

Epilogue:  Resurrection

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Other Books

Coming Soon

Contact Us

Prologue

In the absence of light, there can only be darkness.

What becomes of a man when only darkness exists?

THE LAST OF THE LIGHT grew faint and glimmered away, and with it, hope.  Darkness pervaded the parameters of the cold chamber, engulfing every corner and filling the void.  In the absence of this light, only darkness could exist.  A click and a clank of a lock, and the darkness finalized the annexation of its quarry – without hesitation, without prejudice, without concern.  Undeterred, darkness overcame.

Help! cried a young man.  I’m still in here!  Somebody, please help!  I’m trapped!

1.  Passage

My first love – she is complete.  Blessed with eternal beauty, extraordinary life, and ever-evolving resources, she has no equal.  She confidently boasts a demeanor of greatness, which is rarely reserved, fully independent, and entirely unrivalled.  She can calm the angry, strengthen the weak, and fill the empty.  She is unbreakable and, though fluid, possesses infrangible integrity.

My first love is not perfect; hence, our conflict.  She contradicts herself in every way.  She is pleasing yet rightfully narcissistic.  Both a giver and a taker, she will test a man’s confidence, character, and tolerance.  Look at her body, and you will see her alive with finesse, abrasiveness, and temperament; look up her reputation, and you will learn of her total control and her infinite depth; look under her skin, and you will find but a portion of the secrets she holds; look into her soul, and you will find yourself confronting irreverence, danger, and death.

She is amazingly vast: all-inclusive and absolute.  She is... my first love.

There is no cheating my love, but I have.  Anxiously, I await her retribution – always enduring.  Only she decides when.  With fearful anticipation, I am on guard every moment we embrace.  I loathe our time for these emotions she evokes.  I avoid and elude the existence of our relationship; I deny it.  Still, I cannot escape that which gives me life and encases my world.

She knows that I must return to her... and I have.

***

WHAT’S WITH THE LIFEJACKET? asked Scott with a confident jut of his oversized jaw, which perfectly matched his large-framed, muscular body.

Kevin stood on the bow of the boat, his face embracing the wind, his eyes closed.  He didn’t respond.  Deep in his thoughts, he let himself sink into the nostalgia of an older, more innocent time.  The sweet sea air shifted, to Kevin’s delight, reminding him of the ocean’s one constant trait – its unpredictability.  Kevin’s hardened face molded into a reserved grin.  The scarce blond in his brown hair shimmered in a celebratory dance over the long overdue reunion, shifting left, right, and in all directions, intermittently exposing a few Irish red hairs.

Scott brushed back his entirely blond shoulder-length hair and flexed his impressively muscular bicep.  This – so typically redolent of athletic guys in their mid-twenties – seemed to be an intentional move before Scott chose to engage Kevin again. Scared of the water?

I love the ocean, replied Kevin in a calm monotone voice.  I respect her too.

Scott, his curiosity keener than a cat’s, decided to dig deeper, Can’t you swim?

A hand grabbed Scott’s sculpted shoulder from behind, making him turn around.  The owner of the hand gave him an inviting smile.

Hell-ooo, Joyce, greeted Scott.

Joyce, despite her taller than average, slim figure, natural dishwater blond hair, and pleasing facial features, had been better known, and respected, more so for her ability to understand and empathize with people.  She had a calm about her that she brought into stressful situations, enabling her to stay focused and be productive.  Of course my honey can swim! she answered Scott.  He swam in high school.  Could even hold his breath for four minutes.  Although, now when I think about it...  She suddenly turned to Kevin.  I’ve never seen you on a boat.

A tense moment of silence followed Joyce’s comment, until Scott prodded Kevin again.  Well? he said, stretching out the word.

Kevin, remaining fixed in his spot, replied in a low voice, I owe her something.

Joyce smiled and hugged Kevin from behind.  Caught in a misunderstanding of Kevin’s self-imposed debt, she replied, Thank you.  It’s not often that I get to defend a man with so few flaws.

Scott, aware Joyce had not heard the comment regarding the life jacket, shrugged off her mistake, more interested, rather, in the chink in Kevin’s armor.  What do you think would happen if we took it off?

Kevin was finally brought back to the present, realizing the time had come to move beyond the thought of years past.  Ever the professional, he called out, Adam!  Please collect your brother.

A large man soon emerged onto the deck.  At six foot four, with muscles that bulged out of his clothes, Adam appeared slightly taller and bigger than Scott, his younger brother.  His presence alone commanded attention.  The way he carried himself in an elegant and courteous manner, however, amplified people’s admiration for him.  Only Scott had the ability to provoke him out of his usual civil demeanor.

Adam approached Scott from behind and lightly smacked his brother on the back of the head.  What did you do now? he asked, his worried light-blue eyes a sharp contrast to his dark-brown, near-black hair.  Truly stunning to look at, his only imperfection – if one could call it that – distended on his forehead, slightly on top of his right eyebrow, in a two-inch-long scar.

Scott shrugged and flung his hands into the air, palms up, and said, What?

Kevin, still facing away, replied, He did nothing.  I would just like a moment to myself.

Scott began walking away, jokingly covering his ears as he passed his brother, as if to fend off Adam’s motherly nagging.

All alone? Joyce asked Kevin.

He merely replied with a Please.

Joyce promptly moved toward the back of the thirty-foot boat, where she found herself accosted by Linda, who was simply known as the hot girl.  It’s amazing, thought Joyce, what a heavy coat of make-up, a breast job, and a mild case of anorexia can do for your looks.

Let me see it! cried Linda, grabbing Joyce’s hand.

Even Linda’s overt enthusiasm failed to dim Joyce’s happiness in seeing the crystal-clear diamond gracing her left ring finger.  Linda closely examined the stone, desperate to determine its exact value, barely pausing to ask, How’d he do it?  Was it a fancy proposal?

Kevin’s not very romantic, replied Joyce.  It was over dinner.  Uneventful.

Uneventful! yelled Linda.  But you’re happy, right?

Joyce nodded, smiling.

You made it big-time, continued Linda.  Kevin’s handsome, powerful, and he’ll be rich soon too.  Isn’t he going to be the youngest vice president the company has ever had?  And girl, let’s face it, you must be pushing thirty.

Linda’s comment struck a nerve with an already-taxed Joyce, who was rarely given to an unsettled disposition.  Why was this twenty-four-year-old woman giving her a hard time when only four years separated them?  Joyce began to pull her hand away, but Linda forcefully yanked it back.

Realizing Joyce’s frustration, she said, Joyce, don’t be upset.  I just meant that it’s harder to get married when you’re twenty-nine.

Twenty-eight, corrected Joyce.

Whatever! replied Linda.  Age doesn’t matter anymore.  You got yourself a man and a good one at that.  I would trade places with you in a heartbeat.

Joyce gave Linda an amused look and replied, It’s a good thing men aren’t trading cards.

I don’t know, countered Linda.  That might be a good thing.  You know, for variety.

Joyce wanted to roll her eyes, but she maintained her composure, merely saying, I’m going to the back, as she walked away.  Linda, however, refused to let go of her hand, and so, she tagged along like a dog on a leash.

At the back of the boat, Joyce rejoined the brothers Adam and Scott.  Scott was throwing bits of bread into the water as he called out, Here, fishy, fishy.

Joyce nudged Adam.  Is he all right?  She could see from Adam’s slouched posture and creased brow that he had grown tired of explaining his brother’s behavior.

Yeah, sighed Adam.  He can be strange, but we’re optimistic.

Optimistic about what? asked Joyce.

A cure, joked Adam.  They began laughing, which caught Scott’s attention.

You got it memorized yet? Scott asked Linda.  Why don’t you just ask Joyce to borrow the ring?  Maybe map it out on your own time?

Linda finally let go of Joyce’s hand.  Jeez! she exclaimed.  Can’t a woman admire a man’s fine taste in jewelry?

Joyce, eager to change the subject, asked, Where’s Gene?

Adam responded with a question, Where do you think he is?

Hmm, Joyce thought aloud, taking apart the engine?

Close, replied Adam, chuckling.  He’s talking to the driver, trying to learn about the boat.

I bet they have a lot to talk about, said Joyce.  I spent some time with the driver earlier; he’s a bit reserved, but pretty sophisticated.  Joyce then rubbed sensation back into her ring finger, making sure to keep it as far away from Linda as possible.  So, does Gene know Sandy’s on the island?

I don’t know.

Scott quickly interjected, How long has he liked her?

Since the day he saw her, replied Joyce.

Two years is a long time to go without saying anything.

Well, began Joyce, he’s a little shy, and Sandy, let’s just say, is really independent.  And direct.  It could be a harsh blow for him to take.

Scott ran out of food to give the fish, so he rested his arm on the back of the boat and turned to face everyone.  Linda, he started.  You know Sandy.  How long has it been since she’s been with a man?

Linda thought about the question for a second before she answered, A long time.

What about a woman? he teased.

Defensively, Linda asked, What? in a tone that really seemed to mean, Back off.

Not one to be easily deterred, Scott explained, You know, how long has it been since she’s been with a woman?

She doesn’t do that.

I bet she does, argued Scott.  A tough woman like that.  I bet she does.

Look, said Linda.  Guys are just intimidated by a bold woman.  She’s not tough – just outspoken and bold.

I bet she does, Scott harped on.

Okay, guys, said Adam to squelch the banter.  Then, he continued to Joyce.  Just curious, but you seem interested in them getting together?

I am, Joyce replied with a smile.  I enjoy a good love story.  In fact, I’m starved for one.

But you just got engaged.  You... have a love story.

Joyce scrunched her face and gazed down at her ring.  We’ve been together for eight years, and we just work.  He’s not...  It’s just not that romantic anymore.  It’s obvious, all of it.  The relationship is... just obvious.  Then Joyce’s face suddenly lit up.  The collision of two different worlds, though.  That’s the next best thing to forbidden love.  Now, that’s exciting!

Adam, not wanting to stir up trouble, tried to reply in measured words.  If one didn’t know any better, they could think you aren’t exactly content.

Joyce turned to Linda for support for the first time.  Help me out here.

Linda, overjoyed on being asked to explain, replied, Women can be happy, but there’s always a feeling of wanting to know whether there’s more.  Probably something like a greater purpose in life.  Older women start to feel that itch.  You’ll feel better after you have kids, Joyce.

How would you know that? asked Scott.

Linda looked cross, but Joyce felt happy at Scott’s comment.  What was she even thinking in asking Linda to defend her feelings?

Scott continued, I just think it’s cold feet.  Which is normal.  Gene, though, is a real geek and only likes Sandy because she’s tough.  She is what he’s not, and it’s pretty much like finding a piece to finish a puzzle.  They’ll complete each other.

Joyce pondered on Scott’s words.  Something Scott said actually made sense.  More appealing to her, though, was the fact that only a guy like Scott could say something off-center like that.

Scott continued, You know what I mean.  She can stand up to bullies for him.

And there it was, the Scott that Joyce knew, always ready to mess up a good impression he might have inadvertently made on someone.

The boat began to slow and turn as it drew near the rocky island.  A man adjusting his glasses approached Scott from behind.  He stood at nearly the same height as Scott and was partially fit – mostly due to his passion for running – but he resembled a toothpick next to Scott.  Gene, the brains of the department, extended his arm outward and swung it from one end of the island view to the other.  Here it is, he said.  This place has been closed for ten years.  Kevin was the last person here, all those years ago, before it reopened last month.

Really? asked Joyce.  He never told me that.

It’s old news, said Gene.  Nobody really talks about it.

2.  Introductions

The boat warily veered toward a small dock – a measure of caution, considering the driver’s assessment of the shallow water and the apparent struggle of the dock to stay not just together, but above the water.  A familiar figure waited on the dock, her impatience apparent from her stance.

Gene smiled on seeing her: Sandy, with her long, black hair placed neatly in its usual tight ponytail.  He seemed mesmerized by her otherworldly facial features, as though he had not already memorized them: her high cheekbones, soft chin, round, brown eyes, and flawless skin.  Not to mention what always appeared to be a rushed and unskillful application of light make-up.

Gene took in that perfect moment: the delightful summer morning, still fresh with the warm sunlight dousing the island, shimmering onto his face; the waves of the ocean steadily clapping against the consenting bank; the unique convivial smell and the mist permeating the shore; but most importantly, the woman he loved, waiting for him.  A rhythmic harmony of the factors combined to flush Gene’s senses with only the frivolous disruptions of the motor’s seemingly sporadic adjustments to a perfect moor.

Actually, the moment fell a little short of perfect, as his love for Sandy had not been professed yet, let alone reciprocated.  And they had work ahead of them this weekend.  Still, he consoled himself with the fantasy in his mind.  Until he noticed a young man walking up to Sandy.  Gene had trouble determining whether the slender man was swaying with the dock or if he was just a little goofy.  Sandy was not swaying, but then again, she could do no wrong in his eyes.  Whatever it was, Gene did not like it one bit.  Especially with this being a casual work event.  Gene’s heart felt heavy at the thought that this man, whom he was yet to meet, might have accompanied Sandy for the weekend.

Gene had felt his chances diminish over the years.  He had kept secret from his coworkers the two times he had asked Sandy out but she said she was busy.  He had only insinuated that it would be a date, though.  He had promised to be more direct the next time, but being turned down once a year was enough for him.  He was now dreading a third strike.  In his defense though, Sandy’s focus just seemed to be elsewhere.  This weekend, he had decided, was a favorable opportunity.  He would not leave the island without giving it another shot – maybe.  Gene’s sinking hopes resurged when he noticed that Sandy was not paying the guy any attention.  Gene tried hard to hear what the man was saying, but the motor’s humming and the distance granted him no favors.

Unfortunately for Sandy, she could hear every word of it.

So, the man began, did my uncle tell you that I just graduated college and will need someone in the company to guide me?  Yep, I should be moving up the ranks pretty quick.

Sandy pretended to not hear him.

O-kay, he finished, slipping into an awkward silence.  I was thinking, he then added, when I saw you at the office, you were kind of stiff.  You know, in the pants and those stuffy clothes.  But now that I see you in these tight shorts and the t-shirt, I can say that you have a great body.  Hey, don’t be intimidated by the fact that I spent four years at a major university with gorgeous women.  I mean, with a little make-over, and once you let down your hair, you could be a serious contender.  Sandy?  Did you hear me?  The man let out a sigh and said, We should probably learn to communicate better if we’re going to work together.  At some point we’re going to have to talk.  Seriously, you haven’t said two words to me the whole time we’ve been here.

Without taking her attention off of the boat, Sandy murmured exactly two words, Piss off.

The boat bumped the dock, and Adam threw down a rope.  The slender man tried to catch the rope, but Sandy intercepted it and tied it down.  Be sure to introduce me, the man told her.

Adam nudged Gene and whispered, I think that guy’s making moves on your girl.

I know, groaned Gene.

The motor shut down, and Adam courteously opened the door to let everyone else through.

Sandy made an announcement, Everybody, this is Mr. Holden’s nephew, Hunter.

Hunter stood there, tall and proud, but Linda and Joyce just walked past him, unbothered.  Kevin placed a hand on Hunter’s shoulder as he passed him but avoided making eye contact.  Once Gene disembarked, he stepped directly between Hunter and Sandy, and with his back to Hunter, he asked Sandy, When did you get here?

We, replied Hunter, "got here earlier this morning, on the first boat ride – together."

Gene tried to stay between them but found the act difficult when Scott exited the boat.  The crowded area outside the door prevented Adam from stepping onto the dock, so he shouted, Hey, new guy, Homer.  Give me a hand.  When Hunter grabbed his hand, Adam shifted his massive weight to force the slender young man on the boat, while he stepped onto the dock.

Immediately, Scott shut the door and said, It’s a good thing you’re here.  He’s going to need help with the gear.  With that, the group of friends walked off together, leaving behind Hunter and his bruised ego.

Sandy, delightfully impressed, asked, Did you guys plan that?

No, answered Scott.  We just have this way of working great together.

Kevin could hear the laughter behind him, but was more interested in the man walking ahead of him: Mr. Holden.

Mr. Holden was an older man with a little extra weight around the stomach and white-speckled hair fighting back baldness.  He had walked down the hill with his arms open to greet the group.  When they met, Mr. Holden graciously shook Kevin’s hand and placed his other hand on Kevin’s shoulder.

Call me Charles, he said.  Then, he waved his hand and loudly said, This is a weekend retreat.  Everyone, call me Charles.

Mr. Holden greeted everyone in the first group and started walking back up the hill with them, his arm around Kevin’s shoulders.  He pointed at the building on top of the hill and said, Remember those quarters, Chummy?  By that time, the second group had caught up.

Chummy? gasped Joyce.

Yes, said Mr. Holden.  Didn’t you know his old nickname?

How’d he get that name? asked Joyce.

Mr. Holden snickered and said, By being everyone’s close buddy.  So close, you had to look behind you before you stopped.

Linda could not contain herself.  You were a brownnose?

Kevin replied with the utmost composure, I was highly motivated, and the seasoned veterans had fun with it.  That’s all it was.  Had they been as invested in this place as they were in having fun, the project would have been a success.

Well, said Mr. Holden, that’s why we have you in charge now, Kevin.  We’re going to make it work this time.

The group arrived at the quarters, which was a large rectangular building that looked like something out of a children’s summer camp and appeared to have been cheaply made in the seventies.

Mr. Holden stepped onto the outer deck and turned to address the group.  Do we have everybody here?  He looked around.  We seem to be missing some people.  Anyway, has everyone met my nephew, Hunter?  Where is he?

He volunteered to stay back and help with the gear, Scott answered.

What a go-getter, enthused Mr. Holden, which prompted a collective giggle from the group.

Then, Mr. Holden projected his voice so everyone could hear him, On Monday morning, at thirty-four, Kevin Fastings will be the youngest vice president the company has ever had.  He has shown true professionalism and achieved results in his twelve years with the company that surpass even my own accomplishments.  I am proud to have him reform this department, and I am expecting it to thrive under his leadership.  Now, this is a new sector, so we have some openings to fill.  Adam, you’re probably wondering what your brother’s doing here.

Adam lightly nodded in agreement.  Mr. Holden then continued, I always like to have family present when I deliver good news.  I have convinced the board to promote you to Kevin’s old position.

Adam blushed as people began congratulating him.  However, Mr. Holden interrupted, your department is being restructured to support Kevin’s.  So, you’ll still be working under him, but you get to pick your own team.

Mr. Holden waited for everyone to settle down before he continued, It’s ten o’clock right now.  I want everyone to get refreshed and become familiar with the area.  Get your bunks ready, have some snacks inside, and relax.  I have brought along my aide, Marcus, but he could use some help after you’re sufficiently rested.  Just remember, we have a presentation by Gene at twelve o’clock and then we’ll have a walk-through at three that will take about two hours.  So, bring plenty of water with you.  It’ll get warm.

Mr. Holden signaled to Kevin and said, Follow me.  You too, Adam.

He guided the two men on a walk along a well-made, but long-forgotten, dirt path.  Before long, the path opened up to a larger one, dividing the beach from the woods, running parallel to the shoreline.  I love this island, said Mr. Holden.  Look at that view.  I was sad when we had to leave it behind.  What do you think, Adam?

It’s nice, replied Adam, softly.  I particularly like the palm trees and how they lean toward the ocean.

Mr. Holden took in the scenery before responding, Did you know that these trees have very shallow roots?  They’re only about three feet long.  You’d think a tree like that would need long, settled roots, especially near the sand, but there’s very little depth to them.

Very true, agreed Adam.  But they’re strong, and the roots support the trees completely.  That’s what enables the trees to get the most sun and have the greatest chance of survival.

Kevin, reflecting on these thoughts, added, I wonder if people would feel differently about palm trees if they knew what’s really underneath the ground.

Following Kevin’s comment, the three men continued to walk past the trees in silence, the two younger guys on either side of Mr. Holden.

About the promotion, began Adam as they entered back into the wood line.  This is a big step for me.  Thank you for the opportunity, Mr. Holden.

Charles.  Call me Charles this weekend, he reminded.  This is a big management role, but you’ve impressed me, Adam.  It’s not easy to impress a CEO of my caliber.

I know, replied Adam.  That’s why I thought you’d hire that guy with the HBS.

I hired you because I see real potential in you.

Kevin, to prevent Adam