Dragons in the Laboratory: Adventures on Sun Stone Island, #2

By George Landon

Dragons and technology...What could  go wrong?

 

Soon after settling on the mysterious Sun Stone Island, Mike and Sam discover an egg that hatches into none other than a baby dragon! Scared by the strange cryptid and unsure of how to care for it, Sam seeks the help of his hero in the field of biology, Dr. Pilhede.

Sam gets more than he bargained for when a secret government organization raids his new home, captures all the island's dragons, and leaves him and Mike stranded in the jungle. Lost and alone with no supplies, will the genius boys be able to free the dragons from the invading forces? Or will the island and all that is on it be reduced to ruin?

 

Deep caverns, hostile monsters, an abandoned facility...Mystery and discovery await in this thrilling second outing in the Adventures on Sun Stone Island series!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Axis Horizon
• Release date: Jun 29, 2023
• ISBN: 9798985745740

Book preview

Chapter 1

Fine Scaled friends

Mike hacked through the underbrush of the thick jungle with his machete as Sam followed behind.

Are you sure this is a good idea? Sam asked.

Of course not! Mike laughed. That’s the whole point.

I knew I should have stayed with Gordon, Sam groaned.

Mike turned toward Sam. Look, if we’re gonna live here now, it’s a good idea to know what’s out here.

That’s exactly what I’m afraid of. Sam looked around. I really think we should have gotten backup. If the Slyzards avoid the north side of the island, maybe we should too.

Oh come on. Mike turned to cut through the underbrush. I doubt anything out here could be worse than what we’ve seen already.

Mike chopped down a layer of vines and peered through. A scaly creature with round eyes and slit pupils glared back at him.

Oh! Mike said.

The creature bared its teeth and rose, holding a large egg in its front claws. It stepped forward, placed one foot on a log, and tapped the large, curled talon of its innermost toe on the rotting bark. Mike and Sam took a step back.

Hi… Mike said. Are you a Slyzard?

Mike, that’s…it’s… Sam stammered.

The creature snarled and leaned forward.

Mike, run! Sam yelled as he bolted.

Mike ran just as the creature lunged. He overtook Sam and was out of sight in seconds. The creature chased them through the thicket, forcing Sam to stumble across the uneven terrain. It glided over the ground with ease, snapping at Sam’s back, taking a piece of his shirt. Sam hopped forward, tripped, and rolled down a hill. He slammed against a tree and flipped onto his back. As he struggled to get up, the creature thrust its foot on his chest. Sam looked up at the tooth-filled maw of the scaly face. The creature growled and narrowed its eyes. Sam quivered.

Just then, a loud hiss pierced through the jungle. The creature snapped its head up and peered into the thicket. A dark, scaly form, resembling a blue iguana the size of a crocodile, tore through the jungle and reared up on its hind legs with its bright yellow dewlap open.

Slyzard! Sam whispered.

The monster on top of Sam growled in response to the Slyzard. The two scaly creatures stared each other down, hissing and snarling. The creature on top of Sam took a step forward, its weight making Sam grunt. The Slyzard awkwardly slid forward, still balancing on its hind legs. The creature standing on Sam hesitated. It closed its mouth and snapped its head from side to side. Then it dropped the egg, whipped around, and bolted. Sam watched as its tapered tail vanished into the thicket.

Sam lay still for a moment before sitting up and wiping his forehead, his heart still racing.

Did you see that? the Slyzard laughed.

Sam looked at the Slyzard who closed his dewlap and put his front feet on the ground. The Slyzard sat staring into the jungle with a large, toothy grin.

Yeah! the Slyzard yelled in a young, but bold voice. Good choice running! One moment longer and I would have sliced your gut open and used your blood to draw smiley faces on my cave wall! So when you feel like becoming a performance art piece, you just come looking for me, you coward!

Sam’s face turned white.

Did you see that? the Slyzard asked, turning to look at Sam. He totally wet himself the moment he saw me! I strike fear into the hearts of my adversaries! Ah yes, one of the many perks of being me.

The Slyzard struck a pose with his dewlap open. His deep indigo scales appeared almost black, but had an iridescent shimmer to them. His underside was black as onyx, making his electric blue tail stand out. But most striking was his bright yellow dewlap with blue spots, and his yellow eyes. They were so bright against his dark scales that they seemed to pop off his face. Sam fixated on the yellow eyes with slit pupils that stared him down like a hungry predator.

Th-thanks for the save, Sam barely managed to mutter.

Ah, sure, the Slyzard said, closing his dewlap. You owe me, Pipsqueak.

Sam opened his mouth to protest, but one more look at the yellow eyes and he thought better of it.

Sam! Mike yelled from the thicket.

Over here! Sam called.

Mike pushed through the underbrush with a look of relief on his face. Whew, I thought you were a goner! What happened?

What’s-his-name here scared that thing off. Sam stood up and gestured toward the Slyzard.

Mike looked at the Slyzard who sat upright with his head held high. The Slyzard turned his head to one side and grinned with self satisfaction.

Whoa, really? Mike asked.

He took one look at me and fell right over in a panic, the Slyzard said. I nearly ripped him to shreds, but the sheer terror in his eyes was enough for me in the end.

Mike looked at the footprint the creature left on the mossy ground.

Mike, do you realize what that thing is? Sam asked.

I have a hunch, but I don’t want to sound crazy, Mike said.

Say it, please. I don’t want to have to say it.

Mike stooped and looked closer at the footprint. It’s a Velociraptor, isn’t it?

Sam looked down and shook his head. Impossible. He paused to take it in. How could a thing like that be alive today? And even if it was, it looks way different than what I expected.

Mike turned toward the Slyzard. Do you have any idea where it came from? he asked.

They’ve always been here as far back as I can remember, the Slyzard said. And believe me, that’s a long way back.

How old are you? Mike asked.

Fifteen years.

That’s not a very long time to remember, really, Sam said.

Well of course I remember more than just that, the Slyzard said. What kind of idiot do you take me for?

What? Mike asked.

The Slyzard narrowed his eyes and crawled menacingly toward them on all fours. You trying to start something?

No, no! Sam said, waving his hands. We’re not. We’re just confused is all.

The Slyzard snorted. Clearly.

He looked down at Sam’s feet and crawled closer. Sam tensed. The Slyzard extended a foreleg and stuck his claw in the loop of one of Sam’s shoelaces.

What are these? the Slyzard asked.

A sh-shoelace, Sam stammered, then gulped. It keeps my shoe on. He turned his head upward to avoid looking at the Slyzard.

What do you need shoes for?

They protect my feet…from splinters and cuts.

The Slyzard went still, then chuckled.

Wow, you really are sissies, he said. Wrapping your feet in these useless blankets with string to prevent boo-boos. Hopeless.

Knock it off, Mike said. How do you even know our language anyway?

Pops taught me, the Slyzard said. He’s the chief, which makes me prince! Remember that!

Oh, okay. That would explain it, I guess.

The Slyzard continued to fiddle with Sam’s shoelaces without another word, so Mike looked around. He eyed the large egg the Velociraptor dropped.

Where did that come from? he asked.

Sam craned his neck to avoid looking down. The Velociraptor dropped it.

Mike picked it up and brought it to Sam. What kind of egg is it?

It’s too big to be a Velociraptor egg, Sam said. Judging by its hard shell, I’d suspect it belongs to a large bird species or something.

It looks to me like a valthyrrik egg, the Slyzard said sitting up.

What’s a valthie… Mike said. Valley, valla, valithie…what is that thing?

Well it’s… the Slyzard paused. I don’t know what you’d call it. But it’s big, and it flies, and it’s definitely not a bird. It has no feathers.

A Pterodactyl, maybe? Mike asked.

Don’t think so, Sam said.

Well, it’s what I’m named after, the Slyzard said.

Oh so you’re valla… Sam said. Valthrick?

Valthyrrik snorted. Not even close. You’re supposed to roll the R, and it’s three syllables!

Valthri, Sam said. Val…Do you mind if we just call you Valthie?

Valthyrrik narrowed his eyes and growled.

Never mind! Sam said, waving his hands.

And who exactly are you anyway? Valthyrrik questioned.

Well, I’m Mike.

And I’m Sam.

No you’re not, Valthyrrik said.

What? Mike asked, raising an eyebrow.

Yes I am! Sam said.

Nope, Valthyrrik said. You’re called Orange, and he’s Spike. Valthyrrik nodded toward Mike.

Sam pulled a lock of his red hair. Mike patted his own brown spiked hair, then rolled his eyes.

Very clever, he mumbled.

And where did you even come from? Valthyrrik questioned.

"What, aren’t you going to tell us?" Mike asked.

Don’t be smart with me, Valthyrrik said. Now spill it.

Alright, alright! Mike grumbled. We were living in an orphanage back on the mainland, but when we found a secret message that led to some treasure, we fixed up an old plane and flew out here to find it.

After we got here, we met this girl named Narae, Sam said. She helped us out on our quest, which led us to the Skeleton Emperor, Mosa Laga!

Yeah, but we defeated him. Turns out he was a robot all along! And we freed all the people he enslaved with his mind-control gas and got them rescued. Then we found the legendary treasure in the temple, up there in the ruins of Yuncivice.

Mike pointed toward the mountain in the middle of the island and looked back at Valthyrrik. Valthyrrik’s head hung to one side, his eyes closed and his mouth hanging open.

Uh, hello? Mike asked, snapping his fingers.

Valthyrrik snorted and snapped upright. Oh, what’s that? he yawned. Your little story bored me to sleep.

Well, you’re the one who asked! Sam said angrily.

Valthyrrik just shook his head and looked off to the side.

Probably time we headed back, Mike said, clearing his throat. Since we’re here, let’s drop off the invitations to our housewarming party.

What’s that? Valthyrrik asked.

It’s a celebration of our new home, Mike said. We’ll gather at our new swimming pool and Sam’s going to grill hamburgers. There’ll be soda and s’mores, and it’ll be a blast!

Valthyrrik raised a scaly eyebrow. What’s a soda? Or a hamburger? Or a s’mores? Are you messing with me right now?

Well, you’re welcome to come find out what those are. We were gonna give your dad an invitation.

Who will be there?

Hopefully Tishall… Mike said. Uh…Tishah…Tish-all-oon…

What’s wrong with your mouth? Valthyrrik asked.

Hey, it’s not my fault Slyzard names are tongue-twisters!

We call her Shalun, Sam said. She’s the one who jumped on Mosa Laga and nearly snapped his robot neck.

Oh, I think I know who she might be, Valthyrrik said. Who else?

Our Orpin friends, Sam said. Ubby, Kimmy, and Dottie.

Valthyrrik chuckled. "Yeah, Pops wouldn’t want to come, but I might. Sounds like maybe I wouldn’t be bored to tears. Maybe."

Okay, Mike said. But still, pass the word along to your dad.

Yeah, yeah. Whatever, Valthyrrik said.

Great! Sam said. Then I guess we can just head straight–AUGH! Sam took a step forward and fell flat on his face.

You okay, Sam? Mike asked.

Sam pushed himself up and shook his head. He turned and looked at his feet to find his laces tied together. His glare turned toward Valthyrrik who snickered, then burst out laughing.

Oh yeah, Sam grumbled. Real funny.

Guess I was wrong, Valthyrrik said between chuckles. "Shoes are useful for something."

Whatever, Sam said as he untied his laces.

Guess I’ll see you around maybe. Valthyrrik turned and slithered away.

Mike stood quietly as Sam finished tying his shoes. Well, there’s another Slyzard who knows English, he said.

I’m honestly not surprised at this point, Sam said as he stood and brushed himself off. But I gotta wonder where he picked up lingo like that.

And that sense of humor, Mike added.

That part doesn’t really surprise me.

Mike looked at the egg in his arms. What should we do with this?

Let’s take it home. Sam took the egg from Mike. I want to run an analysis. I have no idea what this belongs to. It might be a new species.

What do you think it could be? Mike asked excitedly. Another dinosaur? A monster, maybe?

I’m hoping this time for something a bit more normal.

Chapter 2

Hatching

Mike and Sam trekked through the jungle until they emerged onto a large, rocky outcropping overlooking the southern shore far below. A two-story house was built into the side of the rock with one end jutting out over the edge, supported by stilts. On the side closest to them, a wooden bridge extended toward them over a waterfall. Beside the house a large mobile crane backed away. It halted and the engine stopped.

Hey, Gordon! Mike said. How’s progress?

I just put the finishing touches on your bedroom, sir! the robot replied. He hovered out of the mobile crane and approached them. Gordon’s body consisted of a floating metal torso with large, pointed shoulder pads. The single sensor that gave him vision was connected to a metal disk and could rotate in all directions. At the end of his thin upper arms were thick forearms. I welcome you to your new home!

But we’ve been living in it already, Sam said.

Yes, I know, Gordon said. "But now that construction is complete, it is like a new home.

Wouldn’t you say?"

I guess so, Mike said. Sure took long enough!

If I may, sir, Gordon said. It is most difficult to operate that equipment without feet to push the pedals. I’ve had to resort to using my vacuum cleaner! Gordon opened a chest compartment where a metallic vacuum cleaner unfolded and extended until it touched the ground.

Well, it worked didn’t it? Mike questioned almost grudgingly.

Oh please, Master Michael! Gordon pleaded, folding in his vacuum cleaner. I implore you to build me some legs!

Hey, why invent hoverpads if you don’t use them in something?

Indeed. But is this really the best application?

Are you questioning my engineering? Mike snapped.

Oh no, sir!

Good. Because I just might decide to make you an opera singer.

Y-yes, sir! Gordon stammered.

The three of them crossed the bridge to the front door. Inside was an inviting beige front room with a hardwood floor. On the left were two archways leading into the kitchen and dining room, respectively. On the right was an arch leading into the living room that overlooked the beach. Beside the arch was the stairway to the top floor. A hallway led from the front room to the back of the house.

What do you think, sirs? Gordon asked.

It’s very nice! Sam said.

Mike strode over to a corner table with a potted petunia and grabbed one of the leaves. Is this really necessary? he asked.

I like it, it goes with the drapes, Sam said.

Do we really need drapes?

What, would you rather this place looked like the Radiant Dawn Orphanage?

Mike looked at the petunia and let go of the leaf. I guess I don’t hate this décor.

Why thank you, sir! Gordon said.

Here, Gordon, Sam said, handing him the large egg. Take this to my room. Set it in my laundry basket on top of some blankets, and put a lamp over it.

As you wish, sir! Gordon said, taking the egg from Sam.

And make sure the lamp is switched on! And plugged in!

Ooooh…Consider it done, sir! Gordon turned and hovered up the stairs. Oh, by the way, the mail bot brought in the latest issue of your science magazine from the mainland.

Oh! Sam rushed into the living room and picked up the magazine on the coffee table. Awesome!

Calm down, it’s just a magazine, Mike said.

Not this time. This issue includes some groundbreaking new discoveries on genetic memories from Dr. Pilhede!

Who?

You don’t know who Dr. Pilhede is? Sam asked, pointing to the man on the cover wearing a lab coat. I’ve only mentioned him a thousand times! He is the premier expert on chemical biology, and an expert in physics as well!

Mikes eyes glazed over.

Sam rolled his eyes. He’s also an expert in robotics. he said.

Whoa, really?! Mike peered at the man depicted in the image. He had a shiny, bald head and a large, round chin. His small facial features were centered in an oblong head. The left half of his face was stuck in a permanent sneer with his left eye completely shut.

He looks funny, Mike said.

He’s a genius, though! Sam said.

Mike shrugged. I didn’t say he wasn’t.

You shouldn’t judge people by their appearance! Sam scoffed.

Relax! I just said he looked funny.

Sam sat down in a brown recliner to read his magazine as Gordon returned from upstairs. Sam’s stomach growled. I’m hungry, he said. Sam put his magazine down and headed for the kitchen.

Would you like for me to whip up something for you, sir? Gordon asked.

Sam’s eyebrows shot up. NO! he yelled. Uh, no, he quickly added. No thanks. I’ll prepare something.

If you insist sir, Gordon said and hovered into the living room.

Sam approached the island in the middle of the kitchen and reached into the cupboard beneath it.

Mike reentered the front room and switched on the ceiling fan light which hung from the second floor ceiling. One of the lights flashed. He heard a pop, and the light burned out.

Ugh! he said. Brand new and already a light’s gone bad. Where are the light bulbs?

In the hall closet under the stairway, sir, Gordon said.

Mike opened the closet door and something scurried out. Rat! he yelled. Get it!

Gordon rushed out of the living room as Mike grabbed a broom from the closet. The rat ran through the dining room toward the kitchen. Mike and Gordon rushed for it just as Sam slammed a colander over it.

Great job, you got it! Mike grinned. However, his smile quickly faded, and he turned to glare at Gordon.

Gordon… he growled.

Y-yes, sir? Gordon stammered.

Why is there a rat in our house?

It must have gotten in before I closed in the walls! Gordon said. Really, sir! There’s no other way!

Mike glared at him, then brushed past him.

Uh, sir? Gordon asked. What shall we do with the rodent?

Kill it, Mike said.

What? Sam asked. No, don’t kill it!

Why not? Mike asked. It’s a nasty, disease-ridden rodent.

But this is an uninhabited island, Sam said. In all likelihood, it’s not carrying any diseases we need to worry about. Besides, once it’s outside, it won’t get back in. Not with how well this house is built.

Thank you, sir, Gordon said.

But it might be fun to crush it under the steamroller! Mike said with a sly grin.

Sam’s face went pale. You’ve got to be kidding! You sound as bad as Shalun!

Hey, relax! Mike said. It’s only a rat.

"It may be only a rat to you, but it’s a living creature to me. And I can’t stand the thought of harming any living thing for