Survivors in the Mutated Lands

By Richard Stone

Nine centuries ago, mutants destroyed civilization with nuclear explosions.
Land and life changed drastically as an alien DNA that started the mutant revolution ran rampart over all those years. History was forgotten and new life grew from the ruins. Eventually, humans and mutant kind learn to work together to survive the sometimes hostile lands.
But there were survivors of the mutant dawn, and they figured out how to survive underground by placing their brains in robotic bodies. They slept for all those centuries and returned to the surface to regain control in the name of humans. They would hit innocent villages and kill all the mutants while taking all the humans underground. Their fate was unknown.
The one survivor was a former South African spy named Marty. He had helped the former Secretary of State Burt Isabela escape the destruction and get to an underground super bunker. He was the prototype to have his brain placed in a robotic body and helped the secretary survive a coup by the military to take over the bunker. But trust and fate were not on his side, as he had his arms and legs cut off and placed in a hut on the surface. His prison was his body.
A mixed group of humans and mutants are in route to investigate the rumors of raiders destroying villages in Slimnorah, formerly known as Minnesota. This group was made of an interesting bunch of characters.
A reptilian mutant with secret ambition; a rumored legendary mutant with a mysterious past; a young woman with no memory and a floating neutron bomb to keep her heart beating; an insane human scientist who thinks his wife is the device he carries on his back; a wolf man of great strength; a human thief with secrets; and a mutant assassin there to kill someone in the group; two air-breathing fish mutants and a plant man, to name a few.
They encounter strange wildlife as well as people and mutants with agendas that help and hinder their progress to Slimnorah. The confrontations along the way come from both outside the group and inside of it. Trust is earned and respect is warranted to survive the challenges along the way.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Richard Stone
• Release date: Dec 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9781940385839

Richard Stone

Graduated from Mibly High School in Houston, Texas in 1972 Graduated from SFASU in Nacogdoches, Texas in 1980 Taught for 30+ years in Texas Public schools Wrote first novel "Survivors of the Mutant Dawn" in June 2021 got runner up in the science fiction division of the Hollywood Book Festival in 2021. Publishing 2nd book "Mutated Lands" this summer

Book preview

1 THE RIDDLE OF OWBOAT

Year 3054

On the Road to Slimnorah

As with most trips taken, not all go as planned and others are downright disastrous. Then there’s this journey. It started at a monastery where people could gather to form groups to travel.

Remco Beta, a stoic drago with a secret mission for the governor of Slimnorah, propped up a sign against a boulder at the monastery. His goal was to attract travel companions which would provide safety in numbers for the long trip for himself and Kimmandy, an empathetic female mutant with stunning pink irises. She had partial amnesia and a floating red sphere which was a neutron bomb used to help support her heart.

Their group consisted of Semper Feye, a human with an incredible scientific mind that was sadly also insane. He carried a thermonuclear bomb on his back whom he introduced as his wife, Gloria. Another human with a spotted past, Selzer Seegam was a former member of Brutay, an assassin’s cult. He quit the cult and assumed the trade of a thief.

Ral Pathar, a mutated half-man, half-wolf with incredible strength, and Stryder, a mutant with gills joined the group. Rumor had it Stryder was older than two centuries and that he had toppled empires from within. His faithful companion, Go-mez, was a kalew, a mutated beast with a Clydesdale body covered with olive-green scales and an ape-like face.

Tric Lareneg, a green-haired mutant, hid the fact that he was a Brutay. He stalked Selzer for his secret and to collect the bounty on his head.

The first week of traveling from the monastery to Nolm was eventful daily. Before their arrival in Nolm, they had formed a plan to barter weapons for rides. They successfully completed a dangerous job for Nolm which provided a payout of gold, food, weapons, and beasts to ride. Two new members left Nolm and joined the trip to Slimnorah. Deej Synroue, a half-man half-lion mutant, and Zaddy Sniglock, a half-man, half-horse mutant.

Selzer got a mager to ride. It was a twelve-legged, slender, mutated waterdog with no eyes. It had a continuous ear that ran from one side of the head, across the top, and to the other.

Semper received a figilay, a hulking bipedal jawless beast with an armored-scaled forehead and flippers for arms. Its brown eyes stood out against its white skin and a gray mane on the top of the head. It was a highly intelligent animal that possessed telepathy.

Ral was given a slivokk, a giant mutated wingless grasshopper with a crest of silver-red feathers on its dorsal side and the hazel eyes matched its skin tone exactly.

Remco, Kimmandy, and Tric all received kalews like Go-mez, but with assorted color patterns.

The second week on the road proved to be uneventful. By the third day, they had passed the point where the group would have been if they had travelled on foot. The diverse rides would last from sunrise to sunset, with an occasional stop for food, water, and rest for the animals. At night, four-hour guard duty shifts were rotated in groups of three.

After the food from Nolm ran out, Stryder and Deej hunted and caught prey for the evening meal. This allowed bantering and storytelling to become the form of entertainment after a hard day’s ride. With Deej and Zaddy joining the group, new stories made the nighttime camp more enjoyable.

Tric tried to rekindle Selzer’s trust in him, but the thief remained distant. On the eighth day, Tric found his opportunity to complete his task of getting information from Selzer and then taking his head.

They found a spot by a small lake and Kimmandy rode the perimeter with Remco to see if she could sense anything living around the area. Once they determined it was safe, the drago called for a dismount to set up camp. Stryder took Deej and Selzer with him to hunt while Semper, Ral, and Zaddy were grouped to search for firewood. Remco and Kimmandy set up the rope to hitch the animals to while Tric took all of them to the water.

After Tric noticed his actions went unnoticed, the green bearded mutant took Selzer’s wine-ale container and quickly added the narcotic powder he had stolen from the amorous Avoklove, who he murdered back in Nolm. After a quick shake before replacing it in the saddlebag, the assassin gathered the reins and led the transports back to camp.

Everyone picked a spot for the night before going out for their assigned duties. Tric was met by Kimmandy and Semper, who took their animals with a word of thanks or a bow of the head in gratitude. He headed the rest of the rides to a twenty-foot rope Remco had finished tying between two trees.

He was intercepted by Selzer, who took his mager without acknowledging Tric and tied his steed to the rope. The Brutay was not surprised when he stopped to watch the human thief walk away. Shaking his head, he continued to secure the remaining beasts.

Everything okay, Tric? Remco had noticed the small drama and finished his knot on the last tree.

Sure, the mutant assassin replied without making eye contact and fastened the reins of his ride to the cord on the outmost position from the other animals. No problems.

As he walked away, Kimmandy, with her red globe floating from the tether tied to the back of her belt, stopped in front of them and pointed to Tric’s kalew. Aren’t you going to remove his saddle for the night?

The Brutay never broke stride as he did a one hundred-eighty-degree turn and continued walking backwards. I intend to as soon as I answer the call of nature. Tric made a nonchalant spin and headed towards the woods while leaving the young woman nodding in understanding.

She drifted to Remco, who placed his fists on his hips and eyed Tric moving near the area where Selzer was laying his saddle down. Kimmandy spoke her mind.

Something is not right between him and Selzer.

Yes, I detect that, too, Remco answered. But as long as they stay functional within the group, I don’t think we should be concerned. The gray-scaled man kept Tric in his sight while the green-haired mutant walked by Selzer. Remco’s eyes shifted to Selzer as he laid his bedroll on the ground and noticed he completely ignored Tric. Kimmandy’s voice broke his concentration.

I’ll make sure everything is ready for tonight’s meal, she said, as she walked towards the center of camp.

You do that, the lizard man muttered and walked towards Selzer.

On his way, he saw Semper and Zaddy return from the woods empty-handed. An annoyed expression overtook Remco’s face. Why don’t you two have any firewood?

The equestrio jerked his thumb over his left shoulder. Ral took care of it.

The wolfen emerged from the brush carrying a giant branch. The diameter of the trunk he had balanced on his right shoulder was over two and a half feet. The end of the branches bounced off the ground while he smiled warmly at Kimmandy.

I believe this should give us a good fire tonight and a place to sit. He laid it on the ground for the mad scientist, the horse man, and Kimmandy to break dried limbs off the main branch/trunk, whatever it was.

Remco casually approached Selzer, who was removing his canteen and wine-ale jug. The thief had found a small area with a semicircle of shrubs to block out the camp area. Selzer turned to see he had a visitor before returning to his possessions.

Remco, was the only word used to greet the drago.

Selzer, Remco replied. Is everything okay?

The thief stopped and stood straight, with a puzzled look on his face. Yeah, sure. Why shouldn’t it be?

I just want to make sure the tensions between you and Tric will not…

Before the reptilian could finish his sentence, Selzer removed a long dagger from his left boot and wheeled around to throw it as hard as he could at a tree. It found its mark in the middle of a tree trunk eight feet away and embedded itself deeply. The move startled Remco.

Selzer looked at him with eyes on the verge of discontent. He ambled to the tree. Whatever tensions or problems are between me and him, it is strictly between us.

He hung his liquid contents on the exposed handle and turned to face Remco. And the last time I looked; it has not been a public problem in our group. When it happens, you may step in and manage it any way you see fit.

Selzer grabbed his wine-ale and took a quick swig. He offered a drink to Remco, who declined with a wave of his hand. The human walked to the drago with his eyes locked on his.

Until that happens, I recommend that you and everyone else stay out of our business. Do you agree, Remco Beta?

The lizard man merely stared. Just as long as it does not disrupt our journey and our cause in Slimnorah, I will not interfere.

Satisfied, Selzer took one last mouthful before hanging it back on the tree. He returned to the drago and slapped him on his right upper arm. Come on. We’ve got branches to break.

As the two men walked to the others preparing the firewood, Tric spied on them while he stood behind a tree, relieving his call to nature. A sinister smirk grew. He knew it was just a matter of time.

Golden embers flowed towards the heavens once the sun dropped out of sight. The sparkling display of stars, along with the sounds of the nocturnal owners of the night, told everyone they had claimed the evening. Stryder and Deej bagged a couple of floshyv, trying to sneak up on the camp. They never had a chance and were doomed by Stryder’s intuition. It was sweet meat for everyone as the mood of the day’s ride changed from a serious grind to relaxing camaraderie around the bright, roaring campfire.

To the casual eye, Tric gave the appearance of a man eating his food. He sat across the fire from Selzer, who was in intense conversation with Ral about something trivial. But one would have to be extremely keen to notice how the Brutay assassin would take momentary glances at his prey and see Selzer stretching his eyebrows to fight off sleep. Every now and then, the human would shake his head as if trying to stay alert.

Much to Tric’s pleasure was the sight of Selzer’s wine-ale jug being consumed at an increasing rate. The taste was so flavorful with the inebriant powder it was becoming powerfully addictive. Normally, Selzer would take one or two swigs a night, but now the human could not help himself.

Remco stood up. His body language told everyone he wanted to address the crowd. Soon, our journey will be complete. In two days, we will reach the small town of Twivik and a day’s ride after that we will be in the province of Slimnorah. Once there, I can promise you better food and better accommodations. A low-toned cheer followed his words.

I recommend we get our rest now so we can get an early start tomorrow, the drago continued. There are floshyv about and I…

Not to worry, Stryder interrupted. We buried the inedible parts in four spots around the camp. Ground suckers dislike the smell of their own dead. We should be fine for the night.

Excellent, Remco smiled. Stryder, you take the first guard shift with Zaddy and Semper. Deej, Ral and Selzer will…

A long bellowing belch drowned out the lizard man’s words and caused the gray scaled leader to stare at the inebriated thief. His expression switched from shock to stern annoyance.

The guilty party looked around, unsure of what had happened. Once he realized it was him, a hardy laugh escaped his lips as he held up his hand to Remco apologetically.

The drago stared at Selzer as he continued. Deej, you three will relieve them after four hours and I, Kimmandy, and Tric will finish until daylight.

After nods of agreement, the first trio stepped away from the campfire. Tric waited a half a minute before he rose to turn away from the fire and casually walk into the woods.

Zaddy was heading in the same direction ahead of him and sensed someone walking behind him. He reached back as if scratching his head and moved the long locks of his black mane slightly to the side. There a third eye with its eyelid closed, fluttered open and focused on the Brutay. The young equestrio stopped and faced Tric, who did not acknowledge him.

Tric, the horse man said. You forgot to remove your kalew’s saddle. The animal won’t relax.

Oh, yes. I forgot. I’ll take care of that after I tend to personal business.

Zaddy looked puzzled as Tric walked past him.

The killer put his hand on his stomach. My stomach does not agree with floshyv meat. If you appreciate clean air, I recommend you move away.

The horse mutant hurried in a different direction.

Selzer had to force himself up and head for his bedroll. Reaching down for his near empty jug took concentration. His mind was drunk, and he could not understand why. Drinking wine-ale had conquered his mind before, but usually in massive quantities.

The thief knew he had the second shift and right now, the chances of him being awake grew slimmer by the minute. Each step felt like a mile. When he finally made it to his destination, Selzer dropped to his knees in joy with an uncontrollable giggle. He plopped down on his bedroll face first. Pain shot through his face. The ground was a lot harder than expected.

Ahhh, Selzer grunted, rolling onto his back. That was stupid.

His right hand reached out for his juices of intoxication. Uncontrollable thirst demanded its flavor. Just beyond his fingertips, his digits grazed the handle before scratching into the dirt below. The jug was scooped up and Selzer stared up at Tric, who held up the container.

Looking for something? the amused Brutay murderer asked softly.

A wide grin covered the drowsy human’s face, and he propped himself up on his elbows. Hey, brother, how ya doin’? he slurred through his words. Come on, give me a drink, eh?

Tric walked back to the tree, which had the knife extending from it. Oh, how Tric wished he could use his blade to cut into each rib to inflict pain and withdraw every answer before giving into the condemned man’s wish to kill him. But people were still moving around. His prize was too important to give into his desires. The Brutay dropped to his right knee and grabbed a handful of shirt to pull the thief up to his face.

I guess you figured out why I’m here, Tric said in a low tone.

To apologize? Selzer spoke with a silly smile.

What?

You know, for lying and killing and lying some more and taking away my wine-ale.

Angered, Tric shoved the former member of his society in the dirt and reached for his silver dagger in his left boot. Not now, the mutant reminded himself. Be patient. He stood up and stepped away from his prey.

What’s the matter, Tric? Selzer’s voice showed a hint of defiance. Why are you always so angry?

I’m not angry.

You’re not? Then why did you come here? Just to bother me? The human’s voice grew louder with each word. Tric stepped forward in a nonthreatening way with his hand up to signal Selzer to calm down. All I want is a location so I can be on my merry way and out of your life, the smiling killer said in a sincere, soft tone.

Selzer’s thoughts were becoming muddled. He rubbed his forehead to stretch his eyes open. What location? he muttered, paying attention more to his melting awareness than to exactly what Tric was talking about.

Owboat. Tell me how to find Owboat.

Selzer’s bleary eyes looked at the stars. Owboat… Owboat… where have I …? His eyes widened as his thoughts bombarded him like a whack on the side of his head.

Wait a minute, he said, staring right at his tormentor with a sober look. I tell you. You kill me. Nice try.

Tric was taken aback. He underestimated Selzer’s resolve. His mind still had control, but it was weakening. The killer figured he should get what he wanted before the next guard shift, but it would be close. He stared at the glazed-eyed Selzer, who forced himself up to a sitting position. His victim’s eyes were focused on the jug.

Do you want more? Tric asked.

Selzer was trying to fight his weakening willpower with all his might, but doubt was creeping into his mind, and he feared it. As he concentrated, a word meekly slipped out of his mouth.

Yes.

Tric walked over with the vessel of wine-ale and handed it to the incoherent Selzer, who immediately drank.

Drink up, my brother, drink up. Taste the delicious flavor. It will make you feel at peace with yourself and allow all inhibitions to melt away. Tric slowly walked around his prey in the same fashion a predator would patiently make sure its next meal was ready for the taking. Tric squatted down directly in front of Selzer, who cast his eyes in a sideway glance while consuming his beverage.

Drink up, my brother. The man stroked his green beard. So, when you finish, you will tell me what I need to know, and we can put an end to our stupid charade once and for all.

For an hour and a half, neither man said a word. Tric studied the stupor-minded fool for signs that he was no longer fighting the narcotic effects of the powder. Every now and then, Selzer would act as if he were going to say something but would stop because he lost his train of thought.

The assassin stood and stretched his legs, then walked a few steps to take an inventory of his surroundings. So far, those who were asleep were still sleeping and those on guard duty had yet to return. It was Selzer’s voice that startled him.

Were you born into it?

The killer mutant turned to see a man who looked like he was struggling to keep his awareness. His body was shivering and even though his eyes were glazed over, they looked to be in control.

What? Tric asked.

The Brutay Society, the human spoke with a voice that trembled on each word. Were you born into it, or were you kidnapped like I was?

Tric noticed the jug was now on the ground and Selzer’s hands were folded on his knees. The assassin sensed that the man was reaching out to him in one last attempt to change his mind. A sensation of pity arose inside him and for the first time in the murderer’s life, he felt sorry for another entity. The decision to go along with the conversation in the hope of obtaining the information might prove to be a better option.

I was born into it, Tric replied as he sat down across from Selzer.

Your mother, the human struggled. What do you remember about her?

Tric’s emotion went from pity to discomfort in a heartbeat. The memories he had suppressed for so many years returned unpleasantly. He looked away to hide his confusion from his adversary. He quickly stood up and walked to the tree with the water canteen on it.

I don’t want to talk about it, Tric snapped as he removed the container to drink.

Why not? Selzer sounded like a young child with an abundant curiosity and a mellowed voice. I want to know.

Tric finished his swig of water as he turned to face the thief, whose right hand was now on the jug as his left propped him up against the ground. The killer tried to figure what was the reason for this question.

Tell me. I want to know about your mother.

Why? Tric asked. Why do you want to know anything about my mother?

Selzer looked down to the jug and ran his finger around the opening. Because I want to know if she was like mine.

If I tell you what you want to hear, will you tell me what I want to hear?

Uh huh, was the simple reply.

Tric walked back over and sat back down across from Selzer, whose head was bobbing up and down as he tried to stay conscious. The Brutay grabbed a handful of black hair and pulled it upward. The pain got the human’s attention, and he opened his mouth