Radioactive Evolution

by Richard Hummel

  My name is Damien, and you—

  Jared removed his hand before the person finished speaking, earning him another scowl. The hate in Damien’s mental communication made it obvious he didn’t like Jared, nor did he trust him. Rather than greet him like the rest of the people present, Jared simply uttered his name and nodded, moving over to the last person.

  George.

  A single, clipped word. There was no anger or vehemence, but the cold calculation in the other’s eyes made Jared wary of him. Jared responded in kind, with a single utterance of his name. He filed both their names in the back of his mind and planned to keep a close eye on George. Damien was a loud, arrogant type and wouldn’t pose an issue for him, but something about George set him on edge. Careful not to let his train of thought show, Jared turned back to Vanessa.

  “Vanessa, how long were you all enslaved by this water devil?”

  Vanessa grabbed his hand again and said, We’ve been prisoners for almost nine years.

  “Wow,” Jared replied in amazement. “I don’t know how you did it. How you survived so long without going mad.”

  We didn’t have a choice. Bitterness laced her words as she recalled the years as a prisoner.

  Rather than dwell on an obviously painful topic, Jared changed the topic, and asked, “Are there more of you? Others that might’ve come out of the lake in another area?”

  No, we always stayed together unless commanded otherwise. We’ve lost several hundred over the years to madness. A couple died recently, in the explosion that freed us.

  The blood drained from Jared’s face. He’d killed them. It was an accident, but he’d killed them.

  Vanessa saw the look on his face and mirrored it with one of her own. What’s wrong, Jared?

  “I killed them.”

  Killed who?

  “That explosion, that was my doing. We didn’t know…” Jared’s voice trailed off as he plopped to the ground, dejected.

  I swore I’d never kill innocent people, he thought. Now I’ve killed who knows how many. My negligence. Carelessness. I should’ve taken more time to understand the threat.

  Jared? Are you okay? What happened?

  We can speak of it when you return.

  Vanessa tightened her grip on his hand. Jared. You freed us. You freed all of us, even those that died in the explosion. We were totally and completely under his control. We couldn’t end our own lives if we wanted to. Most of the time we just huddled together in the dark, wishing for an escape. Our thoughts were our own, but we were powerless to act on them.

  Jared looked up at Vanessa, her eyes soft while she consoled him.

  She sat next to him, holding his hand and continued. The water devil took anyone away that tried to escape. Eventually, everyone stopped trying, and some of them went mad. He made them leave the group, and we never saw them again. Some said the water devil ate them, but no one knows for sure. My parents…

  It was Vanessa’s turn to go silent, small shudders passing through her body.

  Jared squeezed her hand to reassure her.

  “I lost my parents too. My father died from wild bears, and my mother…” A sob caught in his throat, and Jared stopped speaking.

  It was too much. Everything was just too much to take in, and he needed some space to collect his thoughts.

  Jared stood to his feet and addressed everyone. “I’m going to go out and wait for Scarlet to return. I’d ask that all of you remain inside for your own safety, and, again, please stay away from the loft. Also, please rest, and I ask that you keep working on your voices and physical strength. The days ahead will be trying, especially with all the creatures that emerged from the water with you. Whether you decide to stay with me, or venture out on your own, everyone needs to regain their strength as soon as possible.”

  All the creatures left the water?

  “All but the creatures that normally live in the water,” Jared said, and Vanessa’s grip tightened on his hand. Her fingernails dug into his palm hard enough to hurt.

  “It’s okay, Vanessa. Scarlet will be back after she’s had time to process, and we’ll make sure no harm comes to any of you. We’ve faced much worse than what came from the lake, and we will protect you.”

  A palpable tension fled the room, several people crying in happiness and relief they’d finally found some measure of safety after so long. Their relief and happiness weren’t enough to overcome his current mood, but it helped he had an immediate objective to occupy his thoughts.

  I have returned.

  Jared let go of Vanessa’s hand, the absence of her cool touch disappointing.

  “Scarlet is back, and I must go speak with her. We’ll be back soon,” Jared said to the group.

  He joined Scarlet outside and pressed his hand to her head.

  Scarlet, I’m genuinely sorry for your loss. If we’d known...

  No, Jared. I took the time to reflect on it, and I know he was not himself. He was a water dragon, and I know there is no way he would enslave humankind willingly. It goes against everything we believe. It is one of the reasons we fled the earth when we could have dominated it. We do not wish to rule the world, only to live peaceably in it. Whatever my brother’s captors did to him, it changed him. Changed him in such a way it destroyed who he was.

  We’ll find out who did this and bring them to justice, promised Jared.

  Thank you. I feel an overwhelming desire to help these people recover now that I know who held them captive. You remember the dominance you felt from my mother? My brothers, although not as strong, also exuded the same mental presence. When he took over this area, there was nothing they could do to stop it.

  Jared thought back to when he’d met Alestrialia. The intensity of her psionic abilities rattled his brain so much that it felt like an elephant trampled on him. His head ached at the mere thought of experiencing it again.

  There is much I do not understand about this situation. For instance, why did he not just leave the water? Even a year in captivity is enough time for a dragon to gain strength, and he controlled everything within a radius of several miles. Why then did he remain here? Why enslave anything at all? Why kill people? It does not make sense. None of it does.

  All good questions that we’ll seek to answer in time. I have to wonder though: if he’d sensed your presence, or if a vine had touched you, would he have called for help?

  Sadly, I do not think he had the capacity. When you were his puppet, you mindlessly tried to get away, as if only instinct remained. No, I think something happened to him that destroyed his mind, his ability to rationalize.

  Maybe we’ll find answers in the tunnels below. I purposefully avoided any tunnels that veered too close to the water, but now that we don’t have to worry about him, I can explore them and seek answers.

  Scarlet nodded her head, sorrow and hopefulness wrestling within her. They sat a while longer before Scarlet asked, What happened after I left the barn?

  Vanessa said— Jared paused. We killed them. Some of the people in the lake. It was his turn to exude sorrow across their bond. There’s no way we could’ve known, I know, he quickly added. Not even Vanessa blames us for killing them, saying we freed them from a prison. Still. I vowed never to harm innocent people, but…

  I am truly sorry, Jared. I agree with Vanessa on this point. Death is a much kinder fate than what these poor people endured.

  Nine years, Scarlet. That’s how long they were slaves.

  Shock and outrage shot through their bond.

  I must help them. It is unthinkable.

  We will help them, even the two that don’t trust us. If they want to go their own way after they’ve recovered, so be it. At least our consciences will be satisfied that we did all we could.

  They sat for a time, enjoying each other’s company. The more time they spent with each other, the less th
ey needed words to understand one another. Touching as they were allowed them to sense slight shifts in their psyches and understand once they’d both come to grips with their current reality.

  Shall we head back inside? asked Jared, standing up.

  Scarlet hesitated a moment longer and rose to follow him through the door.

  Oh, by the way, all of them can use Telepathy.

  The declaration made Scarlet pause again. All of them?

  Yep, Vanessa tried it out. Although I can’t communicate back yet. I’m guessing my ability just isn’t strong enough. All the more reason to keep upgrading my Mind abilities.

  Did you tell them how we communicate?

  I did, but I didn’t go into details other than to mention we share a special bond, and they didn’t question it. I feel confident we’ll be able to share the secret with them in time, but I’m not quite ready to divulge that information to anyone else.

  I would like to speak with them.

  Jared paused at the door and looked back at Scarlet. Are you sure you’re ready for that?

  I am. The way I left them must have scared them senseless, and I do not want them afraid of me. I want them to know I am here to help.

  Jared smiled and opened the doors for Scarlet. All of the waterfolk stood to their feet looking uncertain.

  “It’s okay, everyone. Scarlet and I spoke about the water devil, and she holds no ill will toward anyone here. We don’t know where to lay blame for the atrocity that destroyed her brother, but we will seek answers and bring justice to those deserving. I know all of you can use Telepathy now, and Scarlet would like to speak with you. I want to warn you now, so you’re not surprised as Vanessa was. Scarlet is nothing like the water devil, and she wants to help you all recover as much as I do, but she speaks only using Telepathy, and her presence in your mind may remind you of your time enslaved.”

  Jared motioned for Scarlet to proceed.

  Hello, my name is Sildrainen Maildrel, but you may call me Scarlet. I promise all of you I will protect you to the best of my ability and help you overcome the grip my brother had on your minds. I believe I can help each of you recover faster, but it will take time, if you are willing. I feel it is my duty to right the wrong done to you by one of my own.

  Jared looked out at the hopeful faces, and a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He met Vanessa’s eyes, and she smiled in return, warmth spreading through Jared as he imagined a future with these people, with Vanessa and Scarlet at his side. They weren’t exactly an army, but they were a driven people, and the fact they’d survived over nine years with their bodies enslaved, spoke to their resolve and willpower. Physically, they didn’t resemble more than spindly, pale skeletons, but with time they’d overcome that obstacle and once again thrive as a people.

  Jared listened to Scarlet as she continued her introduction.

  Although the water devil, as you know him, was a dragon, we are not of the same lineage. He was what my kind call a water dragon, while I am a fire dragon, the matriarch of my family. I can only assume that humanity imprisoned him and eroded his mind with experimentation, driving him to commit these evil acts against you. I never met him personally, but I know from my mother’s memories, that his name was Razael. He was one of less than twenty water dragons left alive. It pains me to know I had a hand in his death, but I am relieved to know his suffering is over. I have no idea how long he was a prisoner here, but dragons left the affairs of the world thousands of years ago. If someone managed to capture Razael, it is possible that even fewer water dragons remain, as they are the only of our kind that did not burrow beneath the earth but preferred to remain in the oceans.

  Scarlet held the group enthralled as she spoke of her history, and that of the once majestic Razael.

  If you wish me to help with your mind, I am here for you. I will warn you that it will not be pleasant and that you must physically touch me for this to work.

  Fear spread across their faces, several taking a few steps back. After the revelation Scarlet just shared, Jared didn’t blame them for their hesitation and fear. No doubt he’d feel the same way in their situation. He stepped in to appease them before things got out of hand.

  “Look, I know this is scary. I know some of you don’t trust us. I get it. I understand it more than you know. If you want to wait, to get to know us better first, that is up to you. We can promise to protect you over and over, but ultimately it is your decision to make, and we won’t force the issue.”

  If Jared didn’t know better, he’d have said the message fell on deaf ears, but the reality was that a lot of them conversed among themselves, and he just couldn’t hear the conversations. While they discussed what to do, Jared projected a question to Scarlet.

  How are you going to help them? Rather than respond to him directly, she explained to the entire group.

  My brother used his will to dominate you. Somehow, he exerted his will and influence over the nanites in your bodies, controlling everything you did. Although he is dead, the nanites he modified still course through your bodies, and I can help eradicate his influence entirely.

  Wait, how come you couldn’t help me when I got infected? Jared asked, and again Scarlet spoke to the whole group instead.

  I do not know if Jared told you, but he became infected by Razael a few weeks ago and nearly died recovering from the ordeal.

  Many of the waterfolk looked at him in surprise, new appreciation apparent behind their eyes. Vanessa showed the most concern, covering her mouth with her hand as a sharp exhalation of surprise escaping her lips. Jared reassured them he was fine before Scarlet continued.

  I tried to help him then but could do nothing for him. I can only speculate that my brother changed so much in the time he remained here that I no longer sensed his presence, or he had a way to mask it. Now that he is dead, there is nothing preventing me from removing his taint if you want.

  At first no one moved to accept Scarlet’s help, and Jared suspected they were reluctant to approach her after what happened to Vanessa, so he stepped in to mediate the affair.

  “Vanessa? I know you’ve no reason to trust me, or my words, but I promise she holds no ill will toward anyone here. She only wants to help in the best way she knows how.” Jared held his hand out to her, and she tentatively walked forward to grab his hand.

  Please sit next to me. This process will tax your body and mind.

  Vanessa followed her instructions and placed her hand against Scarlet for the second time. There was no outburst or exclamation this time, but he saw Vanessa’s body stiffen. Occasionally, she jerked or her eyelids fluttered, but otherwise she remained outwardly calm while Scarlet worked on her.

  It is as I thought. I can feel my brother’s presence. It will take me significantly longer than I expected, but in time all of you will recover fully, your minds entirely your own.

  With those words, she released her mental grip on Vanessa, and she slumped forward, eyes closed. It took her several moments of rhythmic breathing to steady herself enough to rise to her feet.

  “Please,” rasped Vanessa. She beckoned her people forward to undergo the same procedure. Hours passed as one by one, each of the waterfolk went through the same process, several collapsing right next to Scarlet in exhaustion.

  There was a faction of people that backed away, making it obvious they didn’t want to undergo the same treatment yet. Damien and George were at their center, gesturing wildly and turning their heads from person to person.

  Scarlet, those two are going to cause us problems. Jared nodded his head to the cluster of people.

  I will watch them closely, Scarlet said and went back to her task of cleansing each person.

  The process continued throughout the night, and by the end of it Scarlet needed to rest and recover herself. Jared had done little throughout the process, except to carry sleeping people away. Looking around, he re
alized he was the only one still awake, the deep peaceful breathing of sleep whispered throughout the room. Smiling, Jared couldn’t shake the thought he’d witnessed a true miracle here. How anyone could survive as long as these people in such conditions he didn’t know, but not only did they survive, they seemed on a quick path to recovery.

  Well, at least most of them, thought Jared. Maybe it won’t take so long to build an army after all.

  No immediate concerns to grab his attention, Jared clambered up to the loft and pulled up his status screen. It was time to look after himself and grow stronger.

  Jared - Nanites Available: 81%

  “What!”

  Jared’s exclamation startled a couple people, but they remained asleep. Looking at it again, Jared couldn’t believe it.

  How do I have eighty-one percent to assign? Jared looked up, casting his gaze in the direction of the lake. How many nanites does that lake hold?

  Jared spent a long time studying his abilities and exploring the changes to his body. There was still a lot he wanted to do and many areas to improve, but he needed to play the long game here and focus on things that’d really make a lasting impact. Strength or the ability to run super-fast helped, but it was more of an immediate impact versus a long-term strategy.

  After weighing the pros and cons, he assigned twenty-five percent of the nanites into Telepathy. Not only did his deficiency in the ability prevent him from communicating more effectively with Scarlet, it now hindered his communication with the waterfolk.

  Next, he slid another twenty-five percent into body Manipulation, because without the regenerative abilities, he’d already be dead many times over. That left Jared with thirty-one percent. There was still much he needed to learn from his previous changes, so he left the remainder of the free nanites unassigned.

  Satisfied with his selections, Jared turned his thoughts toward exploration of the tunnels beneath the city. He had several priorities including retrieval of the weapons in the armory, collecting the rest of the medical supplies, finding clothing and equipment for the waterfolk, and investigating the facility for some evidence of what happened to Razael.