Radioactive Evolution

by Richard Hummel

  Everyone in the room looked spellbound by the opportunity, determination sparking a fire in their eyes. This was the start of a revolution, and all he needed to do was stoke the tiny flame into a raging inferno.

  “If we show you how to bond and become stronger, then you must promise to aid us in our fight to bring justice to the world. That means fighting. Perhaps in a fight that leads to some of our deaths, but a fight that seeks to bring justice to those deserving.”

  Tension permeated the room. Silent nods and whispered thoughts passed between those gathered. The look in their eyes spoke of their desire to pick up the torch and join the fight.

  “To put it into perspective, I’ve already murdered three people that wanted to harm or kill Scarlet, and it haunts me every single day. However, I also spared two that intended us no harm, though they were part of the same group. Could I justify killing all five of them? Perhaps, but I showed them mercy, and if we show you how to gain this power, I’ll expect every one of you to do the same. I’ll hold each of you accountable for your actions, and I will not tolerate radicalism, or people that unjustly take lives. If we could win this fight with no death, I’d take that path, but I don’t think it’s possible, and I need to know you are of the same mind.”

  One by one, each person stood to their feet. Vanessa, leading the way, walked up to him and laid a hand on his arm.

  I am with you.

  You can count on us.

  One at a time, each member of their small survivor colony walked up to him and voiced their acceptance and agreement. With each person who added their voice, Jared’s excitement grew.

  Everyone but George. After everything he’d seen and heard, still he held back.

  Dark thoughts clouded Jared’s mind as he looked at him across the room.

  Scarlet, I don’t like this guy.

  Should I force my way into his thoughts?

  Not yet. We’ll keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn’t run off anywhere.

  If only one person caused them problems, he could deal with that. Forty-three others willing to abide his wishes and join him in his cause was a success. As long as they kept George close, there wasn’t much he could do to harm the group at large.

  Looking over the faces before him, Jared couldn’t help feeling they’d reached a pivotal point in their journey. There was no turning back. He’d found the start of his small army, and he’d do everything in his power to protect them and see everyone grow stronger.

  Hope was a powerful thing, and Jared witnessed its effects as everyone’s countenance changed to excitement at the opportunity.

  Amidst the jubilant spirit, a subdued attitude pervaded because of the responsibility and challenge they were about to put on their shoulders. Burden aside, they now had some semblance of hope. It was more than any of them had in the last nine years, and they clung to it like a lifeline. These people needed a reason to keep living, to keep struggling, and now they had it.

  Jared thanked everyone for their support and asked Scarlet to proceed.

  “Please show everyone how I found you, and the events leading up to our bonding. Spare nothing.” Jared wanted everyone to know it wasn’t all rainbows and sunshine.

  Scarlet showed everyone the events leading up to the theft of her egg, meeting with Alestrialia, battle of the rats, their encounter with the Daggers, and their victory over the worm.

  After Scarlet finished the retelling, they looked at Jared and Scarlet with newfound awe, many trying to ask questions of Scarlet, but Jared stepped in to stop them.

  “I’d like you all to watch the history of dragons before you ask any questions. I told each of you before that if you stand beside us, we’ll fight to see justice brought not just to humanity, but also the dragons. For you to understand and comprehend the magnitude of injustice done to Scarlet’s kin, you must see their history.”

  Jared motioned for Scarlet to proceed. After they’d finished, Scarlet spoke to him.

  I trust them, Jared.

  I’d say I told you so, but… Jared smirked.

  I believed you then, though I did not think we would find such people so soon.

  I’m with you there. Things are moving a whole lot faster than I thought they would.

  Jared busied himself making plans for their next endeavor while Scarlet answered the many questions asked of her. First, he needed to dig out the armory to see if anything survived the blasts. With so many people, they needed more defense than just the few weapons he had. Next, they needed to scavenge the city for anything worth saving and get out of the area. It was possible the cities would come back to level the rest of the area, and they needed to be long gone if that happened.

  “Scarlet showed you the history of dragons. You know the persecution they endured, and you know the vow I’ve made to help her. Now, I ask that each of you also make a similar vow. If you do not, I will not help you, you will get no boosters, and I will not help you find a companion to bond. The information is too powerful to give away flippantly. I won’t prevent you from leaving after you’ve gained the knowledge, but know that I won’t help you either.”

  Jared looked straight at George as he said this. He was the only one isolated from the rest. Damien fell in line readily enough and stood with those asking questions of Scarlet.

  Um, sorry Scarlet. I guess I should’ve asked first. You can do that? The binding thing like your mother did?

  I can.

  How does it work, exactly?

  Jared waved everyone to take a seat. “Sorry, I’m conversing with Scarlet for just a moment. Please have a seat and I’ll explain shortly.”

  It uses Telepathy. When someone utters a vow, they make a mental decision. Since dragons have mastered the mind, I can take those thoughts and seal them to each person by infusing the words into their own mind. The nanites also help to enforce the bond, and if they break that vow, it will tear their minds apart.

  So, the threat from your mother...

  Yes, it was very real. If you go against your vows to protect me and help my kind, it will destroy you.

  Wait, isn’t this similar to what Razael did with the nanites?

  It… Scarlet paused as she reflected on his question. Yes! I think you are on to something; it is similar, but I did not understand the connection before.

  Scarlet went silent once more, and just as he was about to ask her to continue, she exclaimed, I know how to isolate them! I need more time to work through everything, but I can do it, Jared. I can halt the onset of the virus.

  Jared jumped in excitement, startling those around him. At the moment, he didn’t care if he looked odd.

  Scarlet! If we don’t need to worry about the virus—

  The ramifications of this development tumbled around in his head. For the past two years, his entire life had been about finding boosters, and now they might be irrelevant to keeping them alive. That would allow him to use their entire stockpile for bonding human and creature together.

  Excited about the new development, Jared turned around to face everyone seated to explain the vow.

  “You all witnessed my vow to Alestrialia. If her threat wasn’t sufficient, let me remind you that if you fail to abide your spoken word, it will rip your mind apart. Do not make light of this vow, and if you are unsure, wait until you are certain.” Everyone grasped the serious nature of the moment, but it didn’t appear anyone had objections. Anyone but George, who refused to join the group. When Jared looked at him, he turned his back and walked into a stall in the far corner of the barn. Jared shook his head and look back to those on the ground.

  “We’ll do this one at a time. Vanessa? Can you please go first?”

  Vanessa nodded and approached Scarlet.

  “Please place your hand on her side. This will not be pleasant, but I’m here if you need help.”

  In the next instant, Sc
arlet’s voice thundered into the minds of everyone present. She’d chosen to make everyone’s vow a public affair, but he didn’t mind as it held everyone accountable.

  I charge you, Vanessa Carlisle, to guard, protect, and strengthen all dragons. Seek to right the wrongs against dragon-kind and usher in a new age where dragons and man thrive side by side. I charge you to do no intentional harm to humankind unless in defense of yourself, other humans, or dragons. And to only inflict harm as a last resort in pursuit of justice.

  He watched as Vanessa’s eyes flitted to something in front of her.

  dragon’s Vow

  Sildrainen Maildrel, queen of the fire dragons has asked you to become the guardian of dragon’s and humankind. To right the wrongs committed by mankind. To bring justice to the world. To act nobly toward dragon’s and mankind. Do you agree to never stray from this vow?

  When Vanessa finished reading the message, she looked up at Scarlet and rasped, “Yes.”

  The entire room watched Vanessa’s body go rigid and still. Her breath quickened, and face contorted into a grimace. It lasted for a full minute before the mental grip on her vanished. Vanessa doubled over, breathing heavily from the exertion.

  Jared walked over and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Are you okay, Vanessa?”

  I’m okay. It hurt. Need to. Rest… she managed.

  Jared nodded and beckoned the next person forward.

  One by one, each person made their vow, many collapsing from the strain. It was painful, but the sight made him smile knowing that everyone wanted to follow through regardless of the pain and trials that would come their way. Their purposes now aligned, they could focus on making a home and finding companions for everyone. Jared looked around and found only he and Scarlet remained awake, the light outside already fading to dusk.

  “Scarlet, I need sleep too, but first I want you to change my bond to include the extra bit about protecting humankind.” Just as before, he placed his hand on Scarlet and uttered the vow. The process wasn’t all that painful for him, but he had also experienced it before and his enhancements helped to nullify it.

  “Thank you. Are you okay to keep a watch while I sleep? I’ve got several enhancement waiting for me when I wake, and I’m excited to increase my Telepathy.”

  Yes. There are many things for me to think on, and sleep is far from my mind at present.

  “Thanks, Scarlet.”

  He climbed up to the loft, set his pack down and fell asleep the moment his head touched down.

  Jared woke to the clamor of voices in the room, and he wished they’d go away and let him sleep more.

  Voices.

  Why so many voices?

  His sleep addled brain couldn’t make sense of anything, or why—

  Wait, what?

  Jared bolted upright, the grogginess vanishing. Thinking it was a trick of his mind, Jared shook his head and looked at the people milling around the room. He heard them speaking clearly, but none of their mouths moved as they exchanged words of Telepathy back and forth. Jared didn’t know how long he spent eavesdropping on conversations before he realized that Scarlet was staring at him.

  I see that your Telepathy ability improved.

  You could say that. Jared smiled at her. I can hear everyone! I wasn’t sure I’d be able to, since they only speak through touch, but… He gestured around the room. “I’d forgotten what it felt like to be in a colony, hearing the multitude of voices and noises.”

  In time, they should be able to communicate without touch as well.

  What about thought spaces? Can we try it?

  We could, but I think we should wait until you acclimate to the improved ability. I think your mind will experience difficulty processing the speed at which I think.

  Eagerness didn’t begin to describe how much he wanted to move to the next step, but he relented, realizing Scarlet was right.

  Jared returned to eavesdropping on all the conversations below.

  This is so awesome! It no longer feels like there’s a bunch of zombies walking around the room. It’s…normal. Well, mostly normal. I don’t think anyone would say forty plus people walking around talking without using their mouths is normal, but I can hear them just as well.

  Jared looked around the room for Vanessa. He found her on the other side of the room. Concentrating on only her, Jared called out.

  Vanessa.

  She whipped her head around, but by the confusion evident on her face, she didn’t know who had spoken until he tried again.

  Vanessa.

  This time her eyes widened, and she zeroed in on his position in the loft.

  I can speak using Telepathy now.

  Her mouth dropped opened, and she excused herself from the conversation. Vanessa walked over to the ladder and gestured for him to come down, but Jared waved her up instead. He held his hand out to help her the rest of the way up. Her cool skin on his sent goosebumps up his arm. Like all of the waterfolk, she was frail, and if he wasn’t careful, he could accidentally hurt her.

  Upon reaching the top, Vanessa grabbed his hand and asked, How can you speak now?

  “I’m pretty sure we told you about growing stronger and gaining abilities, right?”

  Vanessa nodded her head. Yes, but why now?

  “Ah…I haven’t had time after collecting the nanites because it requires sleep for the changes to go into effect. Sometimes I’ll sleep for days during changes, but this time there were no physical changes, so it was much faster.”

  Collect nanites? What are you talking about? How?

  “Wait, I thought—” Jared turned to Scarlet. “Did you not show them how to absorb and assign nanites?”

  Scarlet cocked her head to the side, thinking back through all of the memories she’d shared.

  No, it looks like I never let the memories progress that far.

  Shrugging, Jared said, “I guess we left a few things out when Scarlet showed you the bonding. Let’s gather everyone together so I only need to explain it once.”

  Jared called everyone over using Telepathy, receiving more confused looks.

  Please gather around. I have more information to tell you about the bonding and what comes after. I’m sure many of you are wondering how I can speak with you using Telepathy, when yesterday I could not…

  Jared proceeded to explain the entire process of absorbing nanites, how they could expand their status screens, and how to assign the nanites collected. Everyone listened with rapt attention, George included. As the only person who hadn’t agreed to their vow not to harm humanity and dragons, Jared really wasn’t a fan of him hearing all this, but there wasn’t much he could do about it short of kicking him out of the barn. However, he’d rather keep the man close to watch him than to send him on his way and spill their secrets.

  Jared narrowed his eyes and spoke into George’s mind.

  Until you bind yourself to the vow like everyone else, I will not give you a booster to bond with anything.

  George scoffed at him, made a rude gesture and retreated to the corner of the room.

  Shaking his head, Jared explained some of the abilities, but it wasn’t until he mentioned Remodeling and how they could use it to revert back to human that cries of joy echoed in his head. Even George perked up at the news, but it still wasn’t enough to draw him in.

  Jared hadn’t realized how many people hated their appearance. He’d grown accustomed to it, accepting them as they were. Their appearance had even grown on him, but now he wondered what people would look like going back to their more human selves.

  Everyone had a ton of questions. A few voiced their skepticism, so Jared demonstrated a few of his abilities, quelling any doubt.

  Finally, everyone grew tired and silent. At this point, Jared was weary himself and thankful it was over. Everyone dispersed, leaving Vanessa and him to thems
elves in the loft. Jared had one more important topic he wanted to broach with her before heading out for the day.

  “Vanessa, I don’t want to lead this colony.” Jared held up his hand to pacify her after seeing the hurt in her eyes. “I want you to lead your people. That also means Scarlet and I will follow your desires as they relate to your people. For anything related to our mission and hunting, mine or Scarlet’s word remains sovereign. Does that work for you?”

  Vanessa nodded.

  “Look, everyone here adores you, and they would follow you to the ends of the earth. You’ve shown your leadership by bringing everyone here through the worst days of their lives, and I think you are the best suited to continue doing so. Scarlet and I have several objectives that may take us far afield for long periods of time, and your people need someone strong to govern them. Someone like you. My focus needs to be on protecting, strengthening, and building up our fighting ability.”

  I’ll take care of my people as I’ve done for the past nine years, Vanessa said, mollified. Thank you.

  “Perfect! Now that’s settled, it’s time Scarlet and I got down to business. We are going to scout the area and assess the damage done by the explosions.”

  Jared turned to Scarlet and asked, “You good to go, Scarlet?”

  Yes. I need to stretch my wings.

  “Vanessa, can you please make sure everyone stays inside with the doors shut? There’s a lot of dangerous creatures roaming the area and we won’t be here to protect you. We shouldn’t be long,” Jared added when he saw Vanessa’s brow furrow.

  Jared reached around to the crate behind him and pulled out his rifle.

  “Does anyone have experience using weapons?” Jared asked.

  Vanessa nodded, and replied, Johan knows about them. I think his parents used to be in charge of the armory before…well, you know.