The Armadillo Files, Episode 9 — Featuring Bad Moon Rising

Posted on by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

Saturday, October 16, 2021

Teri's Bad Moon Rising banner with Teagan tomfoolery
Teri’s Bad Moon Rising banner with a lot of Teagan tomfoolery

You’ve reached The Armadillo Files, even though it might at first look like author Teri Polen’s yearly October festival of horror and suspense, Bad Moon Rising.

Three Bad Moon Things

In support of the aforementioned event, my things for this episode are Bad, Moon, and Rising. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the wherewithal to also make this a horror episode.  Hmmm maybe next time though.

Tidbits of Truth

I always try to bring a bit of reality into this zany atom-punk fantasy.  This time it’s with dancing and food. We left Dilly pretty darned hungry last time.  So you’ll find that I’ve mentioned three dishes that really were popular back in the World War II Era.  For more click this link.

This episode mentions the owl from last time.  I’m including one more owlish thing today. I had wondered if there might be an owl dance. Oh yes, I found one.  It’s a Native American dance.  Learn about the Owl Dance here.

Previously in The Armadillo Files

The trolley-looking spaceship carrying Delilah Faraday and Tatu Pinkerton, aka Fang, landed.  The pair went outside when TROLLEY started some sort of transformation. Then they heard something outside in the bushes, and Fang had an unfortunate encounter with an owl.  You can find all the past chapters by going to the categories on the right side of the screen.  Click on Armadillo Files.

This chapter is told solely from TROLLEY’s point of view.

All aboard!

9 — What’s rising?

1920s Man on Moon Drinking

Trolley

Auditory sensors detected a vocal alarm call.  TROLLEY scanned the surrounding area.  A moment later operative Tatu Pinkerton began banging at the newly configured entrance.

The entry was unlocked, but TROLLY obligingly opened it for him.  The artificial intelligence noted that the white tuxedo what he ordered was soiled with avian waste.  The operative looked down at the avian vomit on his jacket and shrieked.

“This is bad.  It’s awful!” he cried.

TROLLEY recorded his elevated heartrate.  The operative moved in a chaotic way, not unlike some dances of the era in which they had just landed.  The alarm call, the scream, must have been issued by him.

1920s Faint

TROLLEY found the two elements contradictory.  Was there a threat?  Or, was the operative practicing local customs, learning to dance?

Quickly, TROLLEY checked the bio readings of the female human.  Her pulse was slightly elevated, and she showed signs of stress, but not actual alarm.  Responses were required.

“Delilah Faraday, bio readings within acceptable range.  Sensing alarm from Operative Tatu Pinkerton.  What actions are recommended?” TROLLEY requested.

The operative didn’t reply clearly, although “no” seemed to be the answer regarding a physical threat.

Even so, he leapt and swayed, shuffling his steps in a circle.  To TROLLEY his speech was gibberish.  However, one word was clear — owl.

“Detecting the Owl Dance of the Blackfoot, Native American people.  Used for courtship and social occasions.  However, that group is not in this area.  Suggest the jitterbug as a more appropriate alternative,” TROLLEY recommended.

“Fang, calm down.  You’re confusing the trolley.  I mean TROLLEY,” the human woman stated, seeming to look for the source of voice communications.

Detecting no reply from the occupants, TROLLEY switched on the large screen, and accessed film of a couple dancing the jitterbug.  This caused a startled gasp from the woman.  TROLLEY assumed such technology was unknown to her.

“That’s almost as big as a theatre screen,” Delilah Faraday.  “But I don’t see a projector anywhere.”

“No, TROLLEY.  We don’t need dance lessons.  At least not right now,” Tatu Pinkerton stated.

In response, TROLLEY switched off the screen.  It became an ordinary seeming wall.

The woman gaped.  She looked around the newly reconfigured ship in amazement.  She placed her hand on a door with a sign that instructed “Staff Only.”  The small round window in the door showed stairs that led to the underground floors TROLLEY had just made.

“It’s quadrupled in size!” the woman murmured.

Mrs Miniver poster 1942 Wikipedia
Mrs Miniver poster 1942, Wikipedia

“Ship configuration now meets minimum transformation and safety standards.  Upgrades will continue for nourishment preparation capabilities and for the covert operations workspace below,” TROLLEY stated.

“Nourishment preparation?” Pinkerton began.  “Oh, that’s right.  Prime arranged for us to have a liquor license and TROLLEY is supposed to look an entertainment establishment…  TROLLEY will be able to make booze!  Hey TROLLEY honey, if you don’t have any gin or tequila ready, can you serve up some moonshine?”

A green light revolved around a round console.  Then a bell dinged.

“Recommending nourishment before booze, Operative Pinkerton.  No custom orders are possible at present.  However, test dishes from this era are currently available.  Note the deviled lobster, prepared and then the crustation shell is cleaned and used as a receptacle.  Also, hotdog potato salad, which has chopped frankfurters added for additional protein.  Reminder, protein sources like meat are rationed during this date.”

 The domed top of the round console opened, displaying the food.  The woman’s pupils dilated, which TROLLEY interpreted as positive.

 “I was hoping for jellied chicken but…” Pinkerton started, but Delilah Faraday poked her elbow into his ribs.

 “Mind your manners, Fang,” she began.  “It’s been about 24 hours since I ate, and this looks delicious to me.”

 “Operative Pinkerton, please remove your soiled jacket before partaking of the food,” TROLLEY stated.

 Tatu Pinkerton looked at the remains of the rodent the owl had regurgitated onto his tuxedo.  He bounded to his feet in a panic.  He ran a circle around the control room and then fainted.

 Delilah Faraday hurried to his side, showing worry.  TROLLEY attempted to allay her concern.

 “Operative Pinkerton’s vasovagal reflex was triggered.  No need for alarm.  His bio readings are rising to normal.  He is already returning to consciousness,” TROLLEY assured the human.

 “I’ve never seen anyone who was so excitable,” Faraday remarked.  “Was he really the same pink fairy armadillo that my Uncle Arturo brought me from Argentina?”

 “Delilah Faraday, it is time you and I got better acquainted,” TROLLEY told the woman.

 “Only if you call me Dilly,” the botanist replied.

 Outside, the moon lowered on the horizon.  A wolf howled at the descending orb.  Pinkerton raised his head.  His eyes bulged at the sound of the howl.  He fainted again.

 Recording potential for this assignment to be a greater than expected challenge, TROLLEY silently added to the mission log.

 ♦ ♦ ♦

It might be cool for Dilly and TROLLEY to get to know one another.  Although that might not be the best thing for Fang.  Hugs on the wing!

♦ ♦ ♦

In other news, the October issue of Dead of Winter is now available.

DoW 10 Pergesca 09-29-2021

Dead of Winter — All the Journeys

Universal Purchase Links

Journey 10, Pergesca

Kindle:  relinks.me/B09J6TH8TD

Paperback:  relinks.me/B09J7GFWYV

Journey 9, Doors of Attunement

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Journey 8, The Lost Library

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Journey 7, Revenant Pass

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Journey 6, The Fluting Fell

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Journey 5, Llyn Pistyll Falls

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Journey 4, The Old Road

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Journey 3, the Fever Field

Kindle: elinks.me/B08XTNZ9M8 

Paperback:  relinks.me/B08XXY3JXF

Kobo:  Dead of Winter: Journey 3, the Fever Field eBook by Teagan Riordain Geneviene – 1230004609599 | Rakuten Kobo United States

Journey 2, Penllyn

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Journey 1, Forlorn Peak

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Kobo:  Dead of Winter: Journey 1, Forlorn Peak eBook by Teagan Geneviene – 1230004446033 | Rakuten Kobo United States

.

This is a work of fiction.  Characters, names, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2021 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

All rights reserved. 

No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission.  Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.

All images are either the property of the author or provided by free sources, unless stated otherwise.

 

…

74 thoughts on “The Armadillo Files, Episode 9 — Featuring Bad Moon Rising”

  4. Another interesting episode! And, I see by all the comments there were many who also enjoyed the story as it progressed mentioning great food–and I see, that the story is still dealing with “THE OWL”.

    Liked by 1 person

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  5. Sorry I’m just now getting here – we were out of town visiting Son #1 this weekend. I adored this episode (maybe not the food, though, lol). This was so cool the way you incorporated BMR. Thanks so much, Teagan!

    Liked by 1 person

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  6. Love this episode, Teagan, and owl vomit? Yikes! By the way, I’m almost finished with Journey 6 and can’t put it down. Your imagination is incredible. Also, I’d like to offer three different “things” to you if that’s still in the plans. I don’t like the words I gave you. 🙂 Anyway, Happy Monday! Hope yours is a good one! 🧡🍁🍂

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Lauren, you’ve gotten my week off to such a wonderful start! I had so much worry about Boabhan’s origin scene in Journey 6. I’m very happy that you are enjoying that one.

      More sets of 3 things are always welcome. That said, there’s nothing wrong with your first set. I very nearly used them this week, but opted for a more Halloweenish direction.
      Okay, so right now the story is in the early 1940s. It might go to other times/eras. But I think it will stay in the 40s for quite awhile. So keep that in mind with your new things.
      Heartfelt thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs on the wing!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. I’m glad, Teagan, and I think the way you portrayed that scene was perfect, just enough to set the awful tone, but not too graphic to make it so difficult for your readers. My two cents, at least. And I think my original “things” are very random and a bit silly. I didn’t realize they should apply to the era as I’m getting to know you and your posts better. My apologies. 🙂 I’ll keep the 40s in mind when I come up with a new set. Enjoy your day. xo

        Liked by 1 person

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  7. Thanks for this very intriguing episode, Teagan! Another great information about the past included, and also a lot of fun within the action of the characters. I hope you had a nice weekend, and wish you a wonderful upcoming week. As my delay shows, i am somehow in winter mode. ;-( Big hugs, Michael

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hi Michael. LOL about winter mode. I think Crystal is too. Although right now she’s in “loud snoring” mode. 🐱 Actually, I like that comments on these serial posts get spread out over the weekend.
      I’m very happy you enjoyed this one. Next week I share a lot of facts when I describe the “Secret City” as they used to call Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Hopefully I don’t let the episode get boring with that… but the stage has to be set for the story. Take care, my friend. Big hugs back to you.

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      1. I have gotten back into the habit of saving some time each day for reading…..I use to always do that, but got away from it. Love it….I tell you this because it’s your stuff that has pulled me back. I just finished Dead of Winter 7 last night…already have 8 downloaded….I’m catching up!!

        Liked by 1 person

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  13. Pingback: The Armadillo Files, Episode 9 — Featuring Bad Moon Rising — Teagan’s Books | ravenhawks' magazine Magick for Mind Body and Soul
  14. Pingback: The Armadillo Files, Episode 9 — Featuring Bad Moon Rising — Teagan’s Books | ravenhawks' magazine Magick for Mind Body and Soul

  16. Trolley is such a cool character.:-) How do you come up with these stories?! I think it was a fun idea to use BAD, MOON, and RISING as your three things in this October episode. (I always look forward to Teri’s BadMoonRising series.)

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. Haha. Thanks, Priscilla. There’s an endlessly twisting morass of weird stuff in my head. I reach in and drag out a thread and make a story. o_O
      I agree about Bad Moon Rising. Teri does an amazing job coordinating everything. What a huge task. Thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs on the wing.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  17. Wonderful, fantabulous episode. Gotta love TROLLEY. She’s an original. Pinkerton will probably defy any attempts at behavior modification or domestication. I agree with GP that this seems to be evolving on a weekly basis.
    Happy hugs hustling your way.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  20. Poor Fang, he has a really weak stomach. I hope Trolley can help him. He’s very excitable. Maybe Dilly will find a way to calm him down.

    The Owl Dance of the Blackfoot….you must research in your sleep Teagan.

    Love the poster. Mrs. Miniver is one of my all-time favorite movies! I have no idea where this story is going, but I have a feeling you don’t either, so I don’t feel so bad! 🤗
    Ginger

    Liked by 1 person

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  21. haha, Fang certainly is the excitable one! I can figure out why Dilly and TROLLEY getting to know each other will be bad for Fang though, unless she replaces him as an operative – heck she didn’t even know that cats could fly a space ship.
    Have a terrific weekend, Teagan, and thank yu for another great episode!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. It’s great to see you, GP. Dilly took care of Fang in his armadillo form for several years. TROLLEY has to be the “responsible adult” when he’s with her. If those two start comparing notes, heaven forbid, but they might try to make him grow up — no matter what his age actually is. o_O 😀 Hugs on the wing.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  22. Oh my. It looks like Dilly is going to have to be the strong one here. I almost said, “in this relationship” but that premature if even possible. Deviled Lobster sounds like it might be good. I’d try that. This was an enjoyable episode.

    I have a bit of compassion for Fang, A vasovagal reflex reaction is what sent me to the floor several years ago and ultimately to the hospital to have my forehead stitched back together. I hope they included laundry facilities in the diner.

    In other news, my copy of Journey 10 is on its way.

    I hope you have.an easy relaxing weekend, Teagan. Mine is off to a good start now that TROLLEY is back in operation.

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. I always heard that the danger of losing consciousness that way is really about falling. Take care of yourself, my friend.
      For food and clothing, I imagine a Star-Trek-like method of production. I don’t know what to call it, but I always thought it would be wonderful to have. 🙂
      Dan, that’s music to my ears about Journey 10. I hope you love it. Hugs on the wing!

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Falling is always the danger. I don’t even remember what happened. My wife walked into what looked like a murder scene. Blood all over the floor and me lying behind the door. She got me up, and I passed out again. Then 911.

        I like the idea of a replicator type device. That would be one of the first things I’d invent 😏

        I’m sure I will like Journey No. 10. Maybe I’ll get my act together and write a review for 9&10.

        Liked by 1 person

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        1. I remember you talking about that accident. I just didn’t remember the term “vasovagal reflex reaction.” Your wife must have been beside herself when she walked into that room.
          Even a simple sentence would delight me, Dan. I just hope you enjoy them.
          Great visit at your No Facilities Bar today. Cheers!

          Liked by 1 person

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          1. I didn’t remember the term until I read it here. It’s what the EMT said he thought it was. They confirmed it at the hospital after they ruled out everything else. She’s still not sure how she did what she did that night.

            Liked by 1 person

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  24. An owl dance! What next! I love having TROLLEY’s point of view in this one. They must be a pretty puzzling pair of characters, for sure! Can’t wait to see what they learn from each other. Super episode, Teagan. Thanks for the fun and good luck!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Oh cool! I’ve lost track of which of your projects that would be. I’ve wanted to do something related to the Calutron Girls for years. This story wasn’t at all the kind of thing I was thinking, but it can touch on the topic. Anyhow the changes in foods and day-to-day cultural things fascinate me. Hugs on the wing.

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