The Armadillo Files, Episode 18 — Featuring GP Cox

Posted on by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

Saturday, January 1, 2022

happy new year Teagans Books cats plane

Happy New Year, everyone!  You’ve reached The Armadillo Files.  It’s unreal so hold on tight.

I meant to give myself a week off.  However, the real world had other plans.  Add to that… to be honest, I’m not doing well with my “stuff,” although I’m not exactly sure why.  I’m not complaining — just explaining, but it hasn’t been easy.  Even so, I was determined to give you at least a little bit of The Armadillo Files.

Random Reader Things

The three things that drive this episode are from GP Cox, at Pacific Paratrooper. Click over and check out his amazing historical blog. It really is extraordinary.  His random reader things are anteater, bottle of vodka, and Pacific Ocean.

 Previously in The Armadillo Files

Fang started to sort of flicker in and out of existence.  TROLLEY’s warning bells blasted.  Fang told Dilly it was something about the timeline waste flow. TROLLEY ordered them to the transport bay.  The feline pilots rolled into the bay, driving an antique roadster.  You can find all the past chapters by going to the categories on the right side of the screen.  Click on Armadillo Files.

All aboard!

18 — Where are we headed?

Armadillo Files image by Teagan Geneviene, Fang Dilly cats jukebox car
Image by Teagan R. Geneviene

Dilly

Silence surrounded the red and blue American Bantam roadster.  Something that was invisible to me shut out TROLLEY’s claxon and the horn honking boop-beep, boop-beep.

Physical support auxiliary pilot, Peggy Sue looked over her ginger shoulder to where the kitten and I perched on the back of the car.  The feline pilot gave a low warning meow.  Intern Frances mewed in reply, then turned to look at me expectantly.  I had no idea what the kitten might be trying to communicate to me.  Abruptly I felt the surface go out from under me, and I dropped down about a foot and a half.

Frances and I landed on a softly padded leather seat.  The roadster had expanded to add a passenger seat.  A hard container pressed against my lower back.  Shifting awkwardly, I extricated it.  Made of a hard, clear plastic, it was labeled “freeze-dried ants.”  I read it aloud in a disconcerted mutter, and sarcastically asked if the last passenger had been an anteater.

“Oh!  You had Chuck here.  How’s he doing?” Fang asked, turning toward Frances who gave an odd meow.  “Dilly honey, pass those over.  I might want a snack later.  Armadillos aren’t anteaters, but when I was one, I enjoyed a tasty ant now and then.”

He tucked the container into a pocket.  Then he wriggled around as though he was looking for something.  Peggy Sue meowed.  Fang murmured thanks and reached under his seat.  With a happy exclamation, he produced a bottle of vodka.  Opening the bottle he took a drink, then twisted toward me again.

Wish you all you wish-moon-New Year

“Take a good swig, Dilly.  You’re going to need it.  Besides, it actually helps with the transition,” Fang advised.  “Peggy Sue, is there any chance that we’re headed to the Pacific Ocean?  I haven’t been there in ages.  No?  Darn.  Too bad.”

Tail slashing, Peggy Sue turned back to the steering wheel.  I don’t know what the machine used for an accelerator, but she must have punched it hard.  The red and blue roadster careened backward toward the broad huge non-reflecting standing mirror.

As we came up to it, the silver surface rippled.  Our reflection suddenly appeared.  The car met its mirror image, but there was no collision.  Roadster and occupants were sucked inside.

For a moment there was just… gray.

“Dilly, hold tight to the vodka bottle.  The Time Manatees enjoy a nip,” Fang advised.

To my astonishment I realized the bottle was weightless, and it pulled slightly at my grasp.  I gasped, worried about what that might mean.  Anxiously, I handed it back to Fang.  He tucked it back under his seat.

A stream of pink light bloomed out of the stark gray.  It enveloped the roadster in a secure bubble, but the length of it continued out as far as I could see.  Peggy Sue murmured a short meow.  Frances echoed it.

A broad rope of green light rushed toward us.  It was immediately followed by similar streams of blue, yellow, and purple.  They twined around the protecting pink.  I could feel that they were tightening and somehow merging.  I worried that we would be crushed.

The lights began to pulse softly, at first randomly and then gradually in concert.  I experienced the incomprehensible sensation of sitting still — and yet tumbling and whirling all at the same time.

Similar to the g-force of a rocket, an abrupt surge of motion overwhelmed my senses.

  ♦ ♦ ♦

They seem to be on the way to somewhere… and somewhen. Although, who can say exactly where or when. Tune in for more next weekend.  Hugs on the wing!

 The history, particularly military aspects of this story probably make it difficult… However, this story isn’t really about religion or politics. So, please remember that this is my sanctuary — a place for all of us to be safe and away from political and religious commentary.  Kindly keep that in mind with your comments.

♦♦♦

In other news, “Dead of Winter: Journey 12, Goddesses” is now available!

Dead of Winter — All the Journeys

Dead of Winter, Journey 12 Goddesses book and cover by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

Universal Purchase Links

Journey 12, Goddesses

Kindle:  relinks.me/B09P5LJY13

Paperback:  relinks.me/B09NTTZ9J8

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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.

 

…

68 thoughts on “The Armadillo Files, Episode 18 — Featuring GP Cox”

  3. I’m still playing catch-up from the holidays and had to come over and see what was going on with Fang and Dilly. And now, I know. They are on a trip for sure and I have a feeling they might need a little more of the vodka before they are done. Good segment, Teagan!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  10. We are at the New Year and on with your interesting story. I see we have not lost Fang and the little blue car. I am glad they are still with us. Our faithful and skillful driver is still at the wheel and there is even a new seat. Keep up the good work, I like the new “Frances

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I’m so glad you gave me “cat” as a reader thing when this serial began, Ms. Frances. It’s mighty cold today, down here in the high desert southwest. I hope you’re staying warm up there. Wishing you a brilliant New Year. Hugs on the wing!

      Like

      Reply

  11. I don’t know where this is going, but it’s going in a roadster.
    Frozen ants…EEYUCHK! Lololol!
    Congrats on keeping your serial rolling off the press!
    Happy New Year, Teagan! 🤗 🎉🕊

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you kindly, Resa. I remember my first visit to a big city department store as a little girl. The candy counter had chocolate covered ants! I didn’t try one, but I was amazed. LOL, and almost traumatized. 😉
      A happy, healthy, brilliant New Year to you too. Hugs!

      Like

      Reply

  14. Nicely done, Teagan. You GP’s medley of things in there and it didn’t look easy. The image of angels getting the moon to drink alcohol was a strange one – great find. Wishing you, Emlyn, Dilly, and Fang a Happy New Year!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Those vintage postcards are huge fun. I’m glad you enjoyed that, Diana. Ha! I’ve been wondering from the beginning of this story how I would use Pacific Ocean. I feel a little like it’s a cheat when I put a “thing” into conversation that way, but…
      A very happy New Year to you and yours as well. Hugs on the wing!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  16. We’re starting off 2022 with a bang and a dose of tumbling and whirling! Glad to see Peggy Sue and Frances back in action. GP’s three “things” are great, and you wove them into your story perfectly.

    Don’t know where we’re going from here, but this old lady is hanging on for dear life. Don’t want to miss this ride!

    Wishing you a truly healthy, fun-filled New Year Teagan. One that includes new friends, the love of family and old friends, and good fortune.

    Thank you for sticking to your guns, even through difficult personal times, and posting throughout this pandemic. It hasn’t gone unnoticed or unappreciated. Your wild and crazy imagination has kept us all engaged in your whimsy! ‘Course, you are certifiably nuts, but so are we!

    Happy New Year to Crystal too. May she enjoy good health and plenty of treats and lovin’ from her CatMom! Murphy sends Crystal belly rubs and a couple of really sloppy kisses. (Sorry about the kisses!)
    Ginger

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  18. Teagan, another fantastic episode. I love what you have done with GP’s three words. Thanks for including the link to Goddesses. I know what I’m going to read today!. Happy New Year’s hugs tumbling your way.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  20. I had forgotten I sent a second set of items – what a memory you have, Teagan!! Thanks for a great episode!
    I hope 2022 give you all you wish for!
    Time is but a ship in the sky / We watch it go past / And then we say goodbye.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  21. Nothing like a “road” trip and a nip of vodka to start the new year rolling in style. Excellent episode, Teagan. I hope Dilly is scrunched into that seat good and snug, it sounds like it’s going to be a wild ride.

    Happy New Year!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  24. Reblogged this on Just Olga and commented:
    To celebrate the New Year, Teagan Geneviene​ brings us a new episode of the Armadillo Files! Fang and Dilly are on their way! But where, and more importantly, when, are they going? What a great way to start the year!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks for reblogging, dear Ape. I hope 2022 is off to a great start in the tree-house. It’s about to get cold down here in the high desert. Expected low temp tonight is 17 degrees F.
      I appreciate all your support throughout the year. Happy New Year, my friend.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  26. Nice the end the year with another episode of the Armadillo Files. I keep thinking of Buddy Holly’s Peggy Sue, but that post dates you files. Excellent year-end episode. I hope all is well? Happy New Year! It’s raining here. Yahoo. Hugs and give Crystal a big smooch for me.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Tim. It felt good to give this zany crew another chapter, even if it was short. I’m glad I had you thinking of the song, because that’s where the name came from. The story started in 1959 with a Jupiter rocket. Buddy Holly’s songs were featured in a couple of the early chapters.
      Not sure if we’re getting any more rain today, though it’s very cloudy. We had a nice steady rain most of yesterday. But the temp is going way down to 17 overnight. I worry about everything when it gets that cold…
      Crystal sends a nose-bump smooch to you and all the kitties. Happy New Year.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

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