The Armadillo Files, Episode 32, Who would do that? — Featuring Pete Springer

Posted on by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

Saturday, July 23, 2022

Armadillo Files characters & door by Teagan
Armadillo Files characters by Teagan

You’ve reached The Armadillo Files. There is nothing wrong with your electronic device. Do not attempt to adjust the picture. We are controlling transmission. You are about to participate in a great adventure. You are about to experience the awe and mystery which reaches from the inner mind to… The Armadillo Files.  Stay tuned for zaniness.  

Random Reader ThingsPete Springer they call me mom

Some of you know educator and author, Pete Springer. We haven’t seen him here very often, but when this serial began, he left three really fun random reader things. Pete’s three things inspired three complementary things from Robbie Cheadle.  I’ve been holding back until I could use their two sets together.  Robbie’s will follow next time. Pete’s things are: brothel, toilet paper, and a B-29.

Previously in The Armadillo Files

Last time we learned that the disheveled brunette was the Calutron Girls’ missing dorm-mom and girlfriend of Harry Morgan, Marie Browning.  She identified and confirmed that Klaude Frucht was responsible for abducting the girls (and herself).  Sesame disclosed that Fang never met up with her, so his whereabouts remain unknown.  Meanwhile, Ali Baba has become as discretely curious about Dilly’s ears as her rear-end…  Did she say something about longer?

Are you still with me?  If you need to refresh your memory, you can always find all the past chapters by going to the categories on the right side of the screen.  Click on Armadillo Files.

All aboard!

32 — Who would do that?

Dilly

The Harem, Introduction of an Abyssinian Slave, 1860s, by John Frederick Lewis Wikimedia
The Harem, Introduction of an Abyssinian Slave, 1860s, by John Frederick Lewis, Wikimedia

The brunette drew a deep but shuddering breath as she described her ordeal.  Marie Browning stumbled upon the kidnappers when she came in from a rendezvous with her lover, Harry Morgan.  She tried to fight them off and almost succeeded, but she was outnumbered.  Because she was relatively young, and quite beautiful, the villains took her as well.

Marie was unkempt, her victory rolls were in disarray, and she was obviously rattled.  I thought she was near her breaking point.  However, she steeled herself to appear composed enough.  She did pretty well, considering she had realized the young women for whom she was responsible were being kidnapped, one by one, and then had been abducted herself — not to mention being yanked across the world and time.

I tried to calm and reassure her.  I looked at Ali Baba and Sesame across the room.  The two were making plans.  I heard them mention Fang, and something about an auction.  However, I couldn’t hear anything else they said.  Then the giantess started working on something in the recesses of the cave’s secret room.

Marie began to cry quietly.  She covered her face when I turned back to her.

“I’ve been no use at all for helping the girls,” Marie mumbled through tears.  “They’ve kept me drugged most of the time.  Are those men really going to sell them?  As slaves?  Oh no… that’s as bad as putting them into a brothel.  Who would do that?  What kind of monster…”

I didn’t know what words of comfort I could give, but I patted her arm supportively.  I told her that we were trying to help.  Feeling awkward and ill equipped to handle the psychology needed in that situation, I moved behind a screen and changed into the flowing robes and sirwal trousers Ali gave me from that chest of clothing.

The harem pants were so voluminous that I expected to feel like I was swimming in them.  I had never carried my weight in my legs and hips.  To my surprise, they weren’t all that huge.  I put my hands to my thighs, having the odd feeling that they seemed bigger.  Although I didn’t feel any taller, I thought Ali was right that my legs seemed longer in proportion to the rest of my body.

When I came out from behind the screen, Sesame and Ali gave their approval.  I went to a tall mirror to see for myself.  I wondered about the lamp light.  It seemed to cast a reddish glow.  In the reflection, my hair looked lighter, a reddish yellow with pale russet highlights on the sides.

Trying to get control of herself, Marie asked if there was a place where she could freshen up.  I had been very relieved to find that Ali Baba’s secret cave held some modern conveniences, like plumbing.  A moment later I heard Marie exclaim.

Ferrets & TP by Teagan
Ferrets & TP by Teagan

“Oh, thank God!  There’s toilet paper!” came Marie’s voice.

A loud pop startled me.  I turned to see Minu and Musa, and other ferrets chasing balloons.  Minu burst one.  Sesame chided the animals, saying that we needed the balloons.  However, she grinned and tossed them more.  Then she filled a large cloth sack with the remaining balloons and brought it to me.

“If you carry this sack, it will give you the appearance of a servant, carrying a heavy burden for your mistress, Ali Baba,” Sesame explained.  “But filled with balloons, of course, it will not be a problem for you.  Also, you will have a handy sack if needed.”

Marie came out of the bathroom.  I opened a root beer for her, hoping the caffeine and sugar would help.  As she drank thirstily, she provided unexpected information about the girls.  More of them had been taken than I ever expected.  Marie had counted a dozen girls that she recognized from the Secret City compound.  Not all of them were from her dorm, but she was reasonably certain.  Besides, their 1940s American clothing set them apart.

“How could Klaude Frucht have taken so many young women across time?  Did he steal a B-29 or something?  He would have needed to transport them somehow,” I asked and Ali’s expression became rueful.

“It appears that Tumult has advancements in time transport technology that surpasses that of Prime,” Ali replied worriedly.  “Although, perhaps he only transported a few of the girls at a time.  That is more likely.  I hope.”

♦ ♦ ♦

iStock
iStock

We left Marie in Ali’s secret cave.  The woman protested, but Ali Baba made the excuse to her that someone needed to take care of the ferrets.

I expected that it was actually the ferrets who would look after the traumatized woman.  Either Frucht or Cassim, or maybe both had given Marie some powerful drugs, and they were still in her system.  She was too unsteady and disoriented to go with us.

Sesame went ahead of Ali and me.  The very tall woman had her own contacts and her own way of doing things.  I slung the big bag of balloons over my shoulder and followed Ali as she threaded through the bazaar.

“The slave auction is just around that corner,” Ali remarked and pointed.

“Yes, I hear the hullabaloo up that way,” I replied, and Ali narrowed her eyes and gave my ears a strange look, just as she had done earlier.  “I’ve always had good hearing,” I murmured because her expression made me uncomfortable.

A commotion came from that direction.  Voices rose to shouts.  I heard a high-pitched scream.  Ali and I hurried toward the ruckus.

On a stage, a burly man had someone across his broad shoulder.  All I could see of the person was a pantaloon clad buttocks and wildly kicking feet.  Those feet wore bright orange velvet curly-toed shoes.

“Let go of me!” the big man bellowed.

I had thought he was forcing the person on his shoulder.  Maybe it had started out that way, but as they drew near the auction block, the captive held onto the man for dear life.  I heard that scream again.  I looked at those orange shoes.

“Fang!” I cried.

Without thinking, in a single motion I pounced to the top of a railing that was four feet tall.

Below, Ali Baba gave a wordless exclamation.  Only when I looked down at her did I realize what I had done.  I gave a nervous gulp, despite my concern for Fang.  I should have been more careful with that timey-wimey watch-looking thing that was supposed to be a substitute for their high-tech metronome.  I blamed myself that a curious weasel had stolen it.  Sesame’s explanation came back to me.

“Because the device can only slow the side-effects, it keeps a running count of how much time you have left,” Sesame explained in her ironically shy voice.

The bauble had read 13 O’clock.  Ali said that meant I had either thirteen minutes, hours, or days before I fully transformed into some kind of unknown animal.  Thirteen minutes had already passed, so did I have hours or days remaining?

My excitability was blamed on the impending transformation.  I was progressively jumpier physically too, as I had just accidentally demonstrated.

“Oh God, please don’t let me turn into a frog,” I groaned.

Vintage Frog Handkerchief Soap ad
Vintage soap ad

♦ ♦ ♦

Holy Hannah!  What a mess Fang has gotten into.  And why is Dilly so jumpy… literally?  Well, I think we know why, so I guess we should ask what she’s going to be… 

Episode 33 — “How much is that?” features three things from Robbie Cheadle at Roberta Writes: wine glass, silk rose, and chocolate cake.  Tune in next weekend to see how those things impact the story.  Hugs on the wing!

♦ ♦ ♦

Dead of Winter has now concluded with Journey 14, The Veil.  It is now available!  

Dead of Winter — All the Journeys

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♦♦♦

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 © 2022 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.

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62 thoughts on “The Armadillo Files, Episode 32, Who would do that? — Featuring Pete Springer”

  2. You are amazing, always something new. And, now there is toilet paper, a place to use it, too. I always look for my favorite characters, and I find them! ! I see by the number of comments that you have many who love your story, as do I. I am eager for your continuing story–always interesting! ! Take care in this vey hot weather! !

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. It’s a pleasure to see you, Ms. Frances. Since I was able to get several episodes (and the ending) written ahead, I’ve already been working on the book version. It was fun to re-read the episode with your 3 things (car, cat, cantaloupe), and Frances the kitten pilot they inspired.
      Yes, it’s so hot in so many locations that it’s scary. I believe you live in a high-rise, so I send a prayer that you keep electric power. As long as I have my air conditioner, I’m fine. Stay safe and well. Hugs on the wing!

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  5. Poor Fang! I just know he’ll be rescued!
    Hopefully Dilly doesn’t turn into a frog. Who would kiss her back? Even then, would she turn back into the Dilly we know, or a Dilly princess!
    Looking forward to next week! Hugs!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Kirt. Ah the spin… Hopefully the ending doesn’t feel flat to anyone. (Coming up in a few weeks.) I felt like everything came together, but… Maybe that’s just my state of mind today. I appreciate all your encouragement. Hugs on the wing.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  10. Your way with word weaving is amazing who would have thought…I would as I always marvel at your way with words Teagan…you flit between the past, the present(Prime) and the fantasy with such ease …Hugs x

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. You are so kind, Carol — thank you.
      You know… there’s one theory of “time” that suggests *all times* (past, present, future) happen in a single moment, concurrently. And that single moment is all there is. It’s a headachey-making kind of idea. 😉 Hugs on the wing!

      Liked by 1 person

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  11. Hi Teagan, what a marvellous episode. I think Dilly is turning into my favourite animal. It is astonishing to me how you manage to wind those three unrelated things into your episodes. I look forward to seeing what you do with mine next week.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. That would be cool. Although I expect Dilly’s animal is smaller than the one in your mind. Without saying what animal, the “specific areas they are found in are southernmost Mongolia to the Takla-Makan Desert, Mengxin, Aerijin Mountain, and Qing-Zang Plateau regions of north western China.”
      I hope you’re having a lovely weekend. Thanks for spending part of it here. Hugs on the wing.

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  13. Good grief, what is Dilly turning into! At least we know where Fang is! But is he safe? I cracked up when Marie found toilet paper!

    I saw this quote, author unknown. I immediately thought of YOU!

    “ My mind is like someone emptied the kitchen drawer onto a trampoline”

    Yep, that explains you to a tee! 🤗

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Ha! I love that quote, Ginger! That’s absolutely right. Maybe my next serial, instead of 3 random things, I’ll have people name 3 things from their kitchen drawer.
      I think in the era of COVID, more people understand Marie’s relief than they would have 5 years ago. Although I agreed with her long before that.
      Thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs on the wing!

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  14. LOL. What a riot. What an image in my mind of Fang! I also hope Dilly doesn’t transform into a frog. What a wild episode, Teagan. I enjoyed it immensely. And great job with Pete’s “things.” This is so second nature to you. And BTW, I finished the Dead of Winter Journeys yesterday and will get my reviews done shortly. Yay. What a story that was! Happy Writing, my friend. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

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  15. Given the alternatives in the 10th century, I’m glad Ali had a stash of toilet paper. Fangs shoes are the real deal. He’s such a character, I’m sure he wears them well. 13 hours? 13 days? I hope she has enough time to prepare for her transformation and to rescue those girls. I love the idea of putting balloons in a sack to make it look like a heavy load – ahhh the mind of Teagan. I’m not surprised that Robbie gave you chocolate cake – I look forward to the episode. In the meantime, I hope you have a great week.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. LOL, I’ve always had an image in my mind of a rather silly, prissy walk for Fang. In that past episode when I gave him those shoes, the silliness of his walk multiplied. I mean… how would anybody walk in those things?
      Thanks for spending part of your Saturday here. I hope things get cooled off soon. Meanwhile take care. Hugs on the wing.

      Liked by 1 person

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  19. Reblogged this on Just Olga and commented:
    Teagan Geneviene​ brings us Episode 32 of The Armadillo Files. What an imagination! Missing characters disappear and something strange is happening to our protagonist. Unmissable!

    Liked by 1 person

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  20. Another fantastic episode and one can’t help but wonder, as Peter says, how you manage to weave all the things into the story. But you do it every week! I loved the toilet paper comment (It is less of a problem now, but the first time I travelled to Egypt, many years back, it was quite challenging!) I am intrigued and wondering how are you going to include the three things Robbie left you and what is going on with Fang, and Dilly… What will happen next? Thanks, Teagan and enjoy a great weekend!

    Liked by 1 person

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  22. Well done, Teagan! It’s a minor miracle that you managed to weave those three unrelated things into your chapter. I think the whole Covid thing was taking off at the time, which inspired my toilet paper suggestion. I’ll look forward to next week and seeing how you make the story advance using Robbie’s suggestions.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Pete. LOL, in the age of COVID, more people appreciate toilet tissue. Although I’ve been in too many travel related situations where it was scarce, so I’ve been a fan for most of my life.
      Thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs on the wing!

      Liked by 1 person

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