Free Vibrations: Harmonic Magic Book 1 by P.E. Padilla Page B

proportions, an apocalypse. It was unclear whether it was nuclear or of some other type. What was clear was that mankind almost completely destroyed itself. From the few hundred that survived the cataclysm were descended all the people living on Gythe now. It had been about five hundred years. With primitive conditions, in addition to the violent nature of life here, the population of Gythe was not very large.
    There were always a few people who retained some literacy, so books and other records were available, when they could be found, and Dr. Walt had dedicated himself to finding them and to helping his new world in any way he could so that the past would not be repeated.
    “Another difference you may have noticed is that even though the geography is basically the same, the climate and vegetation are not. Because of climate conditions, either due to the previous technological era or from lack of technology in the current one, where there is a desert in Telani, there may be a rain forest or wetlands here in Gythe, and vice versa.”
    That explains the heavy forest around the area of my house . This was going to take some getting used to.
    “But enough of that. Let me tell you a bit about our friends here and our current situation. Suffice it to say, I spend my time researching the past, always with an eye to something that could help me, and now you, get home. We have a compound of sorts within a couple of days’ hike from here. We’re just exploring these ruins, as I mentioned, so we have our temporary camp here. After a good night’s rest, we’ll start off for the compound. First, though, you should probably know who Rindu and Nalia are and why their past is important, amongst other things.”
    Dr. Walt made himself comfortable. After a few words to the man and the woman, he settled in as if for a long story. Sam likewise adjusted how he was sitting, ready to hear about his enigmatic colleagues.
    Facing Skitter, who was curled up on the ground near Sam’s feet, he sent some thoughts to the hapaki. Can…understand…others…from my mind?
    Looking thoughtful—how could Sam know what “thoughtful” looked like on the furry face?—Skitter was silent for a moment. Then, he sent back to Sam, Try. Make…other…talk.
    Sam turned to Dr. Walt. “Can you talk for a moment before starting the story? I want to try something with Skitter. I think maybe he can use me as a conduit to understand what you say to me. Just say whatever pops into your head.”
    “Surely.” The doctor had an excited and hungry look in his eyes. “I would love to be part of that type of research. Please tell me what happens, how you feel, how it works. I’ll take notes.”
    Rolling his eyes, Sam sent to Skitter, He…talk. What…I…do?
    Skitter chittered—was that a laugh?—and sent, Nothing .
    As Dr. Walt spoke for a few minutes, just going on about his childhood, Sam barely paid attention. His mind was wandering as he looked toward the man and the woman. He wondered what their story was. He would find out soon.
    You…creatures…jump off…big rocks…into…water? Skitter asked in his thoughts. Sam’s attention snapped back to what he was supposed to be doing. “What?,” he said out loud.
    “What?” the doctor asked. “Did you not hear what I just said? Which part?”
    Sam felt his face growing warm. “Oh, no, that’s not it. Sorry. I meant to send that thought to Skitter, not say it out loud.” Looking toward Skitter, he saw his friend silently shaking.
    At first, he thought something was wrong. Then, he felt feelings being pushed into his mind, feelings of…humor? Skitter was laughing. Not just laughing, but laughing at him. Very funny he sent. Understand…doctor?
    Yes. Interesting .
    Turning once again to the doctor, he said, “Ok, Skitter listens better than I do. He asked if we really jump off rocks into the water. My mind was wandering. Did you say something about that?”
    “Yes, yes indeed. When I was a boy, I had