Writer's Cramp for Old Tennis Shoe

Doctor Benjamin Kendell pushed his spectacles closer to his hazel eyes. Behind a protective lead shield, the good doctor inspected  an appearance of tennis shoes. In the Arctic, it was unheard of to find tennis shoes. Radiation testing had proven positive. So, the group of scientists studying ice oxygen levels at Alpha Base Indigo had called on another individual to help in the investigation. Thus, Benjamin Kendell arrived within the week. Doctor Kendell had papers written on the discovery of mammoths and other species frozen in the depths of the Arctic ice fields. However, this was even beyond him. Tennis shoes? In the cold? What kind of fool wore them this far? How? He didn't show any lack of confidence. If anything, Doctor Kendell appeared much more prepared.

"Doctor Kendell! Thank you for coming up here on this odd occurrence. We have the area cordoned off and a protective shield up so you can examine the shoes. My name is Doctor Patricia Stone. The Doctors Jamison Ell, Leroy Georges, and Sam Viso are also living at Alpha Base Indigo," Doctor Stone said, her face mostly covered by a face mask.

"Thank you, Doctor Stone. I'd like to drop my gear off and head to the site immediately."

"Of course."

They found an empty cot for Doctor Kendell and set off on the four mile snowmobile ride to Site #1843.

Approaching the vicinity, Doctor Kendell took out his Geiger Counter and watched as the needle quickly spiked into the red zone. He hadn't even reached the lead shield.

"Doctor Stone, the radiation is spreading."

Doctor Stone nodded, confused, but understanding.

Retrieving a radiation suit, Doctor Kendell took the help from Stone to pull it over his other clothing. This would help a little, but not much. A hundred feet separated the two Doctors from the shoes. Doctor Kendell began walking closer, listening to the Geiger Counter shoot higher and higher. He shut it off. When he reached the shoes, they were completely out of the ice, side by side. Doctor Kendell picked one up and turned it about, making mental notes. There weren't too many out of place characteristics, besides that a pair of tennis shoes was in an extremely cold climate.

Above, the clouds had shifted, allowing sunlight to beam in, precisely upon the shoes and Doctor Kendell.

"Put my shoes down! Those aren't yours!" A voice said.

Doctor Kendell dropped the shoe and spun around, catching himself before he fell. A white figure stands before him. It's almost transparent. Doctor Kendell, having kept his balance before, lost it now. The figured chuckled heartily and suddenly became serious.

"I have a proposition, Mr..."

"Doctor Kendell, thank you."

"A proposition, Doctor Kendell, that you shall return these shoes to an area better suited for such items."

"Excuse me?"

"Obviously, Doctor Kendell, these shoes were sent to the wrong place through the Space Time Continuum. In order for me to be pleased, I'd like them to be returned to a temperate climate...preferably in Maine."

"Maine? Space Time Continuum? Is Maine even a state?"

"Gawd! You people from away are so numb. Jesus Christ!"

This outburst scared Doctor Kendell more than anything. It showed on his face.

"Sorry, sir. But I need these returned so my spirit can safely room without freezing its...my ass off."

Before Doctor Kendell could respond, the figure vanished in a split second.

Collecting himself, and the shoes, Kendell left the area and met Doctor Stone at the snowmobiles.

"Well?" Doctor Stone said.

"Let's just go."