Abducted (631 words)
Abductedby W. David MacKenzie
The prison is quiet at last and I am alone. I'm probably in shock over my abduction and torture because things just don't seem real to me. My amputated stump is only now causing me pain though it's been hours since it was…since I was...and I can now feel my life ebbing away like the steady drip of rain eroding rock.
There are protocols to follow in situations like this, of course, but as a scientist I never thought I'd have any use for them myself and now I don’t know if I can actually carry them out. Hope of rescue and the urge to cling to life are new emotions to me, but I need to be realistic and accept that I am probably as good as dead already, so, taking that last measure to ease my end should not be too difficult.
I need to relax a bit and stretch some to get the juices moving again so that I can reach the recorder. Ah, that feels a little better. Well, time for me to begin, but I've got to do this quietly so I don't attract any attention from the beasts.
“This is Shasathashawinthistiss recording my final report on my explorations of planet Lanastathanlasish. I have been under deep cover among one of the larger populations of the dominant species of the planet studying the social interactions of the populous under climatic stress. My observations are recorded in earlier entries if my body is ever recovered.”
“Approximately six hours ago a small group of the communal vermin of this world raided my study population with the obvious intent to cause bodily hard to my subjects. In accordance with our non-contamination policies I initially adopted the local custom of immobility during the raid. I observed that the creatures seemed likely to harm a young native near me so I broke the rules, slightly, and made an insignificant movement that caught th attention of the animals. I do not believe that this breech of protocol caused a contamination and it did have the desired effect…the youthful native was not molested. The creatures, however, attacked me instead, violently removing me from my station and carrying me back to their tribe.”
“The physical abuse and tortures to which I was subjected were many. They tied off small pieces of my skin to restrict the flow of fluids, they suspended heavy weights from my extremities, they burned me with glowing hot cords, and they screwed sharp spikes into my amputated stump. The glee with which they performed these acts was truly barbaric.”
What was that sound? Are they coming back for more torture?
“I must conclude this report as my captors appear to be returning. As per protocol, I will burst the poison sack within my body and so end my life as soon as I complete this recording. It is my hope that a future expedition will be able to home in on my transponder and benefit from the years of research I have performed for the Imperium.”
There's that noise again. I must act fast.
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“Jody, what are you doing out of bed?”
“I was listening to the Christmas tree, Mom,” said the youngster in a loud whisper. “It was making funny noises and the twigs were moving back and forth.”
The woman picked up her five year old son and carried him back into the bedroom. “Now, Jody, what have I told you about telling fibs? Do you want Santa to pass you by without leaving any gifts?”
“I wasn't fibbin', Mom.” Jody's face became a frown. “Do you think Santa will forget me?”
“No, I doubt it, not for such a little fib.” Jody's Mom tucked him back into bed, kissed him goodnight, and turned out the light.
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Story Copyright 2006 by W. David MacKenzie
Photo Copyright 2005 by David Anderson
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posted by WDavid | 1/01/2006 09:36:00 AM
4 Comments:
I liked this one. Even though you had the picture at the beginning, I didn't get that it was the tree until the end. Either you did a really good job, or I'm just slow. I prefer to think you did a really good job!!
I figured it had to be the tree early on, mostly because if it wasn't the tree, the picture didn't fit the story. I loved the concept in this one. How unusual! You are so creative! I can't wait to see a book of these little stories.
Interesting story. Two typos though.
This word...
However, as the creatures seemed likely to harm a young person near me I broke the rules, slightly, an made an insignificant movement that caused the animals to attack me instead.”
... should be and
This word...
The creatures did attacked me, however, forcibly removed me from my station, and carried me back to their tribe.”
...should be attack
Interesting story though. I will need to re-read it a few more times I think.
Peggy...I'd prefer to think that too for a variety of reasons. :-)
Mom...When I first thought of the story I figured the picture would be a dead giveaway to the "reveal" at the end. Does the story work without the picture, though? Maybe a different picture that put less emphasis on the tree itself?
Fred...Thanks for the editing. I've corrected those typos and, in fact, re-worked those two paragraphs altogether so that it read much smoother now...at least I think so.
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