Today would be the day. Jeanne sighed and listened for a while, before opening her eyes. She could hear bars slamming, yelling and whistles in the distance, but she’d grown accustomed to it, like one who no longer hears the crickets at night. When she did open her lids, a cloudless sky mocked the seriousness of her final day.
The lifeless black box stared at her when she entered the main room. It remained where she left it, on the table, and defied her very use of it. Jeanne almost wanted to throw it across the room, but she knew its purpose here, and why she asked for it in the first place.
She sat on the table and stared back at the tape recorder. It was time.
Record.
“I returned to my apartment, which is strange to describe. It consists of three levels, the the main room is an open square. Each level has its own staircase and the room that day was flooded with sunlight. That’s when she came in.
“I saw her from the corner of my eye and tried to get to my apartment before she could reach me, but she just came up to me yelling like a mad woman.
" ‘Why were you with him,’ she fumed!
" ‘You’re taken, why do you care,’ as if it wasn’t bad enough I hurt him, this bitch was getting on my case.
" ‘You had no right!’ she was grabbing my shoulders now, but her little frame could hardly move me.
" ‘I know, I didn’t want...’ I tried to finish but she cut me off.
" ‘LIAR! He just wanted to be your friend and you..’ the rest was indescribable. That woman looked at me with crazed eyes.
‘You just wanted his warmth.... But you stole that from him!’ “
Pause.
She put the device down and went to the fridge. The water wasn’t changed; that meant they didn’t complete surveillance last night. Maybe they wanted to give her a last chance for a good night’s rest. She let the door to the fridge close on its own and returned to the table. Rays of sunlight were already heating the floor.
Unpause.
“She was wearing a bathrobe. I figured her feet must be wet, but I came to accept the truth of it. She couldn’t have slipped from the landing, the stairs are carpeted.
“When she screamed, someone from the third level came out to see what was going on. I don’t think he saw me push her, or even see where she initially came from. But he did see her broken body strewn across the bottom floor, blood pooling from her head and chest.
" ‘Jeanne... Jesus, what happened? ‘ he asked me.
“Although I opened my mouth, nothing came out. My legs had another idea.... and I found myself running. Through my front door I went, looking to climb out to the window ledge to escape. There’s a trellis-thing on the side of our building that I’ve used often to get to the roof for privacy – it was very convenient for that instant. When I reached to one of the window roofs, I sat there and cried.
“Have you ever had the feeling that your heart was sinking? That you’ve done something so terrible, it-it makes your heart feel lower in your chest? Well, that’s the feeling I still carry with me. The reason I’m doing all this. I wanted to tell Mr. Adam thank you, for everything he showed me... I...”
Pause.
Jeanne sniffled, then wiped her eyes. “Now I have to explain Derek... Damn.”
Unpause.
“Derek was the guy I talked about before, the one who might have seen the fall. He used to date the crazy bitch, well, he still might have but the way we were going at it, I’d say he lost interest...” Jeanne smiled and laughed at that.
“Derek worked on cars at the mechanic’s shop downstairs from our apartment. He always smelled of oil and tires when he came home. Even though he was going out with the crazy bitch, her name was Marianna, we didn’t let our looks to each other go unnoticed. So, we fooled around once or twice, it meant nothing, just fulfilling our basic instincts, and remained friends.
“When I was out on the roof, crying, Derek came up to see if I was okay. When he offered that greasy hand to help me down, I realized the mistake I made. Marianna wasn’t talking about Adam earlier. I pushed her because I thought she was blaming me for Adam’s sadness. Since that wasn’t the case, it was time to turn myself in.
“I accepted Derek’s hand and climbed off the roof. The police were already downstairs and he turned to me:
" ‘Are you sure you want to go down there?’
" ‘Yeah...’ was all I can remember saying.
“The police were waiting for me, and they seemed surprised that I was the one coming forward. I turned toward Derek and thanked him, to which he replied:
“ ‘Just returning the favor. Please, take care of yourself.’ And the police took me away.”
STOP.
A knock at the door startled her. “I’m done,” she answered. Sliding the tape recorder across the table, she whispered “I’m done...”
Keys jangled at the lock, and the cell door opened.
“It’s time Miss ...”
“I’m ready,” she interrupted.
Although this was off her chest, she still felt remorse. Stiffly, she held out her arms to be cuffed and they led her away from the cell. Since she was completely cooperative with the police, she was offered two requests before her execution. Jeanne asked for a bottled water, and a device to record her confession.
True, she was being held because of the murder of Marianna Kensington, but this sentence was only fitting for her behaviour. The act of rejection was truly the worst crime of all.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Sunday, December 04, 2005
"Thank you, for everything!"
Jeanne sat at the table, watching the small box across from her. She stared at its menacing buttons, and rotating eyes, not sure what exactly she should say. It would almost be intimate, speaking her thoughts and recollections out loud, alone, except for the box. Nothing like paper, or even a video - but pure magnetic audio tape...
She took a deep breath and picked up the tape recorder.
"There was this guy i once knew. He was kind of quirky, in that smart kind of way. You know, the kind of guy you want to cringe from, because he said something embarrassing, but you'd never do it, because what he said - well, it was the truth.
"I met him online. He was a tour guide, to some off chance diner that i used to frequent. We decided to meet up because i just couldn't take being in my apartment any longer. That's another story that will come in later. I saw that he knew a little more about the history of this diner, and i emailed him, asking him to join me for dinner."
Pause, it was a strange word, but it meant the world. She wasn't ready to go on, not yet. His memory was too clear in her mind. Jeanne was a little afraid, afraid she'd feel those feelings again. The feelings that were so dear to her, yet forbidden to have. It was impossible now. Unpause.
"Let me tell you about the diner. It had the corny black and white checkered floors, red booth seats and chrome lined tables. Every day i'd see the master chef behind his counter, a tipped white short-order hat graced his balding head. He always smiled when i came in, because he knew at least someone would enjoy his food that day. By now i'd come to know the entire staff. Sara was my favorite waitress and i noticed, quite subconsciously, that i'd come in during her shift just for the great service.
"Benny was the man behind the counter and Pedro was the busboy," she laughed and pressed pause again, wondering if she should keep laughing on the tape. She decides to, unpause.
"Despite Pedro's name, he didn't speak a word of spanish, and he got more than a few looks for being a busboy. But he loved his job, the atmosphere, the people, even his boss, Benny. I used to talk to Pedro from time to time, it was another reason i loved the diner. Now i'm getting off topic.
"Adam was his name. It was a pure name, as pure as his dark roots and blond hair. It was sandy brown, and messy, just the way it should be. He wore rectanglish glasses," she laughed, "is that even a word? Sure, why not. It made him very attractive, and the focal point was his eyes. I'm not sure why he was a tour guide. His intelligence made me wonder about his choice of career, but i wouldn't ever ask him about it, for fear of hurting his feelings. I'm also not sure why that might offend him, but it just seemed like the wrong thing to ask.
"Off topic again. So he came in and asked for me immediately. Sara quirked her brow and with a huge grin asked if he was my date for the night. He took the jest in stride, pushed his glasses up with a graceful, but shy motion and replied, 'Just here to meet her, how the rest of the night goes....' "
Pause. Jeanne closed her eyes. Tonight it was clearer than most nights. One of the reasons she decided to record it. But she wasn't ready for the feelings to come back with the memory. It was always taught to suppress the feelings, so as not to taint the image, but these feelings were too strong to contain.
Unpause.
" 'Miss Jeannne?' were the first words to come from his mouth. I nodded, and smiled. 'Mr. Adam, i presume.' and the night started.
"We spoke about the land ownership, the building site, the change in management and even the fire that brought everything down. Over a month, we made Thursday nights our hang out night; the diner, our sanctuary. Then something changed.
"Walking out one night, we were both silent. Like we knew what each other were thinking, but we didn't want to say anything. I turned around and found it hard to look at him."
Pause. Jeanne put the recorder on the table and went to the fridge. The yellow light shone on one bottle of water, and a tin container of last night's chinese food. She grabbed the water and went back to the table.
It wasn't until she sat down that she realized it was dark outside. Moonlight spilled across the floor and was reaching for the table - reaching for the tape recorder. She knew it was impossible, but something in the room wanted to break the device, but this was her only chance.
With a twist, the water was open and a cool wave of liquid splashed down her throat. Made her mouth tingle with numbness, until the wave subsided and she was clear headed again.
Jeanne stopped the tape, rewound it a little to remember her place, Play.
"Walking out one night, we were both silent. Like we knew what each other were thinking, but we didn't want to say anything. I turned around and found it hard to look at him.
Record.
"For the first time, i couldn't look into his eyes. Instead, i reached up and put my arms on his shoulders. He was trembling, just as i had been. There was no way i could describe how these feelings came to be. We tried to kiss, but i went to his cheek instead."
Pause.
"GOD, this is embarrassing....." she yelled. "But it has to be done!"
Unpause.
"Just as i hesitated, i realized my mistake. In that one little instant, that one scant moment, i broke his heart because i didn't fulfill the perfect moment.
"I was immediately devastated. I tried again to kiss him, but his eyes turned cold, and i knew he would never warm again."
Pause.
This wasn't right. When feelings pushed objectivity out the way, the account changes and facts may be skewed. It was time to leave it for tonight. Her heart had taken enough, and it was time to rest.
She stopped the tape recorder and returned the water to the fridge. Tomorrow is another day.
She took a deep breath and picked up the tape recorder.
"There was this guy i once knew. He was kind of quirky, in that smart kind of way. You know, the kind of guy you want to cringe from, because he said something embarrassing, but you'd never do it, because what he said - well, it was the truth.
"I met him online. He was a tour guide, to some off chance diner that i used to frequent. We decided to meet up because i just couldn't take being in my apartment any longer. That's another story that will come in later. I saw that he knew a little more about the history of this diner, and i emailed him, asking him to join me for dinner."
Pause, it was a strange word, but it meant the world. She wasn't ready to go on, not yet. His memory was too clear in her mind. Jeanne was a little afraid, afraid she'd feel those feelings again. The feelings that were so dear to her, yet forbidden to have. It was impossible now. Unpause.
"Let me tell you about the diner. It had the corny black and white checkered floors, red booth seats and chrome lined tables. Every day i'd see the master chef behind his counter, a tipped white short-order hat graced his balding head. He always smiled when i came in, because he knew at least someone would enjoy his food that day. By now i'd come to know the entire staff. Sara was my favorite waitress and i noticed, quite subconsciously, that i'd come in during her shift just for the great service.
"Benny was the man behind the counter and Pedro was the busboy," she laughed and pressed pause again, wondering if she should keep laughing on the tape. She decides to, unpause.
"Despite Pedro's name, he didn't speak a word of spanish, and he got more than a few looks for being a busboy. But he loved his job, the atmosphere, the people, even his boss, Benny. I used to talk to Pedro from time to time, it was another reason i loved the diner. Now i'm getting off topic.
"Adam was his name. It was a pure name, as pure as his dark roots and blond hair. It was sandy brown, and messy, just the way it should be. He wore rectanglish glasses," she laughed, "is that even a word? Sure, why not. It made him very attractive, and the focal point was his eyes. I'm not sure why he was a tour guide. His intelligence made me wonder about his choice of career, but i wouldn't ever ask him about it, for fear of hurting his feelings. I'm also not sure why that might offend him, but it just seemed like the wrong thing to ask.
"Off topic again. So he came in and asked for me immediately. Sara quirked her brow and with a huge grin asked if he was my date for the night. He took the jest in stride, pushed his glasses up with a graceful, but shy motion and replied, 'Just here to meet her, how the rest of the night goes....' "
Pause. Jeanne closed her eyes. Tonight it was clearer than most nights. One of the reasons she decided to record it. But she wasn't ready for the feelings to come back with the memory. It was always taught to suppress the feelings, so as not to taint the image, but these feelings were too strong to contain.
Unpause.
" 'Miss Jeannne?' were the first words to come from his mouth. I nodded, and smiled. 'Mr. Adam, i presume.' and the night started.
"We spoke about the land ownership, the building site, the change in management and even the fire that brought everything down. Over a month, we made Thursday nights our hang out night; the diner, our sanctuary. Then something changed.
"Walking out one night, we were both silent. Like we knew what each other were thinking, but we didn't want to say anything. I turned around and found it hard to look at him."
Pause. Jeanne put the recorder on the table and went to the fridge. The yellow light shone on one bottle of water, and a tin container of last night's chinese food. She grabbed the water and went back to the table.
It wasn't until she sat down that she realized it was dark outside. Moonlight spilled across the floor and was reaching for the table - reaching for the tape recorder. She knew it was impossible, but something in the room wanted to break the device, but this was her only chance.
With a twist, the water was open and a cool wave of liquid splashed down her throat. Made her mouth tingle with numbness, until the wave subsided and she was clear headed again.
Jeanne stopped the tape, rewound it a little to remember her place, Play.
"Walking out one night, we were both silent. Like we knew what each other were thinking, but we didn't want to say anything. I turned around and found it hard to look at him.
Record.
"For the first time, i couldn't look into his eyes. Instead, i reached up and put my arms on his shoulders. He was trembling, just as i had been. There was no way i could describe how these feelings came to be. We tried to kiss, but i went to his cheek instead."
Pause.
"GOD, this is embarrassing....." she yelled. "But it has to be done!"
Unpause.
"Just as i hesitated, i realized my mistake. In that one little instant, that one scant moment, i broke his heart because i didn't fulfill the perfect moment.
"I was immediately devastated. I tried again to kiss him, but his eyes turned cold, and i knew he would never warm again."
Pause.
This wasn't right. When feelings pushed objectivity out the way, the account changes and facts may be skewed. It was time to leave it for tonight. Her heart had taken enough, and it was time to rest.
She stopped the tape recorder and returned the water to the fridge. Tomorrow is another day.
Friday, December 02, 2005
free write
Guessthis will be another free write. No editing, no hitting the back uptton or anything like that. It's not fair though, because some of my stuff is edited by word... maybe I'll turn that edit thingy off. Ah well. Seems many people really liked my startrek story. I'm glad, everytime I get to write something that people enjoy, I feel I'm a good writer. I don't know how much of that is true, but at least it makes me happy hee hee
Wow, stufk, you're not supposed to stop typing/writing, when hyou get studk, damn there I go again, it was spelle d incorrectly. I wish I was sleeping right now. I don't think I had much sleep at all this eweek and it really ta tells on my mind. I start making mistakes and stuff. Aybe I'll email my teacher, I really don't know if I can stand gougn to class tonight. It's not thati don't enjoy class , my teacher is the best, but when I have very little lseep, I pass out beca from the exchaustion. Dmn my spelling is HORRIBLE !!! hahahahaha
And so it goes. I stoped for a moment, but only because I had to shift in my seat. I hate sitting for long hours on end. I should srtand and try to stretch or something. Maybe I could be a farmer and work to make things grow "OKAY... MAKE MY MOSTERST.... GROW!!!" hahahahahaha yeah power rangers. Ah, the blue ranger, "I'm partial to blue" ouh onh. Looks like I'm going to have a black blast foto the past.
Grab your sword , grab your hoe... stcrew your courage to the sticking place
Shining shimmering splendid tell me princess now when did you liast let your heard decide. Beauty and the beast . record it on slow, so it's fast. BONJOUR!
Totally loved talk girl and "nights and white satin..." don' know why that just came into my head. Hee hee hee. Freezing outside, everyone is talking about ebeing cold. Okay, time to end this.
Wow, stufk, you're not supposed to stop typing/writing, when hyou get studk, damn there I go again, it was spelle d incorrectly. I wish I was sleeping right now. I don't think I had much sleep at all this eweek and it really ta tells on my mind. I start making mistakes and stuff. Aybe I'll email my teacher, I really don't know if I can stand gougn to class tonight. It's not thati don't enjoy class , my teacher is the best, but when I have very little lseep, I pass out beca from the exchaustion. Dmn my spelling is HORRIBLE !!! hahahahaha
And so it goes. I stoped for a moment, but only because I had to shift in my seat. I hate sitting for long hours on end. I should srtand and try to stretch or something. Maybe I could be a farmer and work to make things grow "OKAY... MAKE MY MOSTERST.... GROW!!!" hahahahahaha yeah power rangers. Ah, the blue ranger, "I'm partial to blue" ouh onh. Looks like I'm going to have a black blast foto the past.
Grab your sword , grab your hoe... stcrew your courage to the sticking place
Shining shimmering splendid tell me princess now when did you liast let your heard decide. Beauty and the beast . record it on slow, so it's fast. BONJOUR!
Totally loved talk girl and "nights and white satin..." don' know why that just came into my head. Hee hee hee. Freezing outside, everyone is talking about ebeing cold. Okay, time to end this.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Star Trek: Chritsmas Get-away (Part 2)
"Are you sure you're okay? I thought you'd be happy they let you come to the party," he chuckled. "I even made homemade macaroni and cheese, just like home."
Lyllandra stopped walking in the hallway, letting a security officer and some others pass by.
"...just like home. Tim," she turned to him, "it's time I go back home."
"Shhh, not here," He pulled her to the left where a corridor was bustling with cooks and replicators. "They'll hear you." Tim looked up and down the hallway, and then sighed when he felt no one was watching, or listening.
"You have to trust me. Once the party's over, and we're close enough, then we'll..." a cook ran by with a plate filled with squirming Filden Gagh. Tim smiled "at least Lt. Worf will be happy tonight."
Lyllandra turned her head feeling sicker than ever. The hallway was spinning before her and she had to swallow several times to keep from re-tasting her Long Island Iced Tea. As she clutched onto Tim's arm for support, she was hit with a gust of warm air and suddenly she was alone.
Light broke through her darkness and she awoke on a beach. Several people were playing in the water, and Lyllandra sat up to regain her sense of location. This was the diplomatic ocean planet of Pacifica, where she first met Tim several years ago. A prank played on a Romulan here, on this very beach, caused her capture and sentence to their prison camp. A shudder ran down her spine at that memory.
Tim came up to her and laid out a plate of food. "This is my latest re-recipe," he held out a plate of pasta covered in a florescent yellow sauce.
"What is that?" Lyllandra squinched her nose.
"You don't remember macaroni and Cheese? Didn't you ever have that on Earth? It was an American past time," he laughed and started to serve it out.
Even then, he was light hearted. After all, he did live for his catering. Lyllandra closed her eyes to enjoy the sun, and when she opened them again, she was back on the Enterprise.
"I can't wait, I have to go now." She started to rise, and noticed she was back in her quarters.
"The guards found you roaming the halls and brought you here. One moment you were next to me, and then you disappeared. What happened?" he was less jovial this time.
"I returned to the past, somehow," she looked at her hands as if she never saw them before. "Tim, can you help me?"
"If the time is now, so be it." He smiled. "Though I don't think you'll be needing that escape pod any more. Come, let's go to the window. It will be easier if you can view the planet itself."
Lyllandra left the chair she was in and slowly looked out her window. Suddenly, she felt sorry for all the trouble caused aboard the Enterprise. The room that was meant to be a prison was convenient. She had a private bathroom, a replicator with an extensive menu of Earthen delights, and a window. Tears filled her eyes, but it was hard to say if they were caused by her nearness to freedom, or for the pain she caused on the ship.
"No matter..." she whispered as she held her hands up to the glass.
Tim was busy jamming the door frequency so that the guards couldn't come in. It proved difficult - one wrong entry and the alarm would sound - but in the end it was finished. He joined her at the window and carefully readjusted her arms.
"Remember like I showed you on Pacifica. Hold it in your hands and meld your mind around it... Go on."
Lyllandra nodded and watched the Earth. As always, nothing happened at first. The great globe of green, white, and blue just stared back at her until she felt comfortable enough to open up. Her mind relaxed and that's when the mountains brushed against her hands. She could feel the cool water in her toes and an unforgiving sun on her forehead. As the sounds of people began to fill her ears, her heavy eyelids closed and she began the transfer.
"Unauthorized entry, please use higher security clearance" the computer chimed behind them.
Someone started pounding on the door. "We know you're in there Miss Wyntir, release the barrier!"
Tim cooed her on "remember the mountains, the grass, the trees... don't stop until you're there Lilly..." He placed his hands on her shoulders, giving her strength.
Tears ran down Lyllandra's face as she reached out further and further.
"I'm home!!" she mouthed, though no one on the ship heard. Three guards burst through the door, shouting silently towards her. One reached for his phaser, but the Lieutenant that spoke with her earlier reached his hand out and shook his head. They all watched as Lyllandra and Tim faded from the room.
Lyllandra stopped walking in the hallway, letting a security officer and some others pass by.
"...just like home. Tim," she turned to him, "it's time I go back home."
"Shhh, not here," He pulled her to the left where a corridor was bustling with cooks and replicators. "They'll hear you." Tim looked up and down the hallway, and then sighed when he felt no one was watching, or listening.
"You have to trust me. Once the party's over, and we're close enough, then we'll..." a cook ran by with a plate filled with squirming Filden Gagh. Tim smiled "at least Lt. Worf will be happy tonight."
Lyllandra turned her head feeling sicker than ever. The hallway was spinning before her and she had to swallow several times to keep from re-tasting her Long Island Iced Tea. As she clutched onto Tim's arm for support, she was hit with a gust of warm air and suddenly she was alone.
Light broke through her darkness and she awoke on a beach. Several people were playing in the water, and Lyllandra sat up to regain her sense of location. This was the diplomatic ocean planet of Pacifica, where she first met Tim several years ago. A prank played on a Romulan here, on this very beach, caused her capture and sentence to their prison camp. A shudder ran down her spine at that memory.
Tim came up to her and laid out a plate of food. "This is my latest re-recipe," he held out a plate of pasta covered in a florescent yellow sauce.
"What is that?" Lyllandra squinched her nose.
"You don't remember macaroni and Cheese? Didn't you ever have that on Earth? It was an American past time," he laughed and started to serve it out.
Even then, he was light hearted. After all, he did live for his catering. Lyllandra closed her eyes to enjoy the sun, and when she opened them again, she was back on the Enterprise.
"I can't wait, I have to go now." She started to rise, and noticed she was back in her quarters.
"The guards found you roaming the halls and brought you here. One moment you were next to me, and then you disappeared. What happened?" he was less jovial this time.
"I returned to the past, somehow," she looked at her hands as if she never saw them before. "Tim, can you help me?"
"If the time is now, so be it." He smiled. "Though I don't think you'll be needing that escape pod any more. Come, let's go to the window. It will be easier if you can view the planet itself."
Lyllandra left the chair she was in and slowly looked out her window. Suddenly, she felt sorry for all the trouble caused aboard the Enterprise. The room that was meant to be a prison was convenient. She had a private bathroom, a replicator with an extensive menu of Earthen delights, and a window. Tears filled her eyes, but it was hard to say if they were caused by her nearness to freedom, or for the pain she caused on the ship.
"No matter..." she whispered as she held her hands up to the glass.
Tim was busy jamming the door frequency so that the guards couldn't come in. It proved difficult - one wrong entry and the alarm would sound - but in the end it was finished. He joined her at the window and carefully readjusted her arms.
"Remember like I showed you on Pacifica. Hold it in your hands and meld your mind around it... Go on."
Lyllandra nodded and watched the Earth. As always, nothing happened at first. The great globe of green, white, and blue just stared back at her until she felt comfortable enough to open up. Her mind relaxed and that's when the mountains brushed against her hands. She could feel the cool water in her toes and an unforgiving sun on her forehead. As the sounds of people began to fill her ears, her heavy eyelids closed and she began the transfer.
"Unauthorized entry, please use higher security clearance" the computer chimed behind them.
Someone started pounding on the door. "We know you're in there Miss Wyntir, release the barrier!"
Tim cooed her on "remember the mountains, the grass, the trees... don't stop until you're there Lilly..." He placed his hands on her shoulders, giving her strength.
Tears ran down Lyllandra's face as she reached out further and further.
"I'm home!!" she mouthed, though no one on the ship heard. Three guards burst through the door, shouting silently towards her. One reached for his phaser, but the Lieutenant that spoke with her earlier reached his hand out and shook his head. They all watched as Lyllandra and Tim faded from the room.
Friday, November 25, 2005
Star Trek: Christmas Get-away (Part 1)
I found this awesome site: Captain Picard's Journal that inspired me to write a bit about Star Trek. Seems they are throwing a holiday party on board the Enterprise and many were invited. Here's Part 1 of my tale:
Lyllandra paced back and forth in her quarters, trying to make use of the spare time. The party would be in a few hours, but she could hardly keep her excitement hidden. After so many years of running away, it was time for her to return to earth...
Three nights before, she prepared her clothing. A long, blue silk tunic studded with violet posies and pale green leaves was her first choice. Her own mother embroidered the garment and it was the last thing she had of her homeland. The blue top had matching pants that were wider at the bottom, to allow for boots, decorative or not. Silk is not very warm, but at least it would fool those at the party, let them believe she wasn't up to anything.
Although the Enterprise crew was kind enough to save her, and others, from a prison camp back on Romulus, her past history and run-ins with StarFleet kept her locked in her quarters. This would be her one and only chance to escape.
The invitation was sent around the ship on stardate 59345.8 for a Christmas Party at Ten Forward. She would be allowed to attend for two hours, and then return to her room for the night. That two-hour time frame was just enough time to be seen, and then slip away.
"Room unlocked," the computer chimed. The party had begun.
Lyllandra stepped from her room and made her way to Ten Forward. As others passed her, she smiled graciously, almost regally, as she looked the part. Just as she reached Ten Forward, someone grabbed her hand.
"Miss Wyntir, I'd like to remind you of the security measures for tonight." A gruff security guard warned her. "For the safety of everyone, please, behave."
His touch wasn't ungentle, and he was wearing a ceremonial security outfit, not a common one worn every day.
"Thank you, Lieutenant." Even though she didn't know his name, his rank was easy to tell by the color of his uniform. "I'll do my best."
And with that, she entered Ten Forward.
The band was already jamming in one corner, Guinan was behind the bar, as always, and others mingled as they arrived. Lyllandra went to one of the several replicators and asked for a Long Island Iced Tea; she needed to keep her head clear, after all.
Few gazed her way, and she was thankful for it. A small corner seat concealed her longing gaze towards the planet Earth. Although she wasn't Betazoid, it was known that those from earth sometimes sensed things, other worldly things. This is one of the reason's why she stayed away from Counselor Troi. Lyllandra was always afraid that her true intentions would be known if she met this woman.
Her thoughts materialized when the Counselor entered Ten Forward. Cursing into her cup, she headed deeper into the corner, hoping not to be seen. Now that she was here, there was no way to escape, except to return to her quarters.
She passed by several crew members, hoping not to get their attention when someone bumped into her.
"Hey Lilly, where you going?" A familiar face smiled down at her.
"Not now Tim, I'm not feeling well," was all she could blurt out.
"You do look a little pale. Do you need to go to Sick Bay?"
"I'm okay, really," Lyllandra feebly responded.
"Well at least let me see you to your quarters, okay?"
And with a nod they left Ten Forward.
(End of Part 1)
Stardates taken from this site: http://trekguide.com/Stardates.htm
Lyllandra paced back and forth in her quarters, trying to make use of the spare time. The party would be in a few hours, but she could hardly keep her excitement hidden. After so many years of running away, it was time for her to return to earth...
Three nights before, she prepared her clothing. A long, blue silk tunic studded with violet posies and pale green leaves was her first choice. Her own mother embroidered the garment and it was the last thing she had of her homeland. The blue top had matching pants that were wider at the bottom, to allow for boots, decorative or not. Silk is not very warm, but at least it would fool those at the party, let them believe she wasn't up to anything.
Although the Enterprise crew was kind enough to save her, and others, from a prison camp back on Romulus, her past history and run-ins with StarFleet kept her locked in her quarters. This would be her one and only chance to escape.
The invitation was sent around the ship on stardate 59345.8 for a Christmas Party at Ten Forward. She would be allowed to attend for two hours, and then return to her room for the night. That two-hour time frame was just enough time to be seen, and then slip away.
"Room unlocked," the computer chimed. The party had begun.
Lyllandra stepped from her room and made her way to Ten Forward. As others passed her, she smiled graciously, almost regally, as she looked the part. Just as she reached Ten Forward, someone grabbed her hand.
"Miss Wyntir, I'd like to remind you of the security measures for tonight." A gruff security guard warned her. "For the safety of everyone, please, behave."
His touch wasn't ungentle, and he was wearing a ceremonial security outfit, not a common one worn every day.
"Thank you, Lieutenant." Even though she didn't know his name, his rank was easy to tell by the color of his uniform. "I'll do my best."
And with that, she entered Ten Forward.
The band was already jamming in one corner, Guinan was behind the bar, as always, and others mingled as they arrived. Lyllandra went to one of the several replicators and asked for a Long Island Iced Tea; she needed to keep her head clear, after all.
Few gazed her way, and she was thankful for it. A small corner seat concealed her longing gaze towards the planet Earth. Although she wasn't Betazoid, it was known that those from earth sometimes sensed things, other worldly things. This is one of the reason's why she stayed away from Counselor Troi. Lyllandra was always afraid that her true intentions would be known if she met this woman.
Her thoughts materialized when the Counselor entered Ten Forward. Cursing into her cup, she headed deeper into the corner, hoping not to be seen. Now that she was here, there was no way to escape, except to return to her quarters.
She passed by several crew members, hoping not to get their attention when someone bumped into her.
"Hey Lilly, where you going?" A familiar face smiled down at her.
"Not now Tim, I'm not feeling well," was all she could blurt out.
"You do look a little pale. Do you need to go to Sick Bay?"
"I'm okay, really," Lyllandra feebly responded.
"Well at least let me see you to your quarters, okay?"
And with a nod they left Ten Forward.
(End of Part 1)
Stardates taken from this site: http://trekguide.com/Stardates.htm
Monday, November 14, 2005
Saving the Phoenix
Sunlight spilled from the windows and onto a dark, hardwood floor. Sundust danced happily on the rays as the breeze blew in from the high windows. It was hard waiting for the doctor, especially when something so pressing was on her mind.
Being used to this office after only two weeks, the older location was haunted and she scarcely felt safe discussing her dreams with ghosts in the room, she laid down on the plush sofa and watched the sunlight. After ten minutes, it felt like hours, he came into the room, clipboard in hand.
"Thank you for seeing me today, Doctor. It's been a while since our last session, but the dream i had last night cannot be dismissed."
"Mm, hmm," he mumbled.
She had to admit he was handsome. His face was tan and radiant, she knew he was a runner and maybe that helped with the complexion. Dark hair was cut short atop his head and that complimented his dark eyebrows. Some might have called him short, but his confidence overrode any doubts of his ability.
When he sat down across from her, he took off rectangular glasses so she could see his eyes. They were brown with a warmth that offered trust.
After a moment of scribbling on a pad, he looked at her and smiled.
“Okay Kate, what’s been troubling you? Tell me about this dream.”
She nodded and began her tale.
“It’s going to sound strange. This time my dream was not in fluid scenes,” she looked down and folded her hands. “Each scene became more coherent as the dream went on,” now she was hesitating.
“It’s okay, go on,” he gently urged.
Kate took a deep breath. “We were in the water, two children and i. I was one of them, a child I mean. There was sand and a cabin next to the life guard station. It was kind of like a beach. At first we were wading in the water, but then I noticed something in the water.
“At this point, I knew I was undercover, even though I was a child. I had an adult brain.”
“What gave you that impression, Katie?” The doctor decided to go along with her child like feelings.
“I felt as if I knew more about the water than they did. That’s when I noticed the jellyfish. It seemed that they weren’t there before, so I grabbed the two children and asked them to watch out for the little jellyfish. That’s when I started to feel guilty,” as she stared at her knuckles, she noticed they were turning white from her own grip. She quickly released them and looked at the doctor.
“I felt as if I took their innocence away. They were happily playing in the water, until I ruined it with tales of these jelly monsters. They couldn’t have been more than 3 or 4 years old, but I was bigger and a little older, so I took them to safety. That didn’t rid me of that sadness though.”
“Sometimes we must be the truth bearers. Go on, what was the next scene.” His soft voice never threatened her, so she went on.
“Next, I found myself in a gymnasium. I’d regained my adult body, to go with the brain, but there was chaos everywhere. I could sense that she was in trouble…’
“Who’s in trouble?” this surprised him. Her past dreams had been of a man in need of help.
“The Phoenix. I know this sounds weird… but recently the one in trouble has been the Phoenix. You know, the one from X-Men. Everyone was looking for her, or her followers, and since I was undercover, I decided to play along.
“The gymnasium was surrounded by artifacts, as if it was a bazaar from ancient Egypt. One fellow claimed to be the master of some unknown universe, and he’d forwarded all his efforts in trying to find the Phoenix, to arrange her hand for marriage,” at this, her eyes went dull and she was reliving the dream. The doctor sat forward, a little anxious, but watching her all the same.
“I simply tapped his upper arm with the back of my hand and whispered to him… ‘She IS the queen of the universe,’ and left him before he thought to catch me.
“I knew where she was, so I navigated through the maze of tents and posters to where she was sick in bed. Marvelous in her yellow outfit, she sat in a bed, speaking to her friends. ‘You are being hunted,’ I bowed, to show my courtesy. ‘Please excuse this intrusion, but I must get you to safety.’ I picked her up in my arms, with every intention to carry her away to a safer place. So many people were after her….”
“Katie, stay with me. Katie…” the doctor rose from his chair and kneeled next to her own. By now, her eyes had slipped closed and her breathing was shallow. He checked her pulse and was happy with the results.
“Go on Katie… what happened to the Phoenix?”
“I,” she swallowed, it seemed a labor to breathe, even. “I carried her away, and her alchemist came with her. She had a, a drawer, rings. Each,” another swallow, “each had a small marble ball attached. They were used as… as medicine when swallowed.” A bead of sweat rolled down her forehead, though she was cool to the touch.
“Melandra was her name and she had many piercings. Not uncommon for an alchemist. One of her own ball rings was in her lip. Anyway, Phoenix asked for certain medicines according to the maladies she felt. She swallowed one remedy and asked Melandra to throw another away. Although she wasn’t …. “
“Katie, just a little longer, please, keep talking to me.” This time, he grasped her hands in his own, her temperature was beginning to rise and more sweat beads dotted her head like diamonds.
“The Phoenix wasn’t showing any signs of pain, except in her eyes. It was like looking into the sadness of the world, and all it’s terrible power,” a shiver ran through her then, the sweat drops evaporating one by one.
“…joked for a while, the alchemist and I, and I dared to refer to a common friend that we all shared, but the magi ignored her, she was carrying me after all….”
As a smile grew on his face, Kate’s ruddy cheeks began to drain of all blood, despite her fever.
“I simply told her that wasn’t who we spoke of and laughed. I was weak and she was there to protect me. Then I told her she was my Queen, the Queen of the Universe.”
A sharp cry rang in Kate’s ears just then. Something had gone terribly wrong. She opened her eyes and saw a horrid site before her. The seat where her doctor once sat was empty, and next to her knelt a charred figure. Kate wasn’t afraid, however. It was clear what happened.
Her dream was no dream at all. Past nightmares were only so because the person was wrong. Her duty was to protect, however those she protected were never right. She woke up screaming from those dreams, for those that were under her care would always perish. Not until this last dream, could she see clearly.
She was destined to protect herself… the Queen of the Universe.
Being used to this office after only two weeks, the older location was haunted and she scarcely felt safe discussing her dreams with ghosts in the room, she laid down on the plush sofa and watched the sunlight. After ten minutes, it felt like hours, he came into the room, clipboard in hand.
"Thank you for seeing me today, Doctor. It's been a while since our last session, but the dream i had last night cannot be dismissed."
"Mm, hmm," he mumbled.
She had to admit he was handsome. His face was tan and radiant, she knew he was a runner and maybe that helped with the complexion. Dark hair was cut short atop his head and that complimented his dark eyebrows. Some might have called him short, but his confidence overrode any doubts of his ability.
When he sat down across from her, he took off rectangular glasses so she could see his eyes. They were brown with a warmth that offered trust.
After a moment of scribbling on a pad, he looked at her and smiled.
“Okay Kate, what’s been troubling you? Tell me about this dream.”
She nodded and began her tale.
“It’s going to sound strange. This time my dream was not in fluid scenes,” she looked down and folded her hands. “Each scene became more coherent as the dream went on,” now she was hesitating.
“It’s okay, go on,” he gently urged.
Kate took a deep breath. “We were in the water, two children and i. I was one of them, a child I mean. There was sand and a cabin next to the life guard station. It was kind of like a beach. At first we were wading in the water, but then I noticed something in the water.
“At this point, I knew I was undercover, even though I was a child. I had an adult brain.”
“What gave you that impression, Katie?” The doctor decided to go along with her child like feelings.
“I felt as if I knew more about the water than they did. That’s when I noticed the jellyfish. It seemed that they weren’t there before, so I grabbed the two children and asked them to watch out for the little jellyfish. That’s when I started to feel guilty,” as she stared at her knuckles, she noticed they were turning white from her own grip. She quickly released them and looked at the doctor.
“I felt as if I took their innocence away. They were happily playing in the water, until I ruined it with tales of these jelly monsters. They couldn’t have been more than 3 or 4 years old, but I was bigger and a little older, so I took them to safety. That didn’t rid me of that sadness though.”
“Sometimes we must be the truth bearers. Go on, what was the next scene.” His soft voice never threatened her, so she went on.
“Next, I found myself in a gymnasium. I’d regained my adult body, to go with the brain, but there was chaos everywhere. I could sense that she was in trouble…’
“Who’s in trouble?” this surprised him. Her past dreams had been of a man in need of help.
“The Phoenix. I know this sounds weird… but recently the one in trouble has been the Phoenix. You know, the one from X-Men. Everyone was looking for her, or her followers, and since I was undercover, I decided to play along.
“The gymnasium was surrounded by artifacts, as if it was a bazaar from ancient Egypt. One fellow claimed to be the master of some unknown universe, and he’d forwarded all his efforts in trying to find the Phoenix, to arrange her hand for marriage,” at this, her eyes went dull and she was reliving the dream. The doctor sat forward, a little anxious, but watching her all the same.
“I simply tapped his upper arm with the back of my hand and whispered to him… ‘She IS the queen of the universe,’ and left him before he thought to catch me.
“I knew where she was, so I navigated through the maze of tents and posters to where she was sick in bed. Marvelous in her yellow outfit, she sat in a bed, speaking to her friends. ‘You are being hunted,’ I bowed, to show my courtesy. ‘Please excuse this intrusion, but I must get you to safety.’ I picked her up in my arms, with every intention to carry her away to a safer place. So many people were after her….”
“Katie, stay with me. Katie…” the doctor rose from his chair and kneeled next to her own. By now, her eyes had slipped closed and her breathing was shallow. He checked her pulse and was happy with the results.
“Go on Katie… what happened to the Phoenix?”
“I,” she swallowed, it seemed a labor to breathe, even. “I carried her away, and her alchemist came with her. She had a, a drawer, rings. Each,” another swallow, “each had a small marble ball attached. They were used as… as medicine when swallowed.” A bead of sweat rolled down her forehead, though she was cool to the touch.
“Melandra was her name and she had many piercings. Not uncommon for an alchemist. One of her own ball rings was in her lip. Anyway, Phoenix asked for certain medicines according to the maladies she felt. She swallowed one remedy and asked Melandra to throw another away. Although she wasn’t …. “
“Katie, just a little longer, please, keep talking to me.” This time, he grasped her hands in his own, her temperature was beginning to rise and more sweat beads dotted her head like diamonds.
“The Phoenix wasn’t showing any signs of pain, except in her eyes. It was like looking into the sadness of the world, and all it’s terrible power,” a shiver ran through her then, the sweat drops evaporating one by one.
“…joked for a while, the alchemist and I, and I dared to refer to a common friend that we all shared, but the magi ignored her, she was carrying me after all….”
As a smile grew on his face, Kate’s ruddy cheeks began to drain of all blood, despite her fever.
“I simply told her that wasn’t who we spoke of and laughed. I was weak and she was there to protect me. Then I told her she was my Queen, the Queen of the Universe.”
A sharp cry rang in Kate’s ears just then. Something had gone terribly wrong. She opened her eyes and saw a horrid site before her. The seat where her doctor once sat was empty, and next to her knelt a charred figure. Kate wasn’t afraid, however. It was clear what happened.
Her dream was no dream at all. Past nightmares were only so because the person was wrong. Her duty was to protect, however those she protected were never right. She woke up screaming from those dreams, for those that were under her care would always perish. Not until this last dream, could she see clearly.
She was destined to protect herself… the Queen of the Universe.
Monday, September 19, 2005
Dreaming of Death (some violence, be warned)
The day started like any other. I could picture it as if it were right before me. Now of course, i would never see it again.
I remember being in school. The long, winding stairwell (that i knew with my eyes closed) stretched before me as i descended. I looked at the metal and rubber steps and for a moment they floated before my eyes. Swimming through the hallway felt like a good idea, but my senses brought me back to reality. Catching the banister just in time, i saved myself from a very bad fall.
At first that worried me, as i'm not susceptible to fainting spells, but after walking for some time, it just became another memory. There were errands to run and my husband to meet.
I headed to the post office, trying to catch it before it closed. Three older men in t-shirts and ripped jean shorts watched me as i passed through the lobby. They looked a little frightening, since they were just sitting around talking, and all of them looked as if they didn't know how to shave properly. I paid them no mind and walked to the end of the hall, towards the clerk's desks.
My husband was already there, speaking with a younger woman. She was very nice and showed us how the doors to the post office worked. The window was divided into 4 sections. Three smaller windows opened individually like a rotating door. You could pass parcels and money through these sections.
Behind the glass i could see that the clerks were about 3 feet off the ground, sitting on boxes waiting to be shipped out. It looked hot back there, almost stuffy, but no one was sweating and there were fans twirling from the ceiling.
At first, the woman seemed frightened of me, but once i gained her trust, she showed me how to open the top, larger window. It slid up and down from a lever on her side. As soon as she opened it, my husband jumped in and the woman looked fearfully behind me. Just then, i turned around to see the three men approach the clerk windows. Fear gripped my heart and i knew then what they intended to do.
The one closest to me had a large wrench. It was dull, but bright white metal, and it was almost as big as his forearm. He didn't look menacing, just desperate for money. The second man was behind me, and behind the man with the wrench. I couldn't see him. The third man was who scared me. He held a gun and was pointing it directly at the window where my husband went in.
I knew that they saw the window open, and they were waiting for a chance to hold up the post office. I was scared, but glad that my husband was behind the glass. It was at this time i realized it was bulletproof. As they started yelling out their demands, i took my chance.
Ducking under the arms of the man with the wrench, i went to the back of all three of them, trying to run away. That decision was the most important one made in my life. Immediately after passing under the wrench, the gunman shot me in the neck. I could have run away, but at close range, he shot a second time, then a third, and a fourth. The second didn't hurt, the third took my sight. After the fourth shot, something wet covered me in a blanket of warmth from the neck down. As i laid there staring into the darkness, i realized, with a great sadness, that i was dead.
I remember being in school. The long, winding stairwell (that i knew with my eyes closed) stretched before me as i descended. I looked at the metal and rubber steps and for a moment they floated before my eyes. Swimming through the hallway felt like a good idea, but my senses brought me back to reality. Catching the banister just in time, i saved myself from a very bad fall.
At first that worried me, as i'm not susceptible to fainting spells, but after walking for some time, it just became another memory. There were errands to run and my husband to meet.
I headed to the post office, trying to catch it before it closed. Three older men in t-shirts and ripped jean shorts watched me as i passed through the lobby. They looked a little frightening, since they were just sitting around talking, and all of them looked as if they didn't know how to shave properly. I paid them no mind and walked to the end of the hall, towards the clerk's desks.
My husband was already there, speaking with a younger woman. She was very nice and showed us how the doors to the post office worked. The window was divided into 4 sections. Three smaller windows opened individually like a rotating door. You could pass parcels and money through these sections.
Behind the glass i could see that the clerks were about 3 feet off the ground, sitting on boxes waiting to be shipped out. It looked hot back there, almost stuffy, but no one was sweating and there were fans twirling from the ceiling.
At first, the woman seemed frightened of me, but once i gained her trust, she showed me how to open the top, larger window. It slid up and down from a lever on her side. As soon as she opened it, my husband jumped in and the woman looked fearfully behind me. Just then, i turned around to see the three men approach the clerk windows. Fear gripped my heart and i knew then what they intended to do.
The one closest to me had a large wrench. It was dull, but bright white metal, and it was almost as big as his forearm. He didn't look menacing, just desperate for money. The second man was behind me, and behind the man with the wrench. I couldn't see him. The third man was who scared me. He held a gun and was pointing it directly at the window where my husband went in.
I knew that they saw the window open, and they were waiting for a chance to hold up the post office. I was scared, but glad that my husband was behind the glass. It was at this time i realized it was bulletproof. As they started yelling out their demands, i took my chance.
Ducking under the arms of the man with the wrench, i went to the back of all three of them, trying to run away. That decision was the most important one made in my life. Immediately after passing under the wrench, the gunman shot me in the neck. I could have run away, but at close range, he shot a second time, then a third, and a fourth. The second didn't hurt, the third took my sight. After the fourth shot, something wet covered me in a blanket of warmth from the neck down. As i laid there staring into the darkness, i realized, with a great sadness, that i was dead.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
The Beginning of an End
A tall gentleman stood with a top hat and cane, staring at the black clouds coming towards them.
"It's the beginning of the end, my friend."
"Three signs, this is the first. Darkness to blind the foolish," a round man with bushy whiskers replied. "It looks like ash."
Their words were drowned out by silence. People all around lost hope as the black clouds surrounded them. Lacking wind, lacking sound, lacking movement, only darkness descended upon them. It seemed as if she was choking on it. Feeling around, she knew there was only one thing left to accomplish. She had to find him.
For years they were friends. She was always non traditional, especially in these times. Her partner was a woman, but things didn't work out. The town shunned her, but it mattered little. She lived life as she saw fit. They called her Elloisa.
He was conservative. Marriage was a serious and social affair. He married a beautiful woman of wealth, had three children, and a maid. Their finances were never in trouble and he spent money very carefully. It was almost a freak occurrence that he befriended the wild Elloisa.
If Elloisa came to visit, the maid never let her in. It wasn't until Henry came to the door and allowed her over the threshold that she could enter.
"Come in, dear friend," he would always say with a smile. "The little ones have missed you."
A faded smile crossed her lips as she felt her way along the street. His smile always brought joy to her heart, but it never felt lustful. He was handsome, she used to tease him about it when they were younger...
"All the girls will want you to win their hand, you know."
"Oh, Elly, stop that nonsense. Mother and Father will choose my bride, and we'll have the best wedding in town. Surely you'll be there."
"Of course," she almost whispered.
Although she was greeted with kindness at the Gibson Estate, Henry's parents weren't over fond of her. They smiled if in her presence, but Henry sadly told her what they warned him of.
"Henry, dearest, you know what company like her will do to your reputation. It's simply unheard of. Men attract women and visa versa. Women should never attract women, not in that way."
"Your mother is right, son. We are simply concerned about your image and how it will tarnish" 'Think of the Gibson name,' was his father's creed.
"If society has a problem with my compassion, then let them tarnish the name. Mother, weren't you the one that took in the homeless family, despite your parent's warnings, and helped them to freedom?
"And Father, don't you remember when you shared the same feelings of friendship with Elloisa? She was like my second sister until she told everyone what goes on in her bedroom. Really, I can't believe the two of you. Out of all the neighborhood, I would expect at least my mother and father to have a perspective of how things really are."
The darkness was getting thicker, if that's possible, but she was left with memories for comfort. Henry always defended her and it never tarnished his reputation. If there was an impact, it only made him more desirable.
Even so, she was forbidden to take part in the wedding. Henry's wish to have her as a Best Man was squashed. His parent's would have it, so long as they were footing the bill. She was allowed to watch, however.
"Don't worry, Elly. I'll get you in somehow," the smile was devious this time.
"I won't have it, Henry. Please, just this once, don't get in trouble for me. If i can see you take your vows, i'll be happy."
And when the day came, she was happy. Her friend knew the direction he was going in life. He had everything laid out for him.
"Oh my God. It's the second sign... RUN," Someone screamed down the block.
Elloisa turned around and noticed the darkness receded a bit. A pale sky stared at them, almost sad, as if it knew what lay ahead. A large mountain of blue capped with white began to grow in the distance. Every scream confirmed her own idea. It was a tidal wave.
For a moment, all she could do was stare. The massive wall of water didn't break even as it crashed through building after building. As the screams of the people taken by the water were silenced, new ones erupted closer to her. It wasn't until she could feel the cold spray of water that she remembered her destination.
Step by step she moved backward, caught onto the railing of the flat steps and flew down the stairs. Two floors down, she knocked violently on the door. Bryan, a small child with intelligent eyes opened up and smiled.
"Hi auntie Elly. Come on in."
"Not now, sweet one. Is your Father home?"
"He is," Henry replied. "What's wrong, Elly, you're shivering?" She gently brushed his arm away from her shoulders.
"Can i speak with you for a moment?"
"Yes, of course. Come inside Bry, your mother needs help in the kitchen."
Swaying back and forth, she tried to gather the words she would use. 'Saying it plainly would scare him away. Being subtle is just an annoyance. How will i ever...'
"What's got you so worried, Elly?"
"Come with me," she held out her hand and he took it.
It was warm and firm, and she never wanted to let it go.
They arrived at the first floor landing and looked out over the city. The tidal wave was just a few blocks away, moving steadily, but frighteningly slow. Henry frowned and looked to her.
"Is this all you wanted to show me? The whole town knows about this. We are safe in our flat. It's been protected, come with us Elly." His voice was sincere, she could hear the tears coming on, the hoarseness in his throat.
"Let's go back, please..."
He tried to lead her back down stairs. Elloisa followed a few steps, then leaned into him hard, pressing him against the wall. Her lips met his as tears streamed down her face. When she received no response from him, she pulled away,
"I love you..."
"It's the beginning of the end, my friend."
"Three signs, this is the first. Darkness to blind the foolish," a round man with bushy whiskers replied. "It looks like ash."
Their words were drowned out by silence. People all around lost hope as the black clouds surrounded them. Lacking wind, lacking sound, lacking movement, only darkness descended upon them. It seemed as if she was choking on it. Feeling around, she knew there was only one thing left to accomplish. She had to find him.
For years they were friends. She was always non traditional, especially in these times. Her partner was a woman, but things didn't work out. The town shunned her, but it mattered little. She lived life as she saw fit. They called her Elloisa.
He was conservative. Marriage was a serious and social affair. He married a beautiful woman of wealth, had three children, and a maid. Their finances were never in trouble and he spent money very carefully. It was almost a freak occurrence that he befriended the wild Elloisa.
If Elloisa came to visit, the maid never let her in. It wasn't until Henry came to the door and allowed her over the threshold that she could enter.
"Come in, dear friend," he would always say with a smile. "The little ones have missed you."
A faded smile crossed her lips as she felt her way along the street. His smile always brought joy to her heart, but it never felt lustful. He was handsome, she used to tease him about it when they were younger...
"All the girls will want you to win their hand, you know."
"Oh, Elly, stop that nonsense. Mother and Father will choose my bride, and we'll have the best wedding in town. Surely you'll be there."
"Of course," she almost whispered.
Although she was greeted with kindness at the Gibson Estate, Henry's parents weren't over fond of her. They smiled if in her presence, but Henry sadly told her what they warned him of.
"Henry, dearest, you know what company like her will do to your reputation. It's simply unheard of. Men attract women and visa versa. Women should never attract women, not in that way."
"Your mother is right, son. We are simply concerned about your image and how it will tarnish" 'Think of the Gibson name,' was his father's creed.
"If society has a problem with my compassion, then let them tarnish the name. Mother, weren't you the one that took in the homeless family, despite your parent's warnings, and helped them to freedom?
"And Father, don't you remember when you shared the same feelings of friendship with Elloisa? She was like my second sister until she told everyone what goes on in her bedroom. Really, I can't believe the two of you. Out of all the neighborhood, I would expect at least my mother and father to have a perspective of how things really are."
The darkness was getting thicker, if that's possible, but she was left with memories for comfort. Henry always defended her and it never tarnished his reputation. If there was an impact, it only made him more desirable.
Even so, she was forbidden to take part in the wedding. Henry's wish to have her as a Best Man was squashed. His parent's would have it, so long as they were footing the bill. She was allowed to watch, however.
"Don't worry, Elly. I'll get you in somehow," the smile was devious this time.
"I won't have it, Henry. Please, just this once, don't get in trouble for me. If i can see you take your vows, i'll be happy."
And when the day came, she was happy. Her friend knew the direction he was going in life. He had everything laid out for him.
"Oh my God. It's the second sign... RUN," Someone screamed down the block.
Elloisa turned around and noticed the darkness receded a bit. A pale sky stared at them, almost sad, as if it knew what lay ahead. A large mountain of blue capped with white began to grow in the distance. Every scream confirmed her own idea. It was a tidal wave.
For a moment, all she could do was stare. The massive wall of water didn't break even as it crashed through building after building. As the screams of the people taken by the water were silenced, new ones erupted closer to her. It wasn't until she could feel the cold spray of water that she remembered her destination.
Step by step she moved backward, caught onto the railing of the flat steps and flew down the stairs. Two floors down, she knocked violently on the door. Bryan, a small child with intelligent eyes opened up and smiled.
"Hi auntie Elly. Come on in."
"Not now, sweet one. Is your Father home?"
"He is," Henry replied. "What's wrong, Elly, you're shivering?" She gently brushed his arm away from her shoulders.
"Can i speak with you for a moment?"
"Yes, of course. Come inside Bry, your mother needs help in the kitchen."
Swaying back and forth, she tried to gather the words she would use. 'Saying it plainly would scare him away. Being subtle is just an annoyance. How will i ever...'
"What's got you so worried, Elly?"
"Come with me," she held out her hand and he took it.
It was warm and firm, and she never wanted to let it go.
They arrived at the first floor landing and looked out over the city. The tidal wave was just a few blocks away, moving steadily, but frighteningly slow. Henry frowned and looked to her.
"Is this all you wanted to show me? The whole town knows about this. We are safe in our flat. It's been protected, come with us Elly." His voice was sincere, she could hear the tears coming on, the hoarseness in his throat.
"Let's go back, please..."
He tried to lead her back down stairs. Elloisa followed a few steps, then leaned into him hard, pressing him against the wall. Her lips met his as tears streamed down her face. When she received no response from him, she pulled away,
"I love you..."
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
daily writing
this may not make sense, but i have to catch the rhythm of my writing.
puddles lined the sidewalks, no dry place to step. the rain hadn't stopped for a week and all gutters overflowed with the stuff from below. walking in the street wasn't an option, since cars floated down an avenue or boulevard. but it didn't matter anyway. her clothes were soaked to the skin. at least the friction burns kept her from losing consciousness.
it seemed like only hours ago she was going to work. taking a subway into the city, then coming home afterwards. her husband welcomed her every day with open arms and that moment was her reason for everything.
things could have been worse. he might be dead, her too, but with the rain pummling down, she couldn't see how. for a moment, all vision blurred and she swayed from one foot to another. with a clenched fist, she caught a nearby wall and leaned hard into it. The cool stone felt good, it was stable. turning her back to it, slowly she slid down and closed her eyes.
they tell you to always try to stay alert, not to go to sleep, but what choice did she have. her watch displayed June 29th and she started on the 19th. the accident was only a few days behind her and the bleeding stopped, so she was okay. at least that's what she thought.
her vision blurred again and this time she retched, unable to hold the ground under her. it didn't matter, though, because the neverending rain washed it down the concrete and into the river of 40th street. for a moment she slept.
when she woke up, the room was bright and yellow. the color was easy on the eyes, but it seemed strange because it was so dry. around her, as a bed with guard rails, to prevent falling out and a rolling cart with food. she couldn't smell it, but steam rose from what looked like mashed potatoes and mushrooms. no one was in the room, but people passed the window that showed out into the hallway. She would guess it was a hospital, but everyone who passed wore yellow, to match her room.
One young man looked in when he noticed movement in the room. His brow furrowed and he walked in the opposite direction. A short time later, two women, accompanied by the young man walked through the door. As they approched, she blinked a few times, adjusting her sight. It seemed as if the two women's outfits changed color as they stepped through the door. The man remained in yellow, but the other two were in red.
"How are you feeling Miss," the one on the left inquired.
"I... i'm really sleepy," she replied.
"That's fine. We had to give you a little something for your head. But you're all better now." Would you like to eat some food?"
"Sure!" why did she sound like a little kid?
The young man rolled over the food cart and for the first time, she realized just how hungry she was. The two women moved aside and spoke about papers at the end of her bed. He came closer to her bed, and she noticed that the mash potatoes weren't steaming anymore. Her shoulders slumped as she was looking forward to a warm meal.
"Let's go, time to eat."
He pulled a stool next to the food cart and was ready to begin feeding her when she held up a small hand. The mashed potatoes shifted before her eyes, they were moving. small, translucent figures danced under grayish gravy. Her stomach turned as she looked to the mushrooms and found only slugs in their place.
"How do i eat that? They are bugs," her small voice was quiet in the large yellow room.
"They're good for you, please don't fuss," he said in a firm, but kind voice.
"You're not going to make me eat that!"
"You'll have to to feel better, miss. You wouldn't want to make him angry," one of the women chimed in.
"That's right, he would think we did a bad job of making you better," the young man continued.
The silent woman looked at the food, then to her. With a smile, she gestured to the food with an open hand. White, fluffy mounds filled the plate again and next to the mushrooms, a brownie was there for dessert.
It wouldn't be so bad to eat this, it looks like food now anyway and i'm so hungry she thought to herself....
puddles lined the sidewalks, no dry place to step. the rain hadn't stopped for a week and all gutters overflowed with the stuff from below. walking in the street wasn't an option, since cars floated down an avenue or boulevard. but it didn't matter anyway. her clothes were soaked to the skin. at least the friction burns kept her from losing consciousness.
it seemed like only hours ago she was going to work. taking a subway into the city, then coming home afterwards. her husband welcomed her every day with open arms and that moment was her reason for everything.
things could have been worse. he might be dead, her too, but with the rain pummling down, she couldn't see how. for a moment, all vision blurred and she swayed from one foot to another. with a clenched fist, she caught a nearby wall and leaned hard into it. The cool stone felt good, it was stable. turning her back to it, slowly she slid down and closed her eyes.
they tell you to always try to stay alert, not to go to sleep, but what choice did she have. her watch displayed June 29th and she started on the 19th. the accident was only a few days behind her and the bleeding stopped, so she was okay. at least that's what she thought.
her vision blurred again and this time she retched, unable to hold the ground under her. it didn't matter, though, because the neverending rain washed it down the concrete and into the river of 40th street. for a moment she slept.
when she woke up, the room was bright and yellow. the color was easy on the eyes, but it seemed strange because it was so dry. around her, as a bed with guard rails, to prevent falling out and a rolling cart with food. she couldn't smell it, but steam rose from what looked like mashed potatoes and mushrooms. no one was in the room, but people passed the window that showed out into the hallway. She would guess it was a hospital, but everyone who passed wore yellow, to match her room.
One young man looked in when he noticed movement in the room. His brow furrowed and he walked in the opposite direction. A short time later, two women, accompanied by the young man walked through the door. As they approched, she blinked a few times, adjusting her sight. It seemed as if the two women's outfits changed color as they stepped through the door. The man remained in yellow, but the other two were in red.
"How are you feeling Miss," the one on the left inquired.
"I... i'm really sleepy," she replied.
"That's fine. We had to give you a little something for your head. But you're all better now." Would you like to eat some food?"
"Sure!" why did she sound like a little kid?
The young man rolled over the food cart and for the first time, she realized just how hungry she was. The two women moved aside and spoke about papers at the end of her bed. He came closer to her bed, and she noticed that the mash potatoes weren't steaming anymore. Her shoulders slumped as she was looking forward to a warm meal.
"Let's go, time to eat."
He pulled a stool next to the food cart and was ready to begin feeding her when she held up a small hand. The mashed potatoes shifted before her eyes, they were moving. small, translucent figures danced under grayish gravy. Her stomach turned as she looked to the mushrooms and found only slugs in their place.
"How do i eat that? They are bugs," her small voice was quiet in the large yellow room.
"They're good for you, please don't fuss," he said in a firm, but kind voice.
"You're not going to make me eat that!"
"You'll have to to feel better, miss. You wouldn't want to make him angry," one of the women chimed in.
"That's right, he would think we did a bad job of making you better," the young man continued.
The silent woman looked at the food, then to her. With a smile, she gestured to the food with an open hand. White, fluffy mounds filled the plate again and next to the mushrooms, a brownie was there for dessert.
It wouldn't be so bad to eat this, it looks like food now anyway and i'm so hungry she thought to herself....
Thursday, June 30, 2005
daily writing
okay so here it begins. this is not a free write because i'm editing it, but it is daily writing.
i have to write daily, i have to write daily. i wish i could come up with stories like other fantasy writers. i guess if i decided to make it my first job to write, i would be able to create something that magnificent.
there are too many instances of the letter "i" in my writing. could it be that the self is perceived way too much. is the subconscious trying to tell me something? it's easy to write without using the self reference, but often times, it's preferred to include it. maybe there is a need to use elementary writing because the brain refuses to exert effort. it can be quite tiresome!
if i were to make a world, it wouldn't be like any other. all commonalities we've grown to know would be thrown out the window, and no one would like the story, probably. gravity would be thrown upside down just so i could have my way. things could be explained that don't make sense here, but in my world it wouldn't matter. it's my decision anyway, right?
don't know. i really need to find a way to keep myself less stressed. it's starting to play on my health and i don't like that one bit. i'm getting sick too often, and i'm always tired. the reasons are clear, too much work... but it can't be avoided. unless i fall into a sickness so great, it would hinder me. but i can't wish for that to happen, that would give too much freedom.
anyway, let's start with a forest. one of my favorite characters i've created is a speaker of the trees. it's not really like the lorax, or anything like that, more along the lines of pixie's and silly fantasy stuff like that.
here is where i'm at an impasse. should i freely write my stories here online, when there is a chance that they'll be stolen? i could easily write my newly made stories without a problem, but i couldn't write my most beloved and true tales because they are too important to me.
so, i guess you'll have to read about Lylandra when it's on the bookshelves.
(wow, i forgot i had this. will post and start anew)
i have to write daily, i have to write daily. i wish i could come up with stories like other fantasy writers. i guess if i decided to make it my first job to write, i would be able to create something that magnificent.
there are too many instances of the letter "i" in my writing. could it be that the self is perceived way too much. is the subconscious trying to tell me something? it's easy to write without using the self reference, but often times, it's preferred to include it. maybe there is a need to use elementary writing because the brain refuses to exert effort. it can be quite tiresome!
if i were to make a world, it wouldn't be like any other. all commonalities we've grown to know would be thrown out the window, and no one would like the story, probably. gravity would be thrown upside down just so i could have my way. things could be explained that don't make sense here, but in my world it wouldn't matter. it's my decision anyway, right?
don't know. i really need to find a way to keep myself less stressed. it's starting to play on my health and i don't like that one bit. i'm getting sick too often, and i'm always tired. the reasons are clear, too much work... but it can't be avoided. unless i fall into a sickness so great, it would hinder me. but i can't wish for that to happen, that would give too much freedom.
anyway, let's start with a forest. one of my favorite characters i've created is a speaker of the trees. it's not really like the lorax, or anything like that, more along the lines of pixie's and silly fantasy stuff like that.
here is where i'm at an impasse. should i freely write my stories here online, when there is a chance that they'll be stolen? i could easily write my newly made stories without a problem, but i couldn't write my most beloved and true tales because they are too important to me.
so, i guess you'll have to read about Lylandra when it's on the bookshelves.
(wow, i forgot i had this. will post and start anew)
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
been a while
it's been a while.... but it's time i wrote again.
been reading george r.r. martin's book - game of thrones and it put me back in the mood of fantasy writing.
i went to his site to see what he had to say about writing and it's the same as all authors. read and write all the time.
although i say i don't have the time, maybe it's just because i'm not putting enough effort into it. i used to keep a diary and write fervently every night, making sure my memories were kept in the sacred books. dreams too, but that all went astray when i had to take on more responsibilities.
i should do my free writing again, but i don't feel like it.
maybe later. but i do want to start writing some short stories!
~wyn
been reading george r.r. martin's book - game of thrones and it put me back in the mood of fantasy writing.
i went to his site to see what he had to say about writing and it's the same as all authors. read and write all the time.
although i say i don't have the time, maybe it's just because i'm not putting enough effort into it. i used to keep a diary and write fervently every night, making sure my memories were kept in the sacred books. dreams too, but that all went astray when i had to take on more responsibilities.
i should do my free writing again, but i don't feel like it.
maybe later. but i do want to start writing some short stories!
~wyn
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
free write
yeah, so i think this free writing ertally helps me. for sclass last night, we had to come up with a 3-5 minute speach, speech, and i wrote all about my husband. the words flowed out and it felt good because i only stumbled a little on the words to use, but never the idesa.
maybe i'll make a habit of doing this at least once a day, kind of to clense my pores of thought. that could be kind of couol, wouldn't it? then maybe i could write a little more about what ideas go on in my head, then again, maybe not. hee hee
at least my typing is getting a little better. i can write a lot more without deepending on the backspace, and that';s reassureing. or maybe not... ah well. it's good to just relax and type it all out.
this probably won't be a s long as th e last one. seems that i had a lot on my mind. today, i'm a little tired. we stayed up to watch some tv shows and just spend some time not working so hard.
if i could go to school, i think i would , no that's not the right place soto start. if i could go to school for anything, i think it would be for the culinary arts, voice performance, or something esle. but i have to go work not..
~wyn
maybe i'll make a habit of doing this at least once a day, kind of to clense my pores of thought. that could be kind of couol, wouldn't it? then maybe i could write a little more about what ideas go on in my head, then again, maybe not. hee hee
at least my typing is getting a little better. i can write a lot more without deepending on the backspace, and that';s reassureing. or maybe not... ah well. it's good to just relax and type it all out.
this probably won't be a s long as th e last one. seems that i had a lot on my mind. today, i'm a little tired. we stayed up to watch some tv shows and just spend some time not working so hard.
if i could go to school, i think i would , no that's not the right place soto start. if i could go to school for anything, i think it would be for the culinary arts, voice performance, or something esle. but i have to go work not..
~wyn
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
free write
well i figured i have a lot of things on my mind, so without hitting the backbpase ckey, i'm going to just do a free write. i don't thingk i like to edit the spaces because that takes too much briain power. the grammar is already embedded within my gingerditips, oi.. fingertips , and using the backbspace key is def. part of m y normal typing speekd :(
so i figured... i ditn't want to start off like that. ah well. lots of things are going very smoothly at the start of this semester. i have this writing blog athat i inctend to use more and more to help my free flow f or of writing. so, once and a while im going to start using this method to help my thoughts just come out.
one of the many reasong s i have a problem writing is because i clam up. for some reason, i feel like my mind has to be.. has to have a perfect rendition of ta scene aoso oi i can write it out. that's no good because i streess too much on what should be written and hwo it should be rewriteten . hopefully, i'll be abke to write more freely this way.
hahaha now i'm beginning to ramble. but that's what this is all about, riht? this is normally how my writing happens, im' on the subaway,or o (damn i used the spacebar... have to put that piece back where ti it was... hee hee), or in the shower and i have a perfect scene that i can picture in my head. unfortunately , when i get to a piece of paper, i don' thave the same drive to write it down, the moment's over. it's kind o
it's kind of spoiled, in a way. i should condiction myself to write anyway, or at least keep the excitement until i tcan get to some paper and a writing implemetnt. perhaps someone will betell me to get s a pad and pa pen to carry around with me all the time. that would be great, but i'm walking most of the time. perhaps a recorder. maybe i can invest in a tepa tape recorder, digital and recuortd.. uh.. record my thoughts and recollections on this journal. hahahahaha that's so dracula unleasehed. i think that's what i may do.
i don't have an iposd, but i have ... no let me rephrase that. i don't have an ipod mini or regular, so i wonder if the digital rercording thingy is fgood for the shuffle... hm. interesting.
well, i think i'll ed tn end this free write. i have some work to get back to .
i was ful it was fun!! hahahaha and i'm learning a lot abotu my typing mistakes. that's something i should sowkr ok work on as well.
or maybe my fingers just haven another adgenda.
`Wyn
so i figured... i ditn't want to start off like that. ah well. lots of things are going very smoothly at the start of this semester. i have this writing blog athat i inctend to use more and more to help my free flow f or of writing. so, once and a while im going to start using this method to help my thoughts just come out.
one of the many reasong s i have a problem writing is because i clam up. for some reason, i feel like my mind has to be.. has to have a perfect rendition of ta scene aoso oi i can write it out. that's no good because i streess too much on what should be written and hwo it should be rewriteten . hopefully, i'll be abke to write more freely this way.
hahaha now i'm beginning to ramble. but that's what this is all about, riht? this is normally how my writing happens, im' on the subaway,or o (damn i used the spacebar... have to put that piece back where ti it was... hee hee), or in the shower and i have a perfect scene that i can picture in my head. unfortunately , when i get to a piece of paper, i don' thave the same drive to write it down, the moment's over. it's kind o
it's kind of spoiled, in a way. i should condiction myself to write anyway, or at least keep the excitement until i tcan get to some paper and a writing implemetnt. perhaps someone will betell me to get s a pad and pa pen to carry around with me all the time. that would be great, but i'm walking most of the time. perhaps a recorder. maybe i can invest in a tepa tape recorder, digital and recuortd.. uh.. record my thoughts and recollections on this journal. hahahahaha that's so dracula unleasehed. i think that's what i may do.
i don't have an iposd, but i have ... no let me rephrase that. i don't have an ipod mini or regular, so i wonder if the digital rercording thingy is fgood for the shuffle... hm. interesting.
well, i think i'll ed tn end this free write. i have some work to get back to .
i was ful it was fun!! hahahaha and i'm learning a lot abotu my typing mistakes. that's something i should sowkr ok work on as well.
or maybe my fingers just haven another adgenda.
`Wyn
Monday, May 16, 2005
Video Games!!!
YAY!! i wrote once again about video games. This was my final research paper for Writing Workshop II.
My brother is so cool, he corrected me by saying that Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is the FIFTH in the series, not the fourth. Thanks B!!!
Check out the file here!
The Effects of Violent Video Games on Children.
Let me know what you think!
~wyn
My brother is so cool, he corrected me by saying that Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is the FIFTH in the series, not the fourth. Thanks B!!!
Check out the file here!
The Effects of Violent Video Games on Children.
Let me know what you think!
~wyn
Friday, April 29, 2005
scenes...
i hate when you try to write a story when you're in front of a keyboard and nothing comes up. then, just when you're ready to take a nap on the subway or walking home from school, an epiphany occurrs.
so, alas, i have some time and i can't think of any of the scenes that have been playing through my head :(.
let me see if i can recall any of them:
no :(
ah well. maybe late tonight. i'll keep my laptop by my bed instead of a notepad ^_^
~wyn
so, alas, i have some time and i can't think of any of the scenes that have been playing through my head :(.
let me see if i can recall any of them:
no :(
ah well. maybe late tonight. i'll keep my laptop by my bed instead of a notepad ^_^
~wyn
Friday, March 11, 2005
Satire needs a rewrite
well, my writing workshop teacher was impressed with the second draft of my satire. the first draft was edited by the students, and the woman that had mine totally marked it up. I hope the teacher didn't have a problem reading it....
she commented that the description of the process was a good addition and i should include more information about why gelatin is harmful.
hee hee i feel like the young girl from a studio ghibli movie. now i have to do the research to make my story believable. it's kind of exciting.
well spring break is here and i have lots of work to catch up on.
~wyn
she commented that the description of the process was a good addition and i should include more information about why gelatin is harmful.
hee hee i feel like the young girl from a studio ghibli movie. now i have to do the research to make my story believable. it's kind of exciting.
well spring break is here and i have lots of work to catch up on.
~wyn
Friday, March 04, 2005
Satire - Draft II
Here is my second draft of "The Meating."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Dr. Roberts, we thank you for taking the time from your research to share some of the progress you have made in your field.”
A tall man stood up at the front of the boardroom, statistical papers in hand. At the mention of Dr. Roberts, he gestured at a young woman sitting to his immediate left. Around the table, seven pairs of eyes moved from his figure, to hers.
The young woman pushed her chair away from the table and stood, gathering a remote control, clipboard and pen. She nodded to her introducer, then walked to a podium at the end of the room.
“Thank you, Mr. Sohn, and to you, ladies and gentlemen, for having me here today. Our research firm is aware of your superb customer service, and we strive to make that first priority.
“For 15 years, we’ve been studying the eating habits from around the world. Tests have shown a growing number of people concerned about food ingredients.”
“It’s a horrible thing,” an older gentleman pounds his fist on the table.
“Yes, sir. These results are disturbing. If we can discover methods to mask Product A - make it virtually undetected - your customer satisfaction will not suffer.
Using the remote control, Dr. Roberts dims the lights and begins her presentation at the opposite end of the room. The first slide appears and on it, an illustrated cow and the heading, Making Product A.
“Let me explain why Product A is not desirable as is.”
She clicks the remote and a new slide appears.
“In order to make Product A:
- Bones, skin, cartilage and tendons from cows and pigs are cut up and washed to remove any dirt or inorganic substances.
- These pieces are de-greased and de-mineralized by one of two solutions: an acid solution is used for bones and rough skin, while an alkaline-acid mixture is used for more tender skin.
- Warm water is added to form liquor, and is filtered as a final step to remove any un-pure substances.
- Vacuums remove the remaining water until the liquor has a syrupy consistency.
- To remove the risk of contamination, the solution is exposed to high temperatures.
- At this point the solution is cooled, minced, and dried to be cut into smaller particles.
- Final testing ensues, and the end product is customized for the customer’s satisfaction.”[i]
The members around the table are impressed at the detail that goes into their product. They would applaud, but they are waiting for the finale.
“You can see why we must mask this process. The general public would not approve of having Product A in many of their foods. And that’s why I’m here, ladies and gentlemen, to show you how your product can be hidden.
“Several products that line the supermarket shelves can include Product A.”
The current slide shows a box of Pop Tarts.
“A quick breakfast treat, filled with sugar and a fruit gel inside. To keep the fruit from melting or leaking from the pastry, why not add Product A?”
Someone mumbled and another nodded in approval.
Dr. Roberts clicked to the next slide. A box of Frosted Mini-Wheats appeared.
“What better way to keep the sugar coating on than to add a bit of Product A for an edible bond.”
More murmuring, this time, the approval was audible. However, one member was doubtful.
“If we know these consumers scrutinize the ingredients, what can we do to quell them,” an older woman quirked her brow.
Dr. Roberts smiled and put down her remote.
“That is the final step of integration. Once we give Product A a name, far from its meaning, people will use it freely without thinking about its origin.”
“And what name would that be, Dr. Roberts,” Mr. Sohn asked this time, a smile on his face. He was fully aware of what her answer would be.
Dr. Roberts picked up the remote, clicked for the last time and revealed a picture of a small child eating Jell-O.
“We’ll call it, gelatin.”
Applause ripped through the boardroom. Many members stood and moved to shake the hand of a brilliant scientist that found out how to make their product more successful.
The company’s plan was to include gelatin in everything. Film in cameras, plastic in bags, clothing, medicinal remedies, nail polish and its remover, as well as food. This would be the greatest advance in their company history.
Unfortunately, the products you’ve read above actually have these ingredients. Look at the ingredients of everything you eat. You’ll be surprised at the frequent occurrence of gelatin. Hopefully, we can get rid of the use of this horribly unnecessary product.
[i] Process practiced by the Gelatin Manufacturers Association of Asia Pacific - http://www.gmap-gelatin.com/how_made.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It still needs work (another product of my procrastination) but maybe i'll get to work on it once more.
Thursday, January 06, 2005
cold
"...Thank you for calling, have a nice day!"
click. disconnected.
she could see the bluish hue of her fingernails on her upturned hands...
how to start this story... hm...
will have to work on it later.
click. disconnected.
she could see the bluish hue of her fingernails on her upturned hands...
how to start this story... hm...
will have to work on it later.
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)