Sunday, August 27, 2006

Entry #53

Overtaken
by Mary Anne


His torch illuminated the otherworldly form. "Halan!" he called, "I've found it." Richard held the torch higher, observing the spread of the thing as it crept up the wall. A photo of it would resemble a mould that you might find on a neglected peach. A still image though wouldn't capture the unnatural movement of the thing: it bubbled and pulsed and shadows seemed to pass over its surface. He had finally found it - he should be enthralled. Instead a feeling of dread suddenly seized him.

"Halan!"

Shuffling sounds from the next room chilled him. He took one more look and then headed towards the noise. Standing at the door he called his friend's name once more, this time in a whisper.

Now Richard could hear a pained moaning. He shone his torch in the direction of the sounds and what he saw confirmed his worst fears: the old ones were right – the thing was a replicator. It had covered most of Halan's body and was already producing hundreds of spores that would each be a perfect replica of his friend complete with his mind and memories, though the bodies would be controlled entirely by this creature. He could see Halan's eyes pleading for help. He turned to run instead but fell to his knees as though paralyzed. He screamed.

His dropped torch had rolled a short distance away and was pointing towards his hand which was alive with grey-green and a small, perfect copy of his face.

13 comments:

Joni said...

Freaky! Feels like a part of a much bigger story. Original, cool. Great.

Anonymous said...

I think I seen the same thing in a freak show down in LA. Good, original story.

Anonymous said...

Man! Sounds like a bad trip I had back in the mid 80's!

Imagine seeing your own face on your hand...

Anonymous said...

This is a "chilling" story. I can't help but wonder what happens next.

Anonymous said...

Original idea. I enjoyed reading your story.

anne frasier said...

nice! i really liked the way you introduced and presented the SF element.

Anonymous said...

If I were watching this on TV...I would have my covers over my eyes about now!!! Good conveyance of information in the story.

Anonymous said...

I'd love to see the backstory behind this, especially the details on the old ones.

Anonymous said...

I agree with the others. I enjoyed this story and the elements of sci-fi you flavored it with. I would love to see this as a graphic novel.

Scott said...

Move aside John Carpenter, there's a new sheriff in town.

Bhaswati said...

Oh dear! This gave me goose bumps; your picturization of the creatures and their effects were so real. Ouch!

briliantdonkey said...

Very nice job, quite interesting to say the least. Well done.

BD

Anonymous said...

That ending was brilliant! I love the movie-like movement of the piece. Cinematic in its portrayal. High marks overall.