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Diana, of Myths of the Mirror has a new feature on her blog called, “Speculative Fiction Writing Prompt.” Please visit the link above to find out more about the challenge, then join in the great fun!
Only yesterday he was himself, quite human, a regular guy, who had everything he needed. Today, things had changed. He awoke to a deafening noise, the sounds of gears turning, and electric pulses, the likes of which created a spark and flame about him. He laid as still as could be, afraid to make the slightest move. It was then he realized the noise was coming from him. He sat up, barely able to straighten himself. Something was blocking his movements, and it was something unnatural, this much he knew.
Looking at his arm, he saw what he thought were robotics, in a gleaming gold, running down to his wrist. In between, wires of some sort, held the pieces together. Parts of his arm were missing, but he felt no pain.
“I must be dreaming”, he thought to himself.
Trying not to move too quickly, he adjusted his head to gaze at his torso. Metal plates made their way down one side of him. His entire right side was now gone, pieces of his flesh no longer appeared where they should. Instead, he had become a robot, a monster in his own eyes. His eyes. He wasn’t sure he wanted to know. He could feel a heaviness on his face and could only conclude part of his face had also been changed. Damaged. He was no longer human. He was a freak. A mechanical freak. But why?
“Wake up, stupid!” He tried to will himself out of this nightmare.
But it wasn’t a nightmare. It was all real. During the night, the invaders had found him and taken him over. He had only heard of them through stories told by the old ones. Usually, he’d just slough it off as nonsense, but now he realized he should have listened more carefully. The question was what could he do about this predicament?
The electricity he was emitting was causing the room to flame. Smoke and fire surrounded him, as if he was being welded together….and he was. He couldn’t see them, but he knew they were there. His only saving grace was he couldn’t feel anything.
And he wondered, had he always been this way…
©2019 Dorinda Duclos All Rights Reserved
Pixabay image by Brigitte Werner
Pingback: May Speculative Fiction Round-Up | Myths of the Mirror
Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. said:
Scary Dorinda… sometimes I think I am lucky not to be around in a 100 years or so…hugsxx
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Dorinda Duclos said:
I’m with you on that, Sally. We have enough robotics as it is, even in the medical surgery area. I’m not sure I’d want a robot operating on me!
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Adele Marie said:
Great story, Dorinda. xxx
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Dorinda Duclos said:
Thank you, Adele! xo
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jenanita01 said:
Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
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Almost Iowa said:
Excellent twist at the end.
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Dorinda Duclos said:
Thank you very much! 🙂
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Writing to Freedom said:
Great story Dorinda. Both engaging and disturbing. This could be a series. 🙂
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Dorinda Duclos said:
Hmmm interesting thought. 😉 Thank you!!
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H.R.R. Gorman said:
That last line leaves you with this awesome twilight-zone feeling! How many times had he woke up and forgotten? So creepy!
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Dorinda Duclos said:
Only when the invaders got to him. 😉 Thanks so much, H.R.R.!
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robertawrites235681907 said:
A brilliant sci-fi tale, Dorinda. I loved it.
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Dorinda Duclos said:
Thank you very much, Robbie! ❤️
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Jacquie Biggar said:
Chilling- especially the last line where it takes over his brain!
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Dorinda Duclos said:
Good catch, Jacquie! I was wondering if anyone would pick that up!! ❤️
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Chelsea Owens said:
Dum dum duuuum! Great story!
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Dorinda Duclos said:
Thanks so much, Chelsea ❤️
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D. Wallace Peach said:
Reblogged this on Myths of the Mirror and commented:
An intense story from Dorinda, I hope you enjoy.
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Dorinda Duclos said:
Thank you, Diana!! ❤️
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D. Wallace Peach said:
You’re welcome. And thank YOU for the great story. I’m happy to share. ❤
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Dorinda Duclos said:
❤️
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D. Wallace Peach said:
That last line is such a twist and changes the whole flavor of the story! Wonderfully done, Dorinda. I love surprises like that. Thanks so much for taking up the prompt. Have a great Sunday!
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Dorinda Duclos said:
Thanks so much, Diana. This was a very cool prompt to write to. Can’t believe I have to wait til June for another!! lol ❤ Happy week ahead, my friend!
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D. Wallace Peach said:
Ha ha ha. I’m so eager to pick one out, but I have to make myself wait. I’m glad you’re enjoying these. Yay!
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Dorinda Duclos said:
It’s been so much fun. I was trying to make myself wait until the middle of May but it kept calling to me!!
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D. Wallace Peach said:
I think the first stories get more readers, Dorinda, so no need to wait to post. And I love your contributions.
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Dorinda Duclos said:
OK! Thanks, Diana. ❤
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Miriam Hurdle said:
Oh my goodness, how did he get to that point? Great story!
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Dorinda Duclos said:
How do we all get to that point? Thanks, Miriam. ❤️
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Miriam Hurdle said:
Yes, one may wonder!! You’re welcome, Dorinda. ❤
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Ethan Dale Eagar said:
Powerful writing! Awesome job with the tension! Though I would not want to be around those invaders if this is what they are doing 😉
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Dorinda Duclos said:
I’m with you on that, but will we see them to know they are here? Thanks, Ethan. I always appreciate your comments! 😊
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Marje @ Kyrosmagica said:
Oh my! Great response to the prompt. 🙂
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Dorinda Duclos said:
Thanks so much, Marje!! 🙂
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