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Trapped-
That means being in a cage
And not being able to escape.
But if you cannot escape,
What happens then?
Or.
Or.
A choice between two.
But which one will you choose?
Free?
But what sort of thing is being free?
Is it like being Free as a Bird?
Is it being out of a cage?
Or is it not being Trapped?
Only those that know what it’s like to be Free will know.
There was one a little girl who, like most children, played and danced with glee and carelessness. She, like most children was afraid of the shadows and what lied in them. She hid from them and was fearful of them. However, as time grew on, she found that she did not need to fear them. She needed to fear the monster that hid in the light. The monster that looked like everyone else and pretended to act like everyone else. So, she hid from the monsters in the light. She hid from them by dwelling in the shadows with the little monsters from her childhood. Those monsters became her friends and she became theirs. They sheltered her from the monsters of the light and cared for her. They cared for her more than anyone had ever cared. They cared more than her mother, father, siblings, and friends. They, unlike all the others, never left her. In the end, she died, and the shadows wept. The shadows had finally found someone to love them and they slipped away with the sands of time. They vowed to find her again. And they did. They found her again and again. She loved them every time and as did they. The End.
The wind howls and rain pours on a dark stormy night. The rain bombards the dimly lit house surrounded by a dreary and dark forest. However, once inside, a somber melancholy tune floats through the house, drowning out the thundering of the rain. The melody flows out of the attic's dark domain. In the shadow-filled attic, a candlelit room awaits. The smell of lavender permeates the air, bringing a sense of calm to the dim room. A feminine figure relaxes on a grand four-poster bed with the soft, sheer, and delicate silk curtains closed. The female form wears an elegant nightgown, the color of blood. The figure is silently reading an ancient and worn book with the title, Dracula, etched into it. They bask in the morbid literature and the somber music like the shadows clinging to the walls.
So this is a short sci-fi story i wrote 2 to 3 years ago. I'm still learning, so please give me whatever constructive criticism you can.
I'll also be posting a few more of my stories while I'm currently working on that one lesbian bug alien romance story I posted about before.
Synopsis: A Blackbox from a group of Voyagers’ is recovered after their starship is found destroyed. It reveals that refueling off of the water from Jupiter’s moon Europa may not be the best idea.
“AY-005 to command.” the terminal crackled and the image of Lt. Pallin faded into view through the static. “One moment Pallin. Gotta clean up your image.” I replied into the microphone as I twisted the dials that lined the terminal. Slowly Lt. Pallin’s face became more clear and her voice lost some of the accompanying grain. “Alright go ahead.” I was eager to hear her report, usually being on night shift I rarely get any first hand contact. It's all told to me by the previous shifts or in emailed memorandums, this was a welcome surprise. “Right,” Lt. Pallin began “We found the black box that belonged to AX-004.” My heart leaped in my chest. This was astounding news, AX-004 had been destroyed a few months ago, and we only found out thanks to some routine telescopic searching. “That's fantastic news, Pallin. Send it in.” The loud clicking of my key-board nearly drowned out my instructions as I prepared the terminal to receive the blackbox’s contents. “Copy.” she replied and moved just off screen. I went and made myself a fresh pot of coffee as the data was being transferred, my shoes sticking and making awful squelches as I walked. They really need to clean this place.
I made my way back and sat down with a new mug of coffee steaming, the pot set next to me. The terminal’s processor revved and the fan spun, working hard to complete the download. Finally the green bar with a ninety-nine percent hovering over finally filled and presented “DOWNLOAD COMPLETE” and Lt. Pallin’s face returned. “I’ll review this right away. Thanks Lieutenant. Be careful.” I praised, and I readied myself for a long night. Her chuckle was distorted as the feed gained more interference. Before she cut out I heard her say “All G— will con— need to refuel. Planning— Europa’s ocean.” Then she was gone. Honestly, I was surprised her communication had lasted as long as it did. These terminals may have been the latest and greatest in light-year communication, but even they have their limits. I queued up the file, only an audio log accompanied by descriptive text of the ship's onboard computer system. Sadly the AX series of ships were just old enough to not be equipped with cameras but were equipped with auditory receptors allowing the crew to use voice commands. That way they needn’t travel to a ship terminal just to adjust the temperature or run diagnostics. I grabbed myself a snack from my desk, my notepad, and settled in.
<SCS> 00:30 running diagnostics. Fuel low. Reserve error. Waking Captain…
(Capt. Love): Computer, what’s happening?
(SCS): Request not recognized.
(Capt. Love): God dammit. Computer run diagnostic.
(SCS): One moment. Diagnostic report: Engines- fine, shields-fine, landing gear- fine, life support- fine, Fuel - Low, Fuel Reserve - Error
(Capt. Love): So it's a fuel problem. Alright, damn. Computer, scan for possible fuel sources, enough to complete the mission.
(SCS): One moment.
<SCS> Scanning…
(SCS): Large source of H2O found. 325 miles from current position. Location: Europa.
(Capt. Love): Huh, okay. Computer wake crew.
(SCS): One moment.
<SCS> Waking crew…
(Cpl. Benings): Awww, come on. What now?
(Pvt. Dell): What's going on? Are we here?
(Dr. Ve): Well that was a nice nap.
(SCS): Captain, crew have been awakened.
(Capt. Love): All hands to the bridge.
(Cpl. Bennings) What’s going on Captain?
(Capt. Love): Low on fuel and the reserve is malfunctioning. I found us a good refueling point, at least enough to finish the mission. Europa.
(Cpl. Bennings): Alright so we just fly down and grab some water, easy. I’ll go check out the reverve, see what's up. Though why’d you wake up these two?
(Pvt. Dell): Yeah I was gonna ask the same thing. I'm no engineer.
(Capt. Love): Good experience for you Dell and I figured the Doc wouldn't want to miss landing on a moon made of ocean.
(Dr. Ve.): Thank you.
(Capt. Love): Computer chart course for Europa
(SCS): One moment.
<SCS> Charting course. Ideal landing zone found. Engaging Autopilot. Engaging engines…
<SCS> 01:20 Deploying landing gear. Intciating landing…
(SCS): Please be advised. The temperature on Europa is currently -260℉ or -160℃. Thermal suits are recommended.
(Cpl. Bennings): No shit sherlock. Oww, sorry.
(Capt. Love): Alright, Everyone ready?
(Cpt. Bennings): Yep.
(Pvt. Dell): Yes Sir.
(Dr. Ve): Almost. Okay.
<SCS> All crew members have left the ship. Switching to remote communications.
(Cpl. Bennings): Holy shit, I thought my mother in-law was cold.
(Capt. Love): Imagine it without the thermal suits. Now Dell, bring that over here. Alright This is literally the definition of plug and chug. We insert the drill, it drills the ice, sucks it up and puts it in the reserve. Then when we reach the water below the surface, that will fill up our main tank.
(Dr. Ve): Would you look at those geysers? Amazing.
(Capt. Love): Hey Doc don't go too far, the surface is very unstable from the shifting currents.
(Dr. Ve): Oh right. Sorry.
(SCS): All members be advised. Large life-form detected. Proceed with caution.
(Pvt. Dell): What?
(Capt. Love): Computer, elaborate.
(SCS): Sure. Lifeform location 85 miles below the surface. Lifeform appears to be 360
feet in length. Weight estimated to be 467 tons. Creature’s thermal signature indicates it is an endotherm.
(Cpl Bennings): What the fuck? Really? First alien life we encounter and this type of shit. Great.
(Capt. Love): Hold it together Bennings. Computer, track lifeform. Warn us if it's within 2.75 miles of the surface. Dell get the Doctor back to the ship, I'll finish here.
<SCS> Lifeform movement 63 miles from surface. Fuel 54% complete.
(Pvt. Dell): Watch your step Doctor.
<SCS> 2 of 4 crew members on board. Lifeform movement 34 miles from the surface. Fuel 65% complete.
(Clp Bennings): Come on Sir. I don't like this, it's too quiet.
(Capt. Love): Just as quiet as before Bennings.
(Clp Bennings): Yeah but now there’s a fucking leviathain beneth us.
(Capt. Love): What?
(Clp. Bennings): Nothin’.
<SCS> Lifeform movement 22 miles. Fuel 78% complete
(Capt. Love): Dell get the ship ready for departure. We are not waiting to see this thing, understood?
(Pvt. Dell) Yes sir. Computer, prepare the cockpit for liftoff.
(SCS) Sure. One moment…
<SCS> Initiating manual piloting system…
(Capt. Love): Computer, Fuel status update.
(SCS): One moment… Fuel 86% complete
(Clp Bennings): Alright. Alright, we making progress.
(SCS): ALERT! ALERT! ALERT! Lifeform within 2.75 miles of surface. ALERT! ALERT! ALERT!
(Clp. Bennings): Fuck.
(Capt Love): Run!
(SCS): Lifeform 2.00 miles from surface.
(Dr. Ve): Come on! Hurry!
(SCS): Lifeform 1.52 miles from surface. Warning surface becoming unstable.
(Capt. Love): The Ice is cracking, come on Bennings! Dell start lift off!
(Pvt. Dell): Yes Sir!
<SCS> Manual liftoff engaged. All control to pilot.
(Clp. Bennings): Oh Shit! Guys Help! Fuck thats cold!
(Capt. Love): Shit Bennings! Fuck! Dell get this thing off the ground so we can get him!
<SCS>3 of 4 crew members onboard. Gaining altitude… (SCS): Lifeform within 0.46 miles of surface.
(Clp. Bennings): Oh shit I think I see it! Fuck, I think it sees me!
(Capt. Love): We’re coming, Bennings! Get to a high point!
(SCS): ALERT! ALERT! ALERT! Lifeform has reached the surface. ALERT! ALERT! ALERT!
(Clp. Bennings): Holy— how many eyes does this thing have?!?
(Capt. Love): What the fuck?
(Dr. Ve): Oh God.
(Capt. Love): Dell, you see him? Avoid those tentacles!
(Pvt. Dell): Holy shit! Holy shit! Why didn't I just go to College!
(Capt. Love): Keep it together. Bennings grab my hand!
(Clp Bennings): Ha, got ya! Ok, now pull my ass up!
(Capt. Love): We’re trying! Not our fault you're a mountain of muscle, lay off the gym will ya?
(Clp. Bennings): I’m Sorry!
<SCS> All Crew members have returned to ship. Sealing outer doors…
(Dr. Ve): Alright let me check you over.
(Capt. Love): Ha, good Flying, Dell. Now get us the Fu–
*End of all downloaded information*
I leaned back in my chair sweating, exhausted from simply listening and reading the recount of what happened. My mind spun with billions of horrific images, attempting to grasp what they had encountered. In the end I only succeeded in conjuring a headache, and took a swig of my forgotten coffee, now chilled by the AC unit running full blast. I sat in silence for minutes that stretched for hours, shudders and chills ran up and down my spine. Then a thought pierced me, spurred me into frantic action.
I twisted and pulled on the terminal’s hard unfeeling dials, typing command after command to the point I thought the keyboard would break. I had to reach the Lieutenant, warn her. I know they didn't have the correct equipment to have seen what I had seen, read what I read. I finally got the signal out. One minute turned into two, two to ten, ten to thirty. But the Terminal only displayed static.
like…you start a series of fics n stuff and then like…it’s old writing or a series
then you’re like: “oh I can just write ahead, no problem, it’s less work for later”
And then you write like at your peak writing style but can’t post it because it would be spoilers…
yeah that’s me, im mainly posting old stuff for starters to test the waters but holy crap my writing SUCKED.
So I was reading through some of my old unfinished fanfic stuffs and google docs- And I found this gem that I apparently finished. It was made back when I was REALLY REALLY INVESTED in the Invader Zim fandom and I had just finished binge reading the official comics. I’m not sure if it’s all in character but I figured I’d post it anyways because if I don’t some of this stuff would never see the light of day again lol. So enjoy if you can- Lol.
D-> Dib
G-> Gaz
M-> Membrane
Z-> Zim
In which Dib is spiteful to prove a point:
*We pan to the membrane household living room, where Gaz and Dib both seem to occupy at the moment. Dib is sitting lax on the couch while Gaz stands over to the side clearly fuming.*
G: “So you're just… Letting Zim take over the world?... JUST to prove a point?”
D: “... Mmm. Yerp. Sounds about right.”
G: “Oh. Um. Ok, whatever. The world is in chaos so I assumed you would be… Out there. Fighting Zim. And stuff.”
D: “Well not today. You said that Zim plans will always just backfire on themselves anyways and my efforts don't actually prevent anything. So, I figured, let's test that theory.”
G: “... Uh huh... Whatever. Just don't stink up the place with your sweaty anxiousness to save the world.”
D: “Oh I'm not worried. Once you admit that Zim is a real threat to humanity, then I'll go save the world.”
*Outside, a giant flaming meteor could be seen plummeting to earth accommodated by screams- Buildings on fire, and Zim leading an army of giant robots smashing anything. Gaz looks and sits on the couch next to dib.*
G: “Ok then…”
D: “Let's put on something to watch, yeah? You can pick, for old times sake.”
*Gaz flicks through the channels, but all of them are nationwide emergencies- Ranging from China to Egypt, to England, to places all around the world- All in a panic and the world on fire. Dib continues to sip juice.”
D: “Huh. Would you look at that, it's gonna rain tomorrow. Maybe that'll put a damper on all these TEMPORARY fires happening all over the place…”
G: “I know what you're doing Dib but it's not going to work. I bet you're ITCHING to go out there and beat that alien guy to kingdom come. But I'm not changing my mind. A little measly fire never hurt anyone…”
D: “Whatever you say Gaz. I’m actually pretty content here. Yep. Not gonna be moving for a loooong time…”
G: “...”
D: “...”
*Screams continue in the background. Gaz walks away for a few seconds before coming back with a soda. She splashes it on her brother.*
D: “HEY! Why would you do that!? Now I'm all sticky… You got it all over the couch…”
G: “Just checking if you were a robot. So. You really aren't going to do ANYTHING about Zim’s invasion?”
D: “Nope.”
G: “People are dying out there.”
D: “Not my problem. It'll all die down anyways and be forgotten, just like you said.”
G: “This is a new level of petty, even for you.”
D: “I'm not being petty. I'm proving a point. Now, unless you plan on admitting your wrong, move on with the subject- It's not a big deal.”
*Suddenly, Membrane burst through the door, decked out in a gas mask and holding two mini hazmat suits in their size. He slams the door shut, initiating lockdown protocol.*
M: “CHILDREN! THERE APPEARS TO BE A BIG DEAL GOING ON!!! It would seem that the government has FINALLY fallen to Terrorists of the outer space kind! They are here to enslave us to do their bidding- But do not worry. As long as we stay here, we SHOULD be safe from their MIND CONTROLLING radiation waves.”
G: “Don't you not believe in aliens and stuff Dad? Dib, you're seeing this right?”
M: “Ah Gazlene, my poor poor impressionable daughter- It would seem that your brother's insane ramblings have gone to your head. Of COURSE they don't exist! NOT SCIENTIFICALLY POSSIBLE! No no no, Space terrorists are a different concept entirely.”
G: “Dib. Aren't you going to say something?”
D: “What for? There isn't an alien threat going on AT ALL, remember Gaz? Space Terrorists are different.”
M: “Good to know you are coming to your senses, Son. Maybe soon you can return to the labs alongside your father?”
D: “Not a chance dad.”
M: “I predicted as much.”
G: “Ok. NO. This is all WRONG.”
D: “I don't think so. This is all gonna blow over soon anyways- No intervention needed.”
M: “Rational thinking my dear son, perhaps you can be the first to take your portion of beans…”
*Suddenly, a giant laser beam cuts a giant hole in the ceiling, and a load of robot minions in black suits on ropes swung down. Holding guns up to their heads, the robots gesture to a cage landing from the sky next to them, attached to a chain.
R1: “Get in the cage or perish at the might of our lord and master INVADER ZIM! Failure to comply will result in immediate spontaneous combustion!”
R2: “What he said! All electronics have been deactivated!(*Membranes raised robot arms fall limp at his sides*) Surrender in peace or in PIECES!”
D: “Huh. Well this is weird. Reminds me of the good old days of saving the world from a nonexistent threat… Oh well. It's not like it matters, It'll all work itself out in the end… Unless it doesn't…”
M: “The good have fallen, whatever will become of us all…”
G: “Dib! This isn't FUNNY anymore! Stop being a spiteful bump on a log and do something like you usually do!”
D: “What is there to do? Zim isn't a threat to anybody, so I shouldn't bother trying to stop him! Unless you admit otherwise, I'm going to assume it'll all blow over soon. Just. Like. You. Said.”
*The three of them end up going into the cage, which is now lifted up by a giant robot drone, heading towards a giant alien tower in the distance. Many cages could be seen heading that way- With pigs, humans, and bicycles. They soon reach the top floor, a throne room. They are brought to the front to be inspected by Zim, who was decked out in royal gear.*
Z: “Hello filthy humans! What a surprise- No effort from the Dib human this time it seems? Have you finally come to terms with how INFERIOR you are and surrendered your planet to ME?”
D: “Sure. Whatever. How about it Gaz, let's humor the idea! It's not like he can ACTUALLY win…”
M: “Hmmm… That green space terrorist looks oddly familiar…”
Z: “Good good! Excellent! Just had to clear that up before I- You know- ENSLAVE YOU!”
G: “Dib. Do something!”
D: “It'll be fine Gaz- He's going to screw up eventually! I already told you, I'm not going to do anything! Unless of course…”
G: “No. I refuse to even THINK about it! This is all just dumb luck- I will admit to n o t h i n g!”
D: “Ok. Your choice.”
Z: “Away with you now- your human stink is making my throne room reek- Try to enjoy the last few moments of your home planet that you can- BEFORE I SEND ALL HUMANS INTO SPACE INSIDE A GIANT GIFT BASKET FOR THE TALLEST! So uh, yeah, away with you…”
D: “Haha, imagine if that works- Too bad nobody would have been there to protect the planet!”
G: “Your. So. DEDICATED. To this bit AREN'T YOU…”
D: “Very.”
*The cage they are in is now seen being flown over to, you guessed it, a giant spaceship shaped like a wicker gift basket, hundreds upon millions of people in cages stacked inside. A large crane drone thingie could also be seen precariously placing a bow on it. Even so, Dib continued to seem indifferent, Sharing some tea with his dad and Gaz’s eyes were wide with anger and terror. Then she faces the two of them.*
G: “Arrrghhh… FINE DIB! I admit it- Your KINDA important when it comes to saving the world from Zim and junk! And I GUESS Zim can SOMETIMES be a threat to Earth for real. I admit it- Are you happy? Are you HAPPY now? Huh? HUH? Now so help me- If you do not get us out of here and fix all this Zim dookie- I WILL DESTROY YOU PERSONALLY MYSELF!…”
D: “Oh… Well, alrighty then, if you really insist Gaz…! Now that that's decided- I should probably go do my job now.”
G: “Erg, I wouldn't say JOB…”
M: “Son? Son! SON!? What are you doing!?”
*Dib, already managing to unlock the cage with ease, pulled a cord on his coat sleeve and kinda turned it into a sort of wingsuit. He turned his head to face the two family members dramatically*
D: “I'm doing what I always do… Saving the world from that ALIEN MENACE!”
M: “NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!”
*Later… Dib could be seen dusting off his hands with a grin on his face and soot smeared all over his face. His trench coat could be seen still smoldering as the clouds seemed to dissipate in under a few seconds, revealing the usual red sunny sky as if nothing bad happened. His surroundings were a wreck and behind him, Zims castle base thing could be seen collapsing into a pile of rubble.*
D: “Haha, a job well done! Point one for the human race… Point nothing to Zim! All is right once again…”
G: “Whatever…”
M: “To think- I had FINALLY been getting through to him… But alas, his insanity has returned…”
Z: *Pops out of nowhere from the rubble near dib* "HahahaHAHA! Victory for ZIM! That'll show the GAZ BEAST TO UNDERESTIMATE THE THREAT THAT IS ME!!!"
D: "Zi- Wait, stop, stop, shut up, shut up, she can still hear you idiot-"
G: "What are you guys on about now… Wait… You… Him…"
Z: "Oh yes! What a FANTASTIC PLAN IT WAS TOO! Of course, the part where I- The great and mighty Zim loses could use some weakling might need some work- But-"
G: *At this point, Gaz is fuming- Teeth clenching causing sparks to fly- All while Dib attempted to shut the ignorant alien up- But unfortunately everything seemed to be falling into place. Slowly, Gaz turns to Dib- Stiffly pointing at the two boys in front of her. "You two… All this… TO TRICK ME into thinking you guys were VALID in some way-"
D: "Gaz- I can explain-"
Z:"Yes that is exactly what happened- Because it's true! Zim is something to be FEARED-"
G: "I don't want to hear it. I'm giving you both 5 seconds to run."
D: "Wait- WAIT-"
Z: "NOPE!" *Shoves Dib out of the way and breaks into a run- Dib looks up only to find his little sister- Her gaze is cold enough to cause the next ice age. Dib screwed up.*
Later that night….
M: "Hmmm… I wonder where my dear children have run off to… Hopefully it has nothing to do with all that craziness about aliens and bigfeets…"
*Enter Gaz, smudged with dirt and grass, while dragging a large shovel behind her.*
M: “My my Gazleen, you're looking awfully dirty- Have you been roughhousing again?”
G: “Gardening. Getting rid of some WEEDS.”
M: “That’s wonderful! I’m glad you’re branching out and thinking of the planet!”