Friday, 13 February 2015
Senseless
I have heard it said that everyone can remember where they were when Kennedy was assassinated, anyone who is old enough to remember that is.
Well, I imagine you could say the same for the day the colours disappeared, anyone that is still alive to remember that is.
One minute there they were, in all their myriad glory, unappreciated for the most part, taken for granted, just a part of everyday, humdrum existence for all to see. The next minute they were no more, ripped from the spectrum. Plunging mankind into a drab, monochromatic existence. A world of black, white, and varying shades of grey.
At first there was confusion, bemusement, bafflement, even panic, as scientists futilely searched for a cause, for a remedy, for a way to put things right again.
If they had known why the colours had disappeared, they would have spent their time more fruitfully, preparing defences, arming themselves, barricading doors and windows.
The reason why was soon to manifest itself in all its horrifying glory.
Taste was the next casualty, followed closely by the sense of smell, then hearing.
In the gigantic mothership, presently in orbit on the far side of the moon, Second Commander Qairt argued for immediate invasion. Slavering in anticipation as his trident tongue flickered over row upon row of needle teeth.
“Patience, Qairt.” Said Commander Pzeen. “We want to make this as easy as possible. We will add another beam frequency to remove their sight next, leaving them virtually senseless, then we can go down there and eat our fill. There is an abundance of food available, and we can stock our freezers to bursting point before continuing our journey.”
First technician Zaphon looked up from his instrument panel. “The beacon is now fully installed on the moon's surface, Commander. We can now switch these senses on or off at will. Awaiting your command to remove the menu's sight, Sir.”
Commander Pzeen beamed at the technician.
“Thank you Zaphon, you may commence immediately, I am feeling rather peckish myself.” Said commander Pzeen in accompaniment to a mighty tummy rumble.
“We must remember to restore their senses before we leave this system though, we don't want to inhibit their breeding ability do we? This place will be an ideal refreshment stop when our intergalactic budget tours reach this quadrant.”
©2015 Stephen. J. Green.
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May not be as much fun, but why not render them unconscious? Senseless, silly aliens, never mind refreshments. Speaking of refreshments...
ReplyDeleteI think maybe they like their food to be wriggling if possible David. :-)
DeleteI agree with David that rendering them unconscious would be more efficient, but I think perhaps playing with their food adds to their enjoyment. :)
ReplyDeleteI think so too, Catherine. :-)
DeleteI guess it would serve us right. We've been doing this to animals we eat for a while now. :)
ReplyDeleteHeheh. yeah, the dominant species makes the rules, doesn't it?
DeleteFreaky. Reminds me of a sci fi novel my friend wrote in which aliens fly around the universe sucking up resources from other planets. I hope dudes lke Pzeen ain't really out there.
ReplyDeleteMe too Richard, but I have a horrible feeling that they just might be. :-)
DeleteI do wonder how humans would act if they had the ability to travel to distant, inhabited planets. I tend to think of how we treated our own species when we came across less advanced civilisations in exploration of our own planet.
Oh, aliens! But don't we all sometimes do crazy, impractical things to get our hands on a tasty meal? Right? Right...? It must be a universal thing! Freeky indeed.
ReplyDeleteHiya Cindy.
DeleteI have a feeling that these guys were just rather pleased to find a comfort stop on their trip across this part of the galaxy. :-)
We've been doing this to animals *and plants* for a while now. People always forget about the plants. Belgian endive, anyone?
ReplyDeleteThe aliens reminded me of domestic cats somehow, or those lizards in the Galapagos that use smaller lizards sort of as ovens.
Good flash!
Thank you Katherine.
DeleteI'm so glad that our own domestic cats aren't as technologically advanced as these creatures though. :-)
I've never heard of the lizards you refer to, but it seems they may be smarter than the average reptile though.
I did a story about the colours bleeding out of the world a little while ago, but you've taken it so much further. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteIcy, thank you for the very heartening words, they are very much appreciated. :-)
DeleteNice work. Now I have Cat Stevens' "Moonshadow" playing in my head. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Tim. Heheh, yeah, "And if I ever lose my sight... Maybe these guys are gonna join me for dinner." :-)
DeleteOh scary!
ReplyDeleteHi Helen. Although the story was written with a bit of "Tongue-in-cheek", the concept is quite horrifying. I think most people would find that the thought of being another creature's food is far more frightening than death itself.
DeleteMy first thought was the Calvin and Hobbes and where Calvin's Dad talks about how B&W photos predated the invention of color :-)
ReplyDeleteI fully support the thesis that the only thing better for them than fresh, helpless human, is fresh, helpless, and still moving human!
Heheh!! I like your slant on this. Mealtimes must be much simpler when you can just get your protein "On the hoof" so to speak. :-)
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