So now it’s time for this week’s Fandango’s Flash Fiction Challenge. The image below is from AAA.com.
It was a glorious day, just right for a road trip.
With no particular destination in mind, they found themselves on a deserted road with the magnificent view of the snow capped mountains directly in front of them.
An hour or so later, the view hadn’t changed and they seemed no nearer the horizon.
The road stretched on endlessly in front of them, then they realised they hadn’t seen a single vehicle on their travels going in either direction.
Bud twiddled with the radio and nothing happened, not even static.
Sue suggested they stop and get out to stretch their legs, but despite applying the brake, they continued to progress.
Both driver and passenger were confused, bewildered, and suddenly afraid as a memory started to emerge.
‘I thought you said this was a routine pastime for our subjects.’
The assistant pushed a few buttons and said
‘According to our research, going for a drive is normal, especially on a sunny day.
We have given them the tools for a pleasant experience and should be able to study their behaviour. ‘
‘Look at the charts and monitors you fool! They are not experiencing pleasure! They are experiencing anxiety and fear!’
‘Yes Sir, I can see that,’ the technician said patiently. ‘Obviously we should have considered distance and a time frame, but not knowing how much of their memory is retained, having a backdrop of a magnificent view that is never reached is an oversight. I’ll put them back under sedation and we can continue our experiment at a later date.’
Bud and Sue never saw or felt the alien hands that retrieved them from the simulator and returned them to stasis where they had been for the last two centuries.
That was different for you. I liked it!
Thanks Fandango. I try to surprise!
Great story.
Thanks.
👍
Ooohh…. Great take on this picture prompt 🙂 Loved the alien twist!
Thank you.
Good take Di, I liked where you took me in this one.
Thanks Michael. Thought I’d try to be different.