StoryVerse〔15z〕
Befriend the Creature
“Let’s not be hasty, Master Cell. Can’t we be friends?”
The protoplasm pauses. “No one’s asked that before. I must cogitate.”
Twelve minutes later: “My zombie friend, what can I do for you?”
“Uh, I’d like to continue my journey, eventually get home.”
After ten minutes: “I see two options. Use the portal on the other side of this pond. Not sure where it leads. Or, I could devour you entirely and fashion a new body. From inside my nucleus, you could reach the center of the Cosmos and go almost anywhere. What’s your choice, my friend?”
〔⍺〕〔go back〕〔Use the Pond Portal〕〔Trust Master Cell and Be Devoured〕
Jack Massa never met a zombie he didn't like. He publishes short fiction and essays at speclectic.substack.com, and his novels can be found at triskelionbooks.com. He's always looking for the next portal.
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"The protoplasm pauses" must be the rarest of alliterations. So imaginatively wrought, Jack!
What a decision to make! At least on this world decision-making seems to be given its due time and weight. Nice node!