After the Pandemic: The Guardian (Part 2) (742 hits)
Category: NoneRating: 2 on 14 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by Professional Peon <prof_peon.at.yahoo.com> (View user info) at 2005-03-14 13:23:36 EST
Where it all begins - http://www.ubersite.com/m/61238
The Guardian Part 1 - http://www.ubersite.com/m/61730
Dear Diary,
A boat docked in our harbor today. Michael was fishing off the pier when he spotted them. The people were not sick, and they begged us for refuge from the mainland. There is a young couple with small children. An elderly couple, and a few middle aged men & women. The couple had picked up a few stragglers on their way to the docks. I could not refuse, that would be poor hospitality. Even though society is crumbing bad manners are still inexcusable.
I offered them everything we had available on our little island. I explained how my family and I had lived here for years and how it may be difficult for them to adjust to our simple ways. I introduced them to Lisa, as they had already met Michael. However, I neglected to tell them about my other children. I feared they would find me mad and attempt to destroy my babies. The newcomers have all taken up residency in a few properties on the other side of our little island. I did not want to have them close enough to hear the children.
The people are all very nice. They have been helping out in any way possible. The men spend the days fishing and the girls mind the cats. I fear for my cats as they brought pets of their own. They had acquired a pack of rottweilers in their travels. They assured me that they've all had previous exposure to the virus and they had already put down those who succumbed to the infection. They say they are for their children's protection, but I cannot help but feel weary of them.
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Dear Diary,
Yesterday we lost the elderly couple. I don't know how it happened but one of their dogs got infected. I fear it was one of my children. None have gotten out, but I am terrified of that thought that there are other unannounced visitors on our little isle. The infection had spread to all the dogs. They would run through the streets growling and howling. They were worse then rabid beasts. A whole day went by before we could exit our houses in safety. Thankfully they did not get into the cat enclosure. They wanted something more; they took the elderly couple before the younger men could put them down. The elderly couple came shuffling home a few hours later. The young woman that came with them has not stopped crying since.
The group wants to move everyone into the 'Owners mansion.' That's what we locals called it. It is the largest home on the island. It has room for all of us and more. I think they are getting suspicious; they are constantly probing my children for information regarding my whereabouts.
We had a Sunday style sit down dinner tonight. The young woman accused me of dishonesty, and wanted me to show them where I spend my days. I refused. I reminded them they are free to leave at any time, but my work is none of their concern. I told them I am searching for a cure and offered no additional information. Her husband attempted to keep the peace by complimenting me on the meal.
"This is very good, what is in the marinade?" he asked. The other newcomers awaited the recipe as well.
"A few spices, and a little Italian dressing." I replied
He slowly chewed a piece as he savored the flavor. "This is the tenderest meat I've ever tasted. You are an excellent chef."
"Thank you" I blushed as I turned to Lisa
"Darling......... Please pass the cat."
User Reviews
Submitted by notyou (user info) at 2005-07-12 16:41:09 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by nrduncan (user info) at 2005-05-12 17:52:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I have just got done reading these all and I have enjoyed them all. Great work everyone, +2's for all!
Submitted by Yankee_In_TX (user info) at 2005-03-16 10:50:56 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
DIDN'T like how it seems the two parts ended in a joke :-/
But I assume you're writing more, the story is developing well.
And yes, previously mentioned was a law protecting cats. BUT, what else you gonna' eat?!?
Submitted by Yes (user info) at 2005-03-15 12:40:19 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Hahahaha
Submitted by Dannie (user info) at 2005-03-14 17:38:01 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by knucklesnelson (user info) at 2005-03-14 14:37:10 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by Avals (user info) at 2005-03-14 14:33:40 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Haha. "Where was the earth shattering kaboom?"
I dunno, I just found this funny for some reason.
Submitted by thecaes (user info) at 2005-03-14 14:23:16 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Peon, your vocabulary doesn't suck.
And I'm with Kre8rix on the cat thing. Just seems like what people would do if cats were still healthy and all the other livestock is dead. I wouldn't have even mentioned it, but the big space you put before the final line was the visual equivalent of going:
Dun-dun-DUNNNNN!
And then there was no big shock to me. In Marvin the Martian terms, "where was the Earth-shattering kaboom?"
Don't take it hard, doll. You're still the bee's knees. :)
Submitted by Jack_McCallum (user info) at 2005-03-14 14:06:53 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
...in fact, I'm now creating a law condemning their kind. The future will not be kind to them or their children.
Submitted by Jack_McCallum (user info) at 2005-03-14 14:05:37 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
You just came within a fucking hair of getting less than +2 on this one because of the cats.
Cats are sacred, baby. These characters may have to pay a steep price in the future.
Submitted by Kre8rix (user info) at 2005-03-14 13:56:07 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
She indeed seems very off center; but it had nothing to do with the eating of the cats. Maybe I'm a little off center myself, but in light of the different animals that can/had been infected, cats would seem a likely food source since there would be no risk of infection. It still seems kind of gross, but I think that's more of a cultural bias. Some people eat cats all the time.
A very good addition to the first.
Submitted by Professional_Peon (user info) at 2005-03-14 13:47:01 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by thecaes (user info) at 2005-03-14 13:36:09 (#)
Ranking: 2
"I cannot help but feel weary of them." Weary means tired. The word you want is "wary." I'm not criticising or anything, just pointing something out.
I liked it; your main character is fleshing out nicely. I'm not sure what the significance of them eating cat was supposed to be. You had such a large block of empty space there, I think I was expecting more of a bombshell. She's just eating her own cats, right?
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Thanks for pointing out that my vocabulary sucks in the wake of my hangover. Meh.... I suck.
What? Eating cats not a bombshell? I thought it was. They raise cats to eat them *shudders* I would starve. I'm just trying to reinforce the fact that my main character is a little off center.
Submitted by thecaes (user info) at 2005-03-14 13:36:09 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
"I cannot help but feel weary of them." Weary means tired. The word you want is "wary." I'm not criticising or anything, just pointing something out.
I liked it; your main character is fleshing out nicely. I'm not sure what the significance of them eating cat was supposed to be. You had such a large block of empty space there, I think I was expecting more of a bombshell. She's just eating her own cats, right?
Submitted by Adamdidit2u (user info) at 2005-03-14 13:30:10 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Needs to be longer next time, but good otherwise