99 word prompt : Secrets
January 4, 2018, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about Copper Country. It can be any place, fictional, historical, or on another planet. Go where the copper leads.
If you want to participate, here’s the link: https://carrotranch.com/2018/01/05/january-4-flash-fiction-challenge/
<_><_><_>
“Another basement, Dr. Williams?”
Dust flew around my hand on the oak railing.
“Your paper about copper mines in Michigan, and worldwide trade over 10,000 years ago, turned heads.”
At basement bottom, a coffin-shaped box was being carried out the door.
“What is this place?”
“The world can’t know humans vacillated between space and stone-age for over 1,000,000 years. You’re caretaker of this secret.”
I was in awe of a radio built 950,000 years ago when the door slammed.
I heard it lock.
Behind the door was a message: “You will not leave this place until you die.”
You’re just a tad bit brilliant. Miss you. Hope you are well. I haven’t forgotten you, sweet lady.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Happy to see you blogging again.
We need to catch up. 🙂
LikeLike
Good story. Loved the concept of humans vacillating for thousands of years. Reminds me of how we are treating climate change. Creepy ending.
LikeLiked by 2 people
“The world can’t know humans vacillated between space and stone-age for over 1,000,000 years. You’re caretaker of this secret.”
Can’t help thinking that as long as this remains secret, we’ll continue to vacillate! Grim. But well done!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks. 🙂
There are alternative thoughts to the “conventional wisdom” of present day scientific knowledge. This is one of them. Either the alternatives to mainstream science are delusional or we’re in the midst of a paradigm shift.
I think it’s interesting that kids in the 1950’s were taught that dinosaurs were slow, plodding creatures with small brains. Now we know that raptors were as cunning as a dog and swift as a cat.
We’re constantly learning about our world, I just wish science wouldn’t act as if what we know right now is etched in titanium. 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
I keep trying to explain to my kids that Science is a belief system, too, a set of provisional hypotheses, even though yes, it’s our best bet for now. They tell me it’s “True, because it works.” Sigh.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Just keep telling them and eventually the light in their head will click on. :
LikeLiked by 2 people
Maybe when they hit their forties…hee hee!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Alternative facts alternative facts
LikeLiked by 2 people
And who knows where the facts go once they’re proven wrong. Probably into a corner for time-out. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oooooh, ominous. We’re already living in the Matrix!
LikeLiked by 2 people
All the information you ever wanted to know and no one to share it with. Sometimes I wonder if the world would work together better to prevent it again and then reality hits. Those who want power don’t want unity of the people but tyranny over them.
LikeLiked by 2 people
To know and then be imprisoned with that knowledge — feels like a deep metaphor as well as a chilling sci-fi short story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
99 words doesn’t give much leeway, but I’m happy to hear that the emotions came through.
Thanks. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Copper Country « Carrot Ranch Literary Community
A creepy (in a good way) story. When the door slammed and locked it made me think of a Poe story. I’m glad I’m not the secret keeper in this story 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. 🙂
LikeLike