Report from Germany

Flash fiction

Report from Germany

We -- what's that? Eh, we just had a rough landing and all I have left is my earpiece.  I'll try to record as much as I can but obviously no picture.  We're pretty confident we've arrived in the correct location but with eh, distortions. 

Looking around here. Yeah.  I think this used to be Germany.  At least that's what Henry said.  He's spitting up his lunch in the bushes there. 

I'm going to see how many of the emergency packs are left.  If I can find them.  Man, that landing was rough!  We've had to use so many already. 

(whispering)

Oh wow. Oh woow. They were right, there are lions here!  God!  They're about, about 200 yards away up on that low hill there. This, well this should tell you there are major major distortions here.

OK, it's a bit difficult to talk and keep an eye on the lions at the same time.  We're a bit -- exposed here.  Hey --- Henry!  Ah, you OK?  Stay where you are, I think. See them?  (pause) I know, right?? What the hell? (pause) Yeah, major major distortions!  I have a couple of these left.  You think they will work?  (pause) OK see you in a bit, I'll stay around here.

I think we all have concussions --  I haven't thrown up, and I just checked my legs and they look fine.

So -- the alpha male up there has noticed me and is closing in.  He has a full fixation on me.  I don't have anything to defend myself with, it's all gone.  It's bad. I don't think my brain is working correctly because all this looks so strange.  I wish you could see this.  I'm going to slowly move back toward the landing gear.

OK,  OK.  Now the pride is completely surrounding me. I can no longer see Henry because I have to focus on the lions.  I hope he's OK.

I'm using a method. I... I...willpower the lions to leave me alone.  They don't seem very cooperative.  They're close and -- I can smell them.

Can you hear the panting?  Why can I still speak?  Stay calm, stay calm.  I exude strength and confidence as a barrier.  I've heard it helps to feel strong when approached by angry animals.  I'm now the most powerful alpha leader of this pride.  I take control of them and they must obey me!

Something -- just -- happened.  They look human!  They look empty and dirty.  I will remain alpha.

I am now going to speak to one of them.  A man.

"Hey, Help me, please, help me!"

He's holding up his hands.  I see half-healed wounds, scabs, pus...

"They ate from your hands?  It will happen soon again?  To me? Is that what you mean?"

We're back-to-back now.  He's pushed me further under the landing gear while facing the pride.  He's protecting me with his own body.  I can't believe this is happening!  Oh, here is one now!  It's right here.  It's brushing up against us.  I can't! Listen!  It's making a sound, the lion, can you hear?  I'll keep recording but I can't continue to talk.  It just bit into the man!  It won't be long now...¹

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