Thaumaturgy

Thaumaturgy

The first thing Joel noticed wasn't something – it was nothing.

I exist. I'm thinking. He tried to move but wasn't aware of any response. Do I have limbs? he wondered.

As he floated, he became aware of a faint humming vibration and with it ... A violet sky canopied over a grey field, covered with fronds flashing in the ruby light.

The humming was intensifying into a distinct drumming sound. Come in, he sent, feeling ... humor! He wanted to smile.

"Hello, Joel."

Joel would have jumped, had he been able to. Try as he might, he couldn't find a voice to answer. Help, I'm ... somewhere. I'm trapped ... The thought faded in confusion.

"I am here, Joel. There's nothing to be afraid of."

Joel became aware he wasn't hearing; the voice, reassuring and slightly feminine, was in his head. Where ... Who ... What ...

"All your questions will be answered, Joel. I am your C.A.P."

My cap? I'm not sure I even have a head! he shot back.

Joel sensed amusement. "I am your Consciousness Assistance Program," she explained.

"It will become clear. I'm releasing your memories ... now."

Joel remembered. He was to explore a newly discovered world designated simply "Rho" – the Greek letter "P" - for planet. Because of the distances involved, no human would ever live long enough to complete the journey to it. The solution: his "essence" had been copied and overlaid on an android.

"We have arrived, Joel. I've fed the initial data into your subconscious."

Ahhh, the 'memory' I had, he realized.

"It's time to begin, Joel."

Joel – or his simulacrum – suddenly became aware of his body. Opening his eyes, he saw the violet sky and the grey field stretching out before him.

Time to kick some Rho-butt, he thought. The irony of the thought didn't escape him.


Notes:
An entry for the 2/23/10 round of "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge"  [13+]
Prompt: Write a story that includes the words: ruby, cap, drum

Thaumaturgy ~ The performance of miracles or magic.

Word Limit: 300
Word Count: 300

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please, as long as you're here, leave a comment. Criticisms, thoughts, reactions, yes – even words of encouragement or praise – are all equally welcome

Ken