To Sleep, Perchance to Dream

The alien led Stacy and Robert to a chamber in which there were a large number of capsules which were slightly larger than human (and alien) size. They were inclined at about thirty degrees to the vertical. Most of the capsules were closed, presumably occupied by aliens. However some of them had their "lids" open. The lids were made of something that looked like translucent - but not transparent - perspex. Inside, the capsules had a thick lining of something that looked like sponge.

The alien directed Stacy and Robert to get into two of the capsules. Stacy found that the sponge-like material supported her quite comfortably, but nevertheless she found it hard not to panic. "Now," the alien told them, "in a moment the lids will be closed and you will be in near darkness. Then an anaesthetic will be pumped in, and you will instantly lose consciousness. Then you will be frozen. When you are revived, we will be in orbit around Ragania. Pleasant dreams!"

What seemed like only seconds later, Stacy came round, rather woozily.

1. She saw an alien's face looking down at her. "We are in orbit around Ragania," it said.
2. The lid of her capsule was open - it appeared to have opened automatically - but there was no sign of anyone and what sounded like an emergency alarm was sounding.

Add New Option

Go Back

View Forward Story Tree
View Back Story Tree