The First Sign of Trouble (Short Story)
Originally published as Martin John Davis in Buried Secrets
The First Sign of Trouble
was so tiny he scarcely noticed. This was his private universe, reserved for his comfort and enjoyment. He did not welcome intrusion. Only occasional muffled sounds reminded him that he was not the only one in the cosmos. The steady flow and hum of his lifeline assured him that he was safely connected to the support system. His freedom extended only as far as the line allowed, but it was enough. Although his world did seem smaller than before. When the tremor occurred, he was puzzled. Nothing like this had ever happened before.
He could not work out what had caused the problem. But it was only a shudder, and it only happened once, so he shrugged off what he could not understand.
Eventually, there was a second tremor, and a third. The pump began to pulsate faster. Gradually the tremors grew into an earthquake. He could feel waves pushing and threatening, rather then soothing and supporting. He felt totally helpless. For the first time, he began to understand discomfort, then fear.
He had not moved much lately, yet now, he found himself being propelled forward without his consent. In fact, he had no notion where he might be going, or why.
His private universe became even smaller. The walls of his space closed in around him and began to crush him. He fought back, with fists and feet, but even that soon became impossible.
Something strong and hard wrapped around his body. He hated the feel of it on his face, but he couldn't free his hands to push the dreadful stuff away.
Suddenly he was propelled free of the suffocating tunnel, and out. Out into another world, of light and confusion and noise. He screamed. He wanted to go back to his home.
Then he heard a booming voice, "Congratulations, Jane. You have a son."
Martin John Davis had arrived.