The Shifter (sci-fi flash fiction)

Write a story about someone trying something new.

It would be just a matter of seconds before building security would be rapping on her door with all force and zero restraint. Closing her eyes her thumb clamped down on the button, but she was beginning to sweat and with each clawed attempt she was losing power. Add to that her internal pronunciation of the word ‘eleletran’ was slurring. She was not good at this and the pressure was crippling.

A slight snap of electricity and the scene around her flickered. There was hope! She kept going. Streaks of bright sunlight cut through the darkness she was desperate to escape.

In an instant the door boomed. The authorities had arrived. The following booms echoed loudly in her ears, her heart thumping in reply. They were trying to knock the door down, and knowing these forces it wouldn’t take long before they were successful. The flashings of sunlight were getting longer and more powerful, and her internal mutterings were gaining strength.

With one last smash on the device in her hand the door cracked open and soldiers poured in, wild whoops commanding her to stop. One soldier reached forward, was captured within her Shift and together they were dragged into the sunlight, landing on a warm sandy beach on their backs. They landed with a thud and the previous darkness was gone.

They rustled themselves to their feet, instantly opposing one another. She appeared familiar with her surroundings, he flailed wildly in an attempt to understand where on earth he had gone. Truth was he was no longer on earth. The soldier lifted his rifle to shoulder height, aiming straight for her chest. His stance was bold, but the tremor in his voice told otherwise.

‘Hold it right there,’ he stammered.

She stood motionless, hands raised in surrender.

‘Don’t shoot. Please. You’re on my home planet, Fenton. I transported you here. You are safe. Please put the gun down. If you let me, I can help send you back,’ she yelled calmly. He eyed her cautiously, peering awkwardly around at this unknown planet she had just named. He wasn’t able to reply, however, suddenly a small hole appeared on his forehead, tilting his head slightly before his entire body collapsed on the ground beneath him.

Dropping her arms in frustration and heaving a sigh she peered around the clearing for the highest peak. There on the furthest hill was a dark figure. The radio on her hip stirred with static.

‘Why did you take so long?’ the figure enquired. She pulled her radio out, a stern expression pulling on her face.

‘I had him. You should have backed off,’ the woman replied.

‘No, Lillian. You did not. Next time I don’t want to see a single molecule make its way back through the Shift. We’re running the simulation again. Brace yourself for re-entry in 3…2…1!’

She was gone.

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