The Looking Glass
Drowning
"Some believed that we lacked the programming language to describe your perfect world...But I believe, that as a species, human beings define their reality through misery and suffering. Which is why the Matrix was redesigned to this..."
On route to Bermuda...
The Ivory Hare is a luxury cruiser, which is sailing from America to Bermuda. It is carrying a hundred passengers to their wonderful holiday. The cruiser is one of the best and can only be afforded by the insanely rich. They are all enjoying a banquet in the ballroom.
"Have you ever been to Bermuda before? Smashing place!" He was an elderly man, in a crisp suit. He had a rather posh English accent.
"No dear fellow! But I heard great things about it!" He had a New York accent.
"Personally, I'm a bit worried of the rumors myself." She was a young American lady. Finely dressed. She sounded nervous.
"Rumors? What Rumors?" Said the Englishman.
"You haven't heard about the ships disappearing in this region?"
"No." said the two men in unison.
"They disappear without a trace. Aeroplanes too! Personally, I'm starting to worry I ever got on this ship." She gasped.
"Oh pish posh. The stories the newspapers come up with these days to make money. I mean if you're going to believe this codswallop then I suppose you believe the newspaper stories about a flying man, and government cover-ups." The English gentleman started to chuckle.
"I guess you're right. We should all just enjoy ourselves." She joined in with the laughter.
*****
I had left the ballroom, and returned below deck. I, myself was a stowaway. I had made my way up to the ballroom for some food. I didn't think I had been seen. Our family wasn't very rich you see, and I wanted to see somewhere other than our boring country. Those rich folk were sure talking about some strange things. Ships disappearing. Flying people. I guess they have nothing better to do with their time other than talk about such "codswallop". I enjoyed my stolen meal.
*****
I awoke to the sounds of screaming and rapid swaying of the ship. It felt like it was being knocked off course. I ran up to find out where everybody was. If something major was happening then I doubt they would notice a stowaway. I made it outside to find I was not the only one out there. It seemed most of the ship had come to find out what was going on. The Englishman burst through the door waving his arms in the air. "What the ruddy hell is going on here?!"
"You should come have a look. It's like nothing I've ever seen" The voice came from the woman who had been speaking to him at the ballroom. I followed them both, unbeknownst to them, and peaked over into the water below. The view was amazing and disturbing at the same time.
It was bright green. And it looked like there were letters or symbols in the water. I couldn't explain. Like the woman, I had never seen anything like it. Things soon got weirder.
There were several screams. "What now?!" someone called out.
"The ship! It's disappearing!" I looked over in the direction of the screams. Sure enough, the person was right. It looked like the ship was dissolving. The strange green symbols seemed to float from the boat as it dissolved, almost like a leaf floating through the air. We were all going to die, yet I couldn't help but feel mesmerized. It was beautiful.
*****
I stand there staring, as the floor disappears beneath me and I fall into the water below. It changes from green to bloody crimson as I find myself submerged. I can't breathe! I want out! I begin to gasp for air. Every inch of my body hurts. It looks like I'm in some kind of cocoon. Where am I?! I try to shout for help but more water enters my lungs. The screams never leave my body. Are those red eyes looking at me? Is this hell? Can't breathe...Help...
*****
Meanwhile, an elderly main is sitting in a chair, wearing a crisp white suit. The screens in front of him all show the same chaotic crimson ocean. He sighs as he looks upon the imperfections of his creation. He switches the screens off.
"Humans..."
