[Featured image: welcome mat in a trash can]

[Draft 8-23-2025, 8-25-2025, 8-27-2025]

THE SHADOWSCAPE

Copyright © 2025 John P. Healy

(e)scape for free from reality

What’s it all about
When you sort it out, Alfie
Are we meant to take more than we give
Or are we meant to be kind?

– from the 1966 song ‘Alfie’ by Burt Bacharach & Hal David

[Image: A wagon train with tag: Oregon or bust]

Introducing Tarry World [1]

Episode 6

“welcome wagon no more” (curiosity is a luxury)

[Image: rusted hulk of a courtesy van with faded “Welcome Wagon” on the sides]

Prologue

[Image: a stasis pod with a cracked cover]

[Scene: interior of terminal @ off-world spaceport] Revival

The first thing he heard … was some tapping on alumiglas. A masked face stared down at him, a muffled voice said, “Mr Smith? Ident ending in 0823?” He tried to speak, but coughed; then tried to nod ‘yes.’ But his head was cradled and did not move.

The voice said, “Stay calm, it will take a minute. Try again. Are you Mr Joe Smith, ident ending in 0823?”

With some urgency, he replied, this time loudly, “Yes, my name is Joe Smith, 0823!”

The voice replied, “Thanks, your pod will now open.” Smith heard a loud click, his ‘bed’ vibrated, and then the cover rose to the heavens, revealing a fully garbed humanoid figure.

“You may call me Alphie, Mr Smith. … Let me help you sit up. … Great. You may feel a bit lightheaded, but that will pass quickly.” Looking at a data pad, Alphie continued, “Your biosignals look okay, the meds will help stablize your mood for a while.”

Alphie stretched out a hand and asked, “Please shake my hand, firmly.” Smith did so. “Thanks, Mr Smith. As soon as you feel able, you may get up. Just follow the blue line to the shower area.”

Continue reading Shadowscape – Episode 6 →