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Do Not Breathe

by Gunnar De Winter

Gunnar De Winter is a biologist/philosopher hybrid who explores ideas through fictional fieldwork. He has been known to tweet @evolveon. Story comments: For this tiny tale, I wanted a - very - short scene that could imply a much larger story. And what better tale than treason and mutiny? Basically, this story is a seed for 'what ifs' and 'how comes', and I hope the readers will build their own stories around it. If so, I'd love to hear them.

Do not breathe.

Nanites kicked into overdrive, trying to undo the damage of vacuum exposure. Being catapulted out of the airlock was a popular sentence for mutiny. No mess.

Do not breathe.

Drey twisted to face the ship that prepared to speed away. His face swelled. His long thin fingers had become thick sausages. There wasn't much time.

Do not breathe.

Oblivion pounded heavily on his thoughts, an impatient guest that demanded access. He took the small grappling hook from his secret vest pocket. He was so excruciatingly slow.

Do not breathe.

Do not miss.

Thwack.

Here I come, Cap.

The End

This story was first published on Thursday, October 3rd, 2019

Author Comments

For this tiny tale, I wanted a--very--short scene that could imply a much larger story. And what better tale than treason and mutiny? Basically, this story is a seed for "what ifs" and "how comes," and I hope the readers will build their own stories around it. If so, I'd love to hear them.

- Gunnar De Winter

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