Strange Happenings
Midnight. They always came at midnight. The chimes from the old grandfather clock in the den jolted Daniel out of his restless dreams. It wasn't the chimes that woke him so much as the knowledge that They were coming. It was the same horrifying ritual, every single night.
The room was illuminated by an eerie pale green glow. Three figures in haz-mat suits stood around his bed. One of them held a large briefcase, another held a gun, and the third--the apparent leader, from the way he acted--was making entries into a large handheld computer. Daniel tried to escape, to run, to even move, but some unseen force held him in place, as immobile as the bed itself. The leader looked up from his computer and signaled to the one holding the briefcase, who set the case down and began to open it. Daniel strained to see its contents, but couldn't from his position. If only he could move...
The leader reached forward, grabbed the bedcovers and--
The shrill blast of Daniel's alarm clock filled the room. He'd had that dream again, the same one he'd been having every night for nearly a month. Except that it didn't feel like a normal dream. It felt more like a memory, but one that had been partially forgotten. Anyway, Dan had more important things to worry about, so he pushed whatever it was aside for the moment. Today was the last day of school, finally. All he had to do was survive his last few final exams, and he'd be home free. He wasn't about to let a creepy dream get him down.
***
Dr. DiCaoz glanced over his biology classroom. "Is anybody still working on the final?" he asked tiredly. He paused for a moment, then said, "If everybody is finished, you may talk quietly amongst yourselves for the remainder of the period." As the class erupted in chatter, he went back to nursing his hangover.
Daniel loved his biology class. It wasn't just that he was good at it, or that it was the last class of the day. By some bit of luck or fate, he happened to be in the same class as his four closest friends, Gassan, David, Pammy, and Jake. Gassan, David, and Pammy had become absurdly popular since coming to high school. Gassan was Lebanese and therefore "exotic," David was a star swimmer, and Pammy was a cheerleader. In retrospect, popularity was an inevitability. To the other popular kids, Jake an avid follower of the Furry subculture (he called it a craze, but nobody else did) and Daniel, the introspective writer, were social liabilities. Still, Gassan, David, and Pam never let their newfound "friends" keep them away from Jake and Dan. Privately, Daniel was grateful that he had managed to befriend the four people who appeared to be immune to high school drama.
"So, what'd you guys think?" Pammy whispered.
"I'm pretty sure Dr. Di is a nutcase," Gassan answered quickly. He was met with a chorus of approval from his companions.
"Anyway," Pam continued, "are we having our annual Thank-God-The-Schoolyear's-Over party tonight?"
"I can't go," Jake said, "I've got a convention."
"I can't go either," said David, "My dad's taking me camping. He's on a back-to-nature kick."
"I'm visiting my grandma," Gassan said. Pammy rolled her eyes.
"Alright," she sighed, "when do you guys get back?"
"Sunday"
"Sunday evening"
"Sunday, but it'll be late."
"So," Pammy continued, "is Monday night alright with everyone?"
***
The days passed quickly. By the time Monday arrived, he had gone an entire weekend without his mysterious dreams. He was mostly relieved, but part of him wished the visitors would come back so he could find out what they were up to.
The streets were charged with an eerie calm. A summer storm was coming. As Daniel reached Pam's door, he couldn't help but feel a strange foreboding. Something was decidedly wrong. He rang the bell.
"Come in," called Pammy. Dan opened the door and found friend sitting on the floor in a tidy circle. They were all staring at him, an unsettling hunger in their eyes. "We are playing Truth or Dare," Pammy intoned mechanically. "Please, join us. Truth or Dare?"
"Please choose Dare," Gassan said, in the same unearthly voice.
"The Truth is never any fun," agreed David, still in the same tone. Throughout the exchange, none of the four took their eyes off of Daniel.
"Is everything alright?" he asked. "You all seem...different."
Pammy answered in the same monotone as before: "We are collectively unnerved at a series of recurring dreams we have been having. Perhaps you too are experiencing these visions?"
"Yeah," Dan said, "but I'm not acting that weird about it."
"Perhaps," Pammy said, "All will be made more clear if you answer this simple question: Truth...or Dare?"
Written by Zodiac on 31 May 2008
Dare: bring something back
"Dare," Daniel said. "I'll go for a dare."
It was silly, something that a senior in high school shouldn’t really be participating in, but
he didn’t care. He had to know and it might be fun too. Plus, it made Pammy happy as
evidenced when she smiled and clapped her hands together.
"Perfect," she said. "Perfect! I have just the dare." Her smile broadened and she leaned
in towards Daniel, her next words a whisper. "Have you heard of Area 50?"
Daniel stiffened, and nodded.
"Good," she said. "I dare you to go there and I double dare you to bring something
back."
"Fine," Daniel said, smiling now too. "I'll bring you back a rock or maybe a few pebbles!"
"No." Pammy smirked. "I don't just double dare you--I double dog dare you to bring me
something strange from there!"
Daniel blinked, and then nodded again.
"Fine--I'll bring you a big spider! Or maybe a giant cockroach!"
She shrieked and shook her head, but he was already walking off.
"I'll be back," he said. "Then it's your turn."
Written by skiesofsilver on 13 January 2017
Duct Infiltration
The journey to Area 50 was nothing short of an adventure. Daniel had heard of the place before, a rumored government facility hidden away from public view, shrouded in mystery and conspiracy theories. He wasn't entirely sure if the place even existed, but he figured it was worth checking out for the sake of the dare and the intrigue that had been building since his unsettling dreams.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the desert landscape, Daniel found himself standing before a chain-link fence with a sign that read, "Restricted Area: No Trespassing." The air was heavy with the scent of sagebrush and the distant howling of a coyote carried on the wind. The base was nestled against a rocky hillside, its buildings barely visible in the fading light.
Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Daniel slipped through a gap in the fence and into the barren expanse beyond. He felt a mixture of excitement and unease, a thrilling sense of trespassing on something forbidden. The dirt crunched beneath his sneakers as he made his way towards the base.
The closer he got, the more his heart raced. The buildings came into clearer view, and he could make out a series of nondescript structures with blank windows and metal doors. He kept to the shadows, crouching low as he approached what looked like the main entrance. The dim light filtering from a few strategically placed lamps did little to dispel the eerie atmosphere.
Daniel pressed his back against the wall, trying to decide his next move. He glanced around, his pulse quickening when he spotted a ventilation grate partially ajar. It was a risky move, but he had a feeling that if he was going to find something strange to bring back, it might be hidden away within the bowels of the facility.
He approached the grate cautiously, his heart pounding in his chest. Taking a deep breath, he gripped the edges of the grate and slowly pulled it open. The sound of metal scraping against metal seemed deafening in the silence of the night. After a tense moment, he slipped inside the duct, wriggling through the cramped space with as much stealth as he could muster.
The inside of the ventilation duct was dimly lit by the occasional shaft of light filtering through grates above. It was a maze of metal passageways, and Daniel had no idea where he was going. He let his intuition guide him, hoping to stumble upon something intriguing.
After what felt like an eternity of crawling, he finally came across a grate that overlooked a room below. Peering through the slats, his eyes widened at the sight before him. The room was filled with rows of cylindrical tanks, each containing a strange luminescent liquid. Shadows danced across the walls as figures in haz-mat suits moved around, tending to the tanks.
The sight sent a chill down Daniel's spine. This was exactly the kind of strange he had been looking for, but it was also deeply unsettling. He watched as the haz-mat-suited individuals worked diligently, their movements precise and deliberate.
Suddenly, a voice crackled over an intercom, echoing through the room. "Initiating Phase 3 of Experiment A-17."
Daniel's heart raced as he watched the figures begin to manipulate controls and enter data into nearby computers. He had stumbled upon something far more than he had bargained for, something that seemed straight out of a science fiction movie.
As he continued to observe, a noise behind him made him freeze. He turned slowly, his breath catching in his throat as he met the gaze of one of the haz-mat-suited individuals. The figure stood in the duct entrance, their expression hidden behind the mask of their suit.
Written by - on 31 August 2023
Caught
As he continued to observe, a noise behind him made him freeze. He turned slowly, his breath catching in his throat as he met the gaze of one of the haz-mat-suited individuals. The figure stood in the duct entrance, their expression hidden behind the mask of their suit. Panic surged through Daniel as he realized he had been caught.
His mind raced for a split second, assessing his options. Running was out of the question; he was trapped. The figure's presence blocked the only exit. His heart hammered in his chest, and his palms grew sweaty as he tried to formulate a coherent thought.
The haz-mat-suited person took a step forward, their gloved hand reaching toward a device on their belt. Daniel's pulse quickened as he imagined it could be some sort of weapon or communication device to call for backup. He was well and truly caught in a situation he couldn't talk his way out of.
"Who are you?" the figure's voice filtered through a speaker in their suit, sounding distorted and robotic.
Daniel's mind raced, but words eluded him. He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again, his throat dry. He had stumbled into something he couldn't explain, and fear clenched at his chest.
The figure took another step, the dim light reflecting off the visor of their helmet. "You shouldn't be here. This is a secure facility."
Finally finding his voice, Daniel stammered, "I... I didn't mean to intrude. I was just curious."
"Curious?" The figure's tone remained cold and distant. "Curiosity can get you into a lot of trouble."
Daniel's thoughts raced, his mind desperately searching for a way out of the situation. He considered apologizing and begging for mercy, but something in the figure's demeanor told him that wouldn't be enough.
"Turn around and place your hands on the wall," the figure ordered.
Daniel's heart sank. There was no escape now. He slowly turned and pressed his palms against the cool metal wall of the ventilation duct. He felt a surge of vulnerability, trapped between the figure and the confined space.
The figure approached, their movements deliberate and calculated. With gloved hands, they patted down Daniel, checking for any concealed objects. Daniel's heart raced as he felt the weight of his actions sinking in. He had ventured too far, and now he was facing the consequences.
"Stay right here," the figure commanded as they stepped away, their masked gaze never leaving Daniel.
Minutes felt like hours as Daniel stood there, his thoughts a whirlwind of fear, regret, and uncertainty. He had hoped for excitement and a bizarre souvenir, but he had underestimated the risks involved.
Eventually, the figure returned, holding a small device that resembled a tablet. "You have stumbled upon classified information," they said. "Your presence here cannot go unnoticed."
"I didn't mean to see anything," Daniel protested, his voice shaky.
"It's too late for that now," the figure replied impassively. "You will be taken into custody and debriefed."
As the figure moved closer, Daniel knew there was no use in resisting. He had walked into a situation far beyond his control. The haz-mat-suited individual extended their hand, and Daniel reluctantly placed his own in it. With a firm grip, the figure led him out of the duct and into a reality he had never anticipated, leaving behind the mystery of Area 50 and stepping into a world of unknown consequences.
Written by - on 02 September 2023
Vixen Costume
Daniel's heart continued to race as he was led through a series of sterile corridors, his footsteps echoing against the cold linoleum floor. The haz-mat-suited figure remained silent, their grip firm on his arm. His mind raced with a mix of anxiety and uncertainty about what awaited him.
Finally, they reached a plain door, and the figure motioned for him to enter. The room beyond was dimly lit, with harsh fluorescent lights casting a clinical glow. In the center of the room stood a mannequin adorned with an elaborate vixen costume. Daniel's eyes widened in surprise as he took in the sight.
The costume was exquisitely detailed, complete with a form-fitting bodysuit adorned with intricate patterns and a vibrant array of colors. The most striking aspect, however, was the exaggerated chest that protruded from the chest area of the bodysuit. It was cartoonishly large, an obvious exaggeration that seemed out of place with the otherwise professional demeanor of the facility.
"What is this?" Daniel's voice wavered as he spoke, his confusion evident.
"This is your attire for the upcoming assignment," the figure responded, their voice as emotionless as ever.
Daniel blinked, processing the words. "But... this is a vixen costume."
"That is correct," the figure affirmed.
"But it's... for a female," Daniel protested, his discomfort growing.
The figure's gaze remained fixed on him, the mask of their suit giving away nothing. "This is the only attire available at the moment. It has been deemed suitable for the task."
Daniel's mind raced, trying to make sense of the situation. He had expected consequences for his intrusion, but this was far from what he had anticipated. He felt a mixture of embarrassment and frustration bubbling within him.
"I can't wear this," Daniel said, his voice tinged with exasperation. "It's not appropriate."
The figure's response was unyielding. "It is necessary for the assignment."
Daniel clenched his fists, torn between his sense of self and the growing realization that he had no choice in the matter. He had entered a world he knew nothing about, and now he was being thrust into a bizarre situation he couldn't control.
"Can't you provide something else?" he pleaded, his voice tinged with desperation.
"This is the only attire available," the figure repeated.
Defeated, Daniel stared at the vixen costume for a moment longer. He knew he was in no position to negotiate or protest further. Reluctantly, he stepped closer to the mannequin and hesitated before reaching out to touch the fabric.
As he donned the costume, he couldn't help but feel a sense of absurdity wash over him. He felt like a character in a strange dream, caught between a reality he understood and the surreal world he had stumbled into. The bodysuit clung to his form, the exaggerated chest area feeling surreal against his own body.
He turned to face the figure, his discomfort evident. "Now what?"
"You will wear this attire during the upcoming assignment," the figure said. "It is crucial that you blend in."
Daniel's sense of unease deepened. What kind of assignment required him to wear such a costume? What was the purpose behind all of this? The questions swirled in his mind, but he knew that the answers were beyond his reach for now.
As he stood in the dimly lit room, clad in the bizarre vixen costume, he couldn't shake the feeling that his adventure had taken an even stranger turn. He was now a pawn in a game he didn't understand, surrounded by secrecy and uncertainty. And as he awaited the next chapter of his unexpected journey, he couldn't help but wonder what other surprises awaited him in this enigmatic facility.
Written by - on 08 September 2023
Vicky
As the vixen padded further into the room, her senses attuned to every sound and scent, a gentle voice echoed over the speakers. "Welcome, Vicky."
The vixen paused, her ears twitching as she registered the sound. The voice was soothing and melodic, but it took her a moment to process the words. "Welcome, Vicky," it repeated.
Confusion washed over her. Vicky? Who was Vicky? She shook her head, her instincts urging her to move forward. "My name is Daniel," she thought, the words forming clearly in her mind.
But as soon as she thought it, the voice over the speaker repeated, "Welcome, Vicky."
Frustration welled up within her, a mixture of confusion and disbelief. She couldn't understand why the voice insisted on calling her by a name that wasn't hers. "No," she thought again, her determination clear. "My name is Daniel."
The voice repeated the greeting, undeterred. "Welcome, Vicky."
The vixen let out a frustrated huff, her new vocal cords producing a sound that was foreign to her. She tried to communicate her thoughts, to make the voice understand, but it seemed futile. The repetition continued, as if the very fabric of reality insisted on calling her Vicky.
As the moments passed, the vixen's frustration gave way to a mix of resignation and curiosity. She realized that this was likely tied to the strange world she had entered, the world of the facility and the transformation she had undergone. Perhaps there was a reason behind the insistence on the name Vicky.
With a sigh, she decided to go along with it for now. After all, she had far more pressing matters to deal with than the name she was called. She needed to understand her new body, her new senses, and the world she had become a part of.
As she explored the room, her paws padded softly against the floor, her tail swaying behind her in a rhythm that felt strangely natural. She found herself drawn to the monitors and equipment, her instincts telling her that there was information to be gleaned from them.
The symbols on the monitors seemed to make more sense to her now, the data flowing in a way that she could understand. It was as if her mind had expanded, her comprehension of the world around her deepening in ways that defied logic.
With each passing moment, the vixen—Vicky—felt a growing sense of connection to her new form. The vixen's instincts, her senses, and her thoughts had become intertwined, creating a tapestry of experience that was both thrilling and overwhelming.
As the voice over the speaker continued to repeat the greeting, Vicky decided to acknowledge it. "Fine, call me Vicky," she thought.
As Vicky's thought echoed, "Fine, call me Vicky," a curious sensation washed over her. It was as if a mental shift had occurred, a rearrangement of her thoughts and memories. In that moment, her former human name, Daniel, faded from her mind, leaving behind only a sense of familiarity and connection to the name Vicky.
As she explored the room, her paws padded softly against the floor, her tail swaying behind her in a rhythm that felt strangely natural. She found herself drawn to the monitors and equipment, her instincts telling her that there was information to be gleaned from them.
Written by - on 14 September 2023
The end (for now)