The Master: A Short Introduction The prologue to a short story I wrote a couple of years ago

[greenyb118 0]

I write quite a lot, I certainly try to write as much as I can. I wrote about 8 pages of varying quality for this story, but i reckon that this prologue is probably the best bit. It is based heavily on one of Arthur C. Clarke's story (the greatest sci-fi writer of all time - yes, better than H.G. Wells). I've uploaded it as well in case anyone wants a copy - tell me if you like it or want to read more :PPROLOGUEThe Outsider stood on the balcony as another torpedo shot through the sky, and slammed into the rock face. The battle was raging closer and closer to his last stronghold; his ships were limping backwards, retreating from the Royalists.The Outsider turned, and walked back into the control room, where a phalanx of men were moving black and white pieces on a detailed map of the planet. They were removing many black ships. The mysterious man cleared his throat, all talk in the room immediately stopped; the men stopped moving pieces and listened attentively.?It is clear that the battle is lost,? he stated in low, deep voice, that nonetheless carried clearly across the room, ?however, the war is not.? Looks of puzzlement crossed many of the men?s faces, for this was their last strongpoint and, while it was indeed well hidden, there was not enough equipment, money or materials to rebuild an army. Still, no one said a word.?You all know that I have never been without a plan, I was prepared even for this eventuality. You are good men, it is an unfortunate waste.? Before it had dawned on anyone quite what he meant, the Outsider slipped through a cleverly concealed door, before anyone could follow, he hit a button, locking the door from within, he walked up the stairs, slapping keypads along the way, which released huge slides of rocks. By the time the first bangs came on the door, it was already buried under fifteen feet of rock.?What?s going on?? Asked a young Lieutenant back in the cave, his face a mask of confusion and fear, ?lets get out of here.??No.? Replied a man only known as ?The Devil?, the Outsiders? right hand man, who knew him best, ?there is no way out, we?re doomed.? His face was one of pure terror.The Outsider finally reached the top of the long, rock-hewn staircase; he struck one final keypad with the palm of his hand. More rocks fell to cover the last part of the passage, he would be undisturbed. A pale, oval door slid open to reveal a small, spherical chamber. A small bed took up most of the room, the rest was filled with a small computer and a myriad wires with strange, glowing liquids flowing through them. He settled himself onto the bed and connected a few tubes to various parts of his body. The computer screen held the words: enter sleep period. He typed in 100 years. Yes, he thought to himself, a hundred years should be enough, a long enough time for people to grow complacent and forget him. He settled into the bed, the door of the capsule slammed shut with a resonant hiss. He had failed this time to conquer this puny galaxy, he would not again. Perhaps, he fancied, he may even be able to return to his own galaxy. As the chamber began to fill with liquid nitrogen, his last thoughts were of flames, destruction and death.The Master slept?

PROLOGUE.doc