Not a Bang

“Greetings. Please remain where you are,” it squeaks into my mind from atop its towering mechanical conveyance. Another wee being sits in an eye socket. Three others stand on the collar area, miming universal symbols of three wise [___.]

The vehicle’s mouth is uncommitted except for a wisp of upturn.

My lizard brain tells me I need to run.

Before my body can spring into action, the sliding arms periscope, then snake around me, into a metal cage. I smell welding fumes.

“It’s going to be the hard way, I see. Some species are more resistant than others,” it squeaks.

[100 words]

Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the host of Friday Fictioneers. Thanks, Rochelle, for using my photo prompt this week. About the image:

Big Girl Playground by Tom Otterness was recently installed at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park.