Inside Outside

The aqua-pod thrummed as it veered away, still rocked by the intense currents surrounding the alien creature. They watched it recede in the rear-view cameras.

"Dear God, Thorenson," said Cornelius. "What is that growing all over its skin?"

Dr. Thorenson shook his head. "That's not skin. It's stomach lining."

"It's wounded?"

"No. It's meant to be that way. Its vestigial limbs are within its involuted body. The tail is intestine; it swims by peristalsis, summons the inflow of water with its esophagus. As far as it's concerned, we're all already in its stomach. It's only a matter of digesting us."

The Murder God

He shares his gifts freely. The good news is for everyone.

Tag! You're it!

Some souls live entire lifetimes without the revelation of their part in the game. They dwell in peace and contentment, which their former brothers regard with horror and pity. They have lost their joy.

Tag! Knives next!

The memory of a soul is long. They remember their allies. They remember their enemies. Everyone has a chance to free another from the flesh-prison.

Tag! You are free! Free to see your next role in the game. Remember me, brother, when you return, and grant me the same!