the captain's march

a while back i had promised some short stories and other creative material in this space rather than just the old run-of-the-mill observational claptrap you get from other bloggers. Some delusional diatribe i wrote after being laid off. What can i say? i'm busy curing cancer—building the perfect weapon—making the perfect omelet—whatever,—sometimes i've been just plain lazy...

being unemployed is a stressful business, not everyone is made for the guerilla life...

anyway, I recently returned from a two week spa treatment in Tucson, AZ and came up with a quickie for the Tucson Weekly (http://www.tucsonweekly.com/tucson/Home)—not published—it was for a 25th anniversary contest they put together. The rules stated that the story could not be longer than 84 words since the publication was founded in 1984. The results of the contest will be released in the weekly on July 23rd (i think). The following is the unabridged version of The Captain's March...

The Captain was keen to his opportunity. During his five years of captivity he rarely received such a fortuitous break. The gate was ajar—there were no sentries lurking about. He took a final survey—all was clear. He took a step out unto the perimeter grounds...

At last! Freedom in his grasp!

He quietly stalked through the open gate making his way through the courtyard, one lone obstacle in his path. He summoned the strength to make the leap over the fortresses ivy-infested wall.

"Captain Orange!," exclaimed the Cat Mom as she picked up the plump orange boy cat, tucked him underneath her arm, his pearly white paws hanging in defeat—the jig was up. Firmly in the Cat Mom's clutches he was ushered back into the house.

"Foiled again," lamented the Captain. "My time will come."

tw—June 2009...