Sci-Fi Flash Fic Journal 2

Log Entry 574-321-*^617

Things are going well with life on our off-world colony. I’ve partnered with a group of linguists who have been researching, analyzing and interpreting the language of the civilization that once lived here.

We’ve deciphered a few ancient journals which revealed the day-to-day life of the people. It seems there were two clans who populated the hemisphere where we’ve settled.

There were the “StoneBears” (shortened from “Stone-Bearers” because they all bear a stone) and the other group “The Haricots” (because they stand tall like a bean.)

Other than the fact that they hold no particular reverence for the StoneBear, we’ve not yet uncovered much history about the ‘Verts, but we are now quite familiar with the StoneBears.

This is what we’ve gleaned thus far-

From the age of 2.5 years onward, a pebble is taped to the (R) or (L) shoulder of every toddler.

By age 12 the pebble and it’s detritus of collected limitations, restrictions and boundaries grows into a moss covered stone, now held in place by the covering of a nylon sling which makes it easier to maneuver the weight as one moves.

From team sports to tea rooms, boardrooms, classrooms, dorms and nursing homes, every shoulder, regardless of age, race, gender or social standing, bore the burden of an ever growing pebble, rock or stone.

The prideful boasted: “Our clan are known to bear stones larger than any other group.”

The devouts crowed: “our group bears boulders and never complain.”

The limber chuckled: “our group bears stones and still manage gymnastics, yoga, Pilates with grace.”

And the purists/separatists preached: “our group won’t socialize w/bearers whose stones are smaller/larger/

misshapen/ more colorful; etc.”

Here’s an interesting passage:

“At the time of the half year mark in the time of the StoneBears, it is written that every man, woman and child must meet with an elder for StoneBear adjustment.

StoneBears may be carried high upon the shoulder or slung low around the lumbar.

It is up to each bearer to decide.

Elders must validate that StoneBear weight is manageable to be borne for half year.”

Everything seems to have rolled along nicely until a girl child, dubbed The HariVerts Rebel, blew it all up one day in 5731.

Here’s the transcript we translated:

Elder: Child, does your StoneBear overweigh as you go

about your day of schooling or tend to your chores?

Girl: No elder.

Elder: Child, does your StoneBear pinch or bite into your

flesh?

Girl: No elder.

Elder: Child, can you grasp and maneuver your sling with

ease, shifting your StoneBear as needed?

Girl: Yes, elder.

Elder: Very well.

[He drips wax upon the

parchment and affixes his seal.]

Girl: But Elder…?

Elder: Yes, child?

Girl: Is it true that we the people all bear

our stones because of choice rather

than commandment?

Elder: Yes. That is correct.

Girl: So there is no law commanding that we do so?

Elder: That is correct, but it is custom of our peoples for the

many centuries since the migration of elders. Every

birthed soul walking on two legs has followed this

tradition……blah…blah…blah…

Girl: Right. Well anyway, I don’t want mine anymore.

Elder: But why?

Girl: Because it’s a stupid habit.

It’s heavy, it hurts and I don’t want

to be a hunchback like grandma.”

A staring match ensued between the elder and the girl, but after ten minutes it was the elder who looked away.

Scratching his head, he dug out a large dagger and sliced the sling from her neck.

The Stone dropped to the floor with a loud THUD! and burst into a thousand pieces.

“Ow!” yelped the girl as she rubbed her shoulder, neck and jaw.

She hopped down from the examining table.

“Thanks!” she said as she grinned and bowed to the Elder before skipping out of the door. /__/