Trigger

So this is my story for Bradley Ramsey's Power Up Prompts #13. I had fun writing this story, a sci-fi / wild west mash-up.

https://www.substack.com/@bradleyramsey

The Prompts were the simulation, the enlightened one, and the glitch in the system. I tried my hand at it.

I think it would be considered Level 3.

One last thing before we jump in.

Warming; Self harm.

Trigger by Ivo Ziskra

It was nearing high noon in this dusty town just a speck in the ocean of this desert. The sun high in the sky without a cloud in sight.

I slow my breathing as I reach for my pistol. To be honest it feels more like an extension of my hand.

“Hhhold it right there, pilllgrim…:, comes the cold metallic voice of the Law.

‘Thinking something is off, but not sure’ I pause.

Then I blink and in an instant it is night with a Full Moon high in the sky. Then just as quick back to day staring at the would be sheriff. ‘Something is seriously off today, but everyone else appears to be acting normally. Maybe that crazy wise man in the mountains was right. But a simulation. Glitching. That doesn't make sense, but neither does this day.’

“Whhhattt is it gggooing to beeee,” the Law's cold voice brought my mind back to the current situation.

“Guess it is going to be a dual, lawman,” I said.

‘I'm not one to back down from a fight even if it is against a tin can that doesn’t have a heart.’

“Sounds fffffine to me,” replies the Law.

The man and the machine stand back to back. They both take their steps and then turn to fire. Something truly unusual is going on. My bullet slams through his bullet continuing to fly straight into the Law's chest, blasting the tin can to bits.

‘I know what I have to do.’

I check the cylinder to see with one lone blue bullet left.

‘That is weird. Blue instead of the usual golden brass color. I guess it will have to do.’

I spin the cylinder. Praying this will work. Then slam it into place. Taking the gun to his head.

‘I guess this is the only way to find out.’

Pulls the trigger.

~Fades to Black~

Here is a musical pairing for this story:

“Wanted Dead or Alive”

By Peter Tosh

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=h87cbH7Iogc

Hoped you enjoyed the story

and the song.