copyright Roger Bultot
The phone rang immediately. Of course.
Be strong. I picked up the receiver.
“Josh,” the female voice said. “You covered your camera again.”
“Look, I’m just not comfortable—“
“Josh.” She was chiding. “It’s for your own good. How many lives does SIS save?”
Everyone knew the statistics. Special Interior Surveillance saved 47,000 lives a year. They said.
“What if you have another panic attack? Like last month? We need to see to help you.”
My chest was already tightening at the thought. “Okay,” I mumbled.
She made a kissing noise into the phone. “Thanks, Josh. SIS loves you, remember?”
The Green-Walled Tower 
October 24th, 2018 at 9:11 pm
Dear David,
I think you channeled Robert Sheckley. This reminded me of Protection, a story written in 1956. If you haven’t read it I think you would really enjoy it. http://www.unexploredworlds.com/RealPulp/htm/rpulp91.htm But be careful not to lesnerize. Well done and always a great pleasure to see you back in the FFFold.
Shalom,
Rochelle
October 25th, 2018 at 9:47 pm
Thanks, Rochelle. I haven’t read it, but I’d like to. Good to be back. 🙂
October 25th, 2018 at 3:11 am
Can’t help but think there is something more sinister behind SIS than just saving lives. Great idea from the prompt.
October 25th, 2018 at 9:46 pm
Yeah, I don’t know if this type of surveillance is even more creepy than the normal big brother kind. Glad you liked it.
October 25th, 2018 at 3:16 am
Liked this twist on Big Brother – clever stuff – well done.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
October 25th, 2018 at 9:45 pm
Thanks, Susan. 🙂
October 25th, 2018 at 4:21 am
A great concept. Surveillance with love.
October 25th, 2018 at 8:43 am
This is very timely after this latest CNN/ terrorist/package business. I’ve missed your stories David. I know you’re busy but, blogging can be viewed a little like working out at the gym. Come entertain and move us, like a set of push-ups, or a go-round on the elliptical machine. Your Admiring Friend
October 25th, 2018 at 9:43 pm
Thanks, I agree. I’m going to try to post more regularly. I have missed it.
October 25th, 2018 at 9:26 am
Big SIS says, “Give up your privacy and I might just save you one day.”
Hello David,
Good to see you back again,
Eric
October 25th, 2018 at 9:42 pm
Thanks, Eric. Good to see you too. Good to be back. 🙂
October 25th, 2018 at 11:35 pm
I think I’d be covering up my camera too… A little too “bubble” for me!
October 26th, 2018 at 1:01 am
I’m reading your comments and without being particular, find one or two a little pompous. Maybe it’s because you’ve bailed as a regular contributor. There’s a difference between a blogger and a writer. and yous a writa’ no matta what. Ever heard that before? Someone who’s quite talented gave me a bracelet with that on it. It’s one of my treasured possessions. 🙂
November 1st, 2018 at 7:33 pm
Hehe, well a good friend of mine said that to me originally, so there you go. 🙂
November 2nd, 2018 at 4:13 am
It’s right up there with, Early to Bed, Early to Rise ala Ben Franklin. Maybe they knew one another. 🙂
October 26th, 2018 at 3:07 am
He simply did not like any surveillance, good, bad or worse. Nice story.
October 26th, 2018 at 11:19 am
Yikes. That gives anxiety just to think about it.
October 26th, 2018 at 3:09 pm
1984 if written from a matriarchal society.
November 1st, 2018 at 7:31 pm
Yeah, pretty much. 🙂
October 26th, 2018 at 9:08 pm
Great concept.
October 27th, 2018 at 10:45 am
Great take on the prompt. I ‘m pretty sure I wouldn’t want SIS watching me ~ ever. Welcome back!
November 1st, 2018 at 7:31 pm
Thanks. 🙂 Good to be back.
October 28th, 2018 at 9:43 am
Sinister SIS. Great story.
November 1st, 2018 at 7:31 pm
Thanks!
October 28th, 2018 at 11:21 am
Ouch.. it’s scary these days… at least my new laptop is equipped with a built in cover.
November 1st, 2018 at 7:30 pm
Yeah, you need that kind of stuff these days. I just have a sticker over mine. 🙂