MicroHorror

The Martian ambassador and the leader of the mission from Earth stood together at the edge of the pond.

“We call this ‘The Pond of Truth,’” the Martian said.

“What does it do?” asked Colonel Beckwith.

“When one looks into the pond,” the Martian explained, “one sees one’s true nature in the reflection.”

“Is that so?”

“It is.”

“Is it ever wrong?”

“No,” said the Martian. “Never.”

Colonel Beckwith leaned over the pond. In the reflection he saw himself drawing his photon pistol and blasting the Martian in the head.

Suddenly the Martian ambassador’s hands wrapped around Colonel Beckwith’s neck. He shoved the Earthman to the ground and pushed his head beneath the pond’s surface. The pond was full of some sort of Martian acid, which dissolved Colonel Beckwith’s head in a matter of seconds. The Martian tossed the headless body behind him and looked into the pond. Once the surface settled, the Martian saw the same thing reflected that he had seen before the Earth mission arrived: his family, enjoying a meal of roasted human flesh.

“No,” the Martian said, smiling, “it’s never wrong.” He grabbed the Colonel’s body by the ankle and headed for home.