Clogs in the Cogs

Welcome to the world of ill intent. We all stand around here, watching each other walk by, but not much else. You see, there was a clog in the cogs and no one knew what was coming.

Then it hit. The clog in the cogs. Everything stopped moving, and all we could do was watch. Stuck in our current positions, not even able to do our rounds without the cogs pushing us around.

The thing next to me started to shake. It trembled and tremored, until a small crack appeared towards the bottom revealing a boot. Soon all the casing broke away and it was a person!

She was naked and shaking, covered in sweat. She fell to the ground and continued that seizure-like motion. I heard other things start to shake and tremble and tremor and crack.

Even I was trembling and shaking.

The First to Freedom stood up. She walked a little. Or maybe wobbled is a better word. She wobbled towards the cogs. I was on the ground now, the last of my shell had cracked. I could see Her, but could not yet move on my own. I heard the cogs start up again. She had removed the clog.

I managed to stand and look around. With the cogs working again, all the things that had not freed themselves began moving in that same circular pattern.

Counting myself, five had broken free.