The Faces Outside

"The Faces Outside" by Bruce McAllister is a science fiction novella that was likely written during the early 1960s. The story explores themes of humanity, isolation, and the concept of instinctual desire within a speculative setting, focusing on the consequences of alien experimentation on Terran lifeforms. The narrative addresses profound issues such as reproduction, emotional connection, and the struggle against oppressive forces represented by the 'Faces' observing the protagonists. The story follows two human beings, a male and a female, who find themselves living in an artificial aquatic environment—referred to as a "tank." They are kept under the watchful gaze of alien entities represented by the 'Faces' who have subjected them to mutations that render them nearly robotic and incapable of independent thought. Despite their altered existence, the couple, whom they name Diane and the narrator, develop a deep emotional bond and long for a family. As Diane begins to give birth to a new generation, the narrative shifts to a struggle for autonomy against the oppressive oversight of the 'Faces.' The themes of reproduction and the desire for freedom culminate in a poignant exploration of what it means to be truly alive in the shadow of an indifferent universe.