The Flabbergasting Flash-Fic Smackdown

Alien Asterism

"Aren't you ready yet?"

"I purchased a new interpulse doclinator and I can't find it."

"Use the one we have, I'm not waiting any longer. I want a good place to view from."

"I told you, our post is reserved."

"That may be so, but I'm not missing this event."

"So you don't care if we suddenly devolve into a helpless beliogormic mass?"

"You are such a zoot. Our cosmorbitors are back from a year away with the first ever evidence of another living planet! You can spend one evening without worrying about contamination."

******

Settled into the reserved viewing space, they prepared to await the grand arrival of the space team. Behind the iron security fence that separated the audience from the docked space ship and its cosmorbitors, a spectrum of mauve and blue light bathed the surrounding landscaping, exciting the eager viewers.

At last, the appearance of the team was announced, and in a blaze of light they appeared atop the fence, arms uplifted in an enthusiastic greeting. The audience roared their approvals as a stirring euphonious melody filled the air.

"Isn't it wonderful? We'll be seeing the first recorded images of another living planet."

"We'll get to see what they feel is appropriate for us to see." He held his hand over his mouth, regretting not finding his personal health monitor.

"You are such a pessimist. Are you coming, there's a celebration at the structure?"

******

Inside the space facility, ruling officials, technicians and scientists all huddled closely together, the ramifications of the reports stoking fear and doubt. The data and images were not even remotely like what had been expected. There was a muttering of disbelief.

"The consensus of our examination is that you and your crew have fabricated this impossible result." The commander, who had remained behind to answer questions, vehemently denied any such thing, pointing to the fact that it was the instruments that recorded what they reported seeing.

"Not a chance. You and your crew will be detained for further investigation."

"I can prove what our report and data show." The statement brought a stunned silence to the room.

"Then do so, Commander." One of the officials challenged.

******

"Wow, there's a guy that needs his brakes relined!"

"He is not used to your manner of speech."

"I answered his questions. If he doesn't believe me I can't help that."

"What you told him, is that really true?"

"Sure it is. Why would I lie? It's the third planet from the sun. It's roughly 70% water. It supports a huge variety of life forms and it has its own moon."

"Why is it called Eden?"

"That's a long story that began eons ago when it was called Earth. The inhabitants then did a lousy job of managing the environment. But over time the managers were replaced and newer, smarter thinking took hold.

"I could give you boys some pointers. That transparency outfit has been done to death – you need some new threads."

482 WP words