HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
All
Through Space
Bernie watched as the last of
the wreath pictured wrapping paper folded itself across the front of
the jewelry box. He tied a thin red ribbon around the slender item and
smiled at his work. Holiday music grew louder as he passed through
the metallic corridor to the relaxation quarters where his wife sipped coffee. Bernie walked by the electronic screen which
displayed the quadrant of space he was designated to monitor and placed the
gift beneath the sparkling lights of the holographic Christmas tree.
“That better not be anything expensive,”
she chided him. “Remember our
agreement?”
“A quiet relaxed Christmas without
expensive presents or any type of holiday ruckus.”
“Exactly!
Now that the children are grown and gone, there’s no reason to. Bet they’re all excited to be back on Earth
to celebrate the holidays with real snow instead of being stuck in this station
watching space traffic.”
“I gotta admit I’ve REALLY been looking
forward to the quiet…”
“Me too.”
Suddenly an alarm bell blared.
Bernie raced to the control panel.
“What is it?”
“Unauthorized ship rapidly approaching,”
Bernie replied.
“Alien invaders!”
“Doubtful this far from the rim. Maybe fugitives – or worse,” Bernie pondered
as his fingers engaged the station’s defense systems.
The station then received a
transmission.
“Hi ma! Hi pa! We knew you couldn’t enjoy Christmas up here
alone! Thought we’d zip up in our new
ship to keep you company.”
“The kids are coming,” Bernie gasped. “No peace here – we’re invaded!”
© 2015 William P. Rigler
My short story collections can be found at www.lulu.com/spotlight/wrigler - a great gift idea!
No comments:
Post a Comment