a reversal of quadrals

the sun’s gamma rays danced on the panels of the small orbiting craft as it slowly turned and entered the shadows of the martian canyon medussa fossae. steve looked over the emerging images that showed fresh details of a dark inexplicable opening that stretched over three meters wide in the side of the shadowed cliff. “ellen, you might want to come take a look at this.” steve called out from the observation pod. dr. ellen bryant appeared with a cup of coffee and steve leaned back in his chair flashing an excited grin. “tell me something good steven.” she said with a raised eyebrow. the budget for the mars orbital station dubbed “piñata” by the media for its bull shaped design and multi-colored solar panels, had been down sized in recent months due to a lack of public interest and the two scientists were desperate for a new discovery. ellen ran her finger over the screen and stopped on the large dark opening in the ridge. “good lord.” she whispered. “hold orbital pattern and mark coordinates zero five niner.” she said setting the coffee cup down. “reverse thrusters two quadrals and activate cameras seven and nine.” she said adjusting the zoom on the lens. “when did you first notice this steven?” she said typing feverishly on the keyboard. “well, just now. why, what the hell is it ellen?” he said nervously. “oh my lord! get us the hell out of here steven!” she cried out. just then a screaming horde of creatures wielding sticks ran out of the hole and began whacking the piñata shaped craft with squeals of delight. the two scientists tumbled out of the gaping holes and the martian children scrambled to get a piece of the tender scientists. the mother stood at the opening of the hole and turned to the father with a smile, “you planned this didn’t you dear?” the father shrugged, “I swear I didn’t.”

2 comments:

Perfect Virgo said...

For a miunte I thought this was a re-write of "Alien!" Good one superfly you captured the atmosphere brilliantly! (Reverse thrusters two quadrals indeed!!)

Anonymous said...

Excellent, love it!
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