Józef Chełmoński, Cranes, Source: Wikipedia
We’ve traveled far, my crew and I. We’ve journeyed past thousands of stars and worlds. Our small ship has sailed through space. None of our kind has ever been this far away from home. Our voyage has taken decades. We’ve slept much of the time. Our automatic system has awakened us occasionally to perform some needed task. Or maybe it was simply to give us a break from sleeping, from dreaming of the unknown and those we’ve left behind.
Now we’re all fully awake. It’s time. We’ve landed on this green world, the third planet in a system that revolves around a bright yellow star of average size. We’ve sensed signs of life. We pause now at the doorway. Large creatures swim before us in the murky water. An uncharted world with uncharted waters. I’m going to stand for a moment, my tail held high, before I issue the command. I want to remember this. In a moment we will raise our wings, and fly out in formation to meet them. First contact.
My second attempt at a microfiction challenge: Jane Dougherty’s Microfiction Challenge: Shapes in the Mist
The prompt is the painting above and the words, “uncharted waters.” There’s a 200 word limit. My story is 173 words.
my goodness! I would not be able to stop reading if there was more …
Oh thank you, Susan. What a lovely compliment!
I think I’ll leave Berserkistan for a short while and meet you in this misty world!
Thanks, Marian. Maybe once we have the transporter set up. 🙂
Brilliant! What an ending! You should do this for a living.
Thanks so much. I feel like I really don’t know what I’m doing here. It’s nice to know it worked. 🙂
What you’re doing is called ‘writing’ 🙂
🙂
This is wonderful. I want to read more. 🙂
Thanks so much, Robin! 🙂
Nice twist! And now, as everyone has said, keep going…(K)
Thanks, Kerfe. I’ll consider it. 😉
More, please.
Thanks, Claudia. 🙂
What imagery and imagination combined into a great piece of micro-fiction, Merril.
I am smiling at your tail and wings, feeling the excitement of your first flight around the dinosaurs and misty new world.
Thanks, Robin. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I pictured the one telling the tale and felt a kinship with the unique time traveler, Merril.
Thanks, Robin. I’m glad you could feel a bond!
Don’t stop there!
🙂
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This was an excellent tale Merril so beautifully told, in fact i very much enjoyed the lyrical nature of your writing.
Thank you very much, Michael! Thanks for reading and commenting. 🙂
The story has only just begun. Lovely pace and your writing is very engaging. I’ll check back and see if you continue it due to popular demand 😊
Thank you so much!
I will definitely think about it. There’s so much on my plate right now–we’ll see. 🙂
Yeah, I see, I just read your about page! Fascinating subjects you write about. Must take a lot of mental and emotional stamina!
Thanks! Yeah, I think I’ve taken on a bit too much this summer. 🙂
Hope you enjoy the sunshine too (or shade, depending on where you are) 🌅
Thank you! Hope you enjoy your day, too. It’s very hot here today in NJ!
Thanks! Cold night in Vic (Australia) 😊
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