By Makis E. Warlamis (Own work, Daskunstmuseum, 2007-01-05) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons
Journal Entry, 4772: I woke up early, too excited to sleep. Today I begin my new position as chief consul. Thousands of years have passed since my ancestors made first contact with the world of our guests. We miscalculated then; the inhabitants of that planet were not ready, and we backed off, observing only from a distance. We were surprised that the beings we’ll be welcoming here today finally dominated their planet, and even more surprised that they survived. They were fond of wars, those bipeds.
It’s too bad that we’ll have to transport them from our planet’s surface to our capital. I love how it hovers amidst the clouds, a beacon of serenity, and a perfect place to hold our discussions. Too bad they cannot experience the joy of flight, as we do. There’s the beauty–the glow of light on feathered wing, the iridescent colors, and the glorious feel of the air, as it rushes by, carrying the scents from below and above. Oh well.
It’s time now to go. To meet the Earth ambassador. Apparently she is named for an ancestor who was famous for—what was it? A walk? Oh yes, I remember now, on their moon. Ambassador Neila Armstrong. End log.
I spread my wings and fly out to meet her.
This story is for Jane Dougherty’s Microfiction Challenge. This week I’m close to the word count! The prompt is the painting above.
The story is related to this earlier one I wrote.
You are fond of doing that, aren’t you? The unexpected phrase at the end that puts a different complexion on the story/narrator. I hope Neila is a sympathetic character.
I guess I do like to do that. 🙂 I don’t think it would be much of a story without a bit of a twist. I’m not sure about Neila yet. I guess I’m picturing her as a Star Fleet-like person, curious and interested in promoting peace.
The idea of there ever being an ambassador for the whole earth, is one that I just can’t imagine. Maybe it will happen, but we seem to be breaking down into smaller and smaller units again after the big efforts and unification. Everyone wants to paddle their own canoe. Until it hits them that there won’t be any more iphones…
Well, this is the future, and if we manage to survive, perhaps it could happen.
I’ll dream.
It could happen. Pigs might fly too. Makes a good dream though 🙂
🙂
I very much enjoy your stories, Merril. 🙂
Thank you so much, Robin! 🙂
This is a nice companion tale.
Thanks, Ken. 🙂
I like your little twist. It’s a nice take on the prompt. I enjoyed it a lot!
Thank you very much, Sarah! 🙂
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I enjoyed your story and the nice twist at the end. I have to read the earlier post that goes with this.
I hope the meeting goes well, and we are ready for this.
Thanks so much, Lorraine. I’m glad you enjoyed it, and I share your wishes. 🙂
Nice, sci-fi / fantasy twist there. What fascinating creatures your alien species are. Lovely descriptions – iridescent wings. Gorgeous
Thank you so much, Lynn!
My pleasure 🙂
I really enjoyed this journal entry far, far into the future. This is where separate countries don’t have leaders but you created a Neil’s, world ambassador. So lovely and hope this will come true, Merril! ❤
Thank you so much, Robin. I hope it will come true, too!
“Neila” female world ambassador 🙂
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