Flash Fiction: The Face on Mars

In another attempt to expand my writing horizons, I decided to try my hand at flash fiction.

I came across the website Dude Write which focuses on men who write.  Every month, they have a flash fiction contest.  The following is my entry for the February Flash Fiction contest.

If you get a chance, please head over to Dude Write and cast a vote for me! Unless you think it sucks. If that’s the case, then I suppose you don’t have to vote.  (Note: Voting doesn’t actually begin until February 23rd. I know you’re all anxious to cast your votes, but please be patient!)

Any positive or negative feedback is welcome!

Captain Robert Malone watched as the red planet slowly grew larger in the window.

Today was the final day of their three-day journey to Mars, and they were expected to land on the surface within the hour.

“Captain, we’re receiving another message,” said Commander Cena, his companion aboard the ship.

“What does it say?” Malone asked, although he suspected that he already knew the answer.

“Assuming the ship’s translator is correct, it seems to be the same message as before: Turn around or face the consequences.”

Malone guessed that the translator was correct.

“You tried responding again?”

“Yes, sir.  But I don’t know if we’re translating correctly.  For all we know, by saying ‘We come in peace,’ we might have just declared war.

Four weeks ago, astronomers discovered a new feature on the face of Mars.  It looked like a human face.

In addition to the “face,” they also detected a surge of radio activity coming from the planet.  A careful study of the radio signals revealed a hidden, unknown language.  Their efforts to translate only allowed them to piece together a few words, but there was one that kept repeating and made people very nervous: Invasion.

It was decided that a ship would be sent to Mars to investigate.  Malone was the obvious choice to lead the mission, as he was regarded as the best and bravest captain on Earth.  If any threat existed on Mars, Malone would surely be able to handle it.

A shrill alarm sounded.  “We’ve got four ships approaching!” Cena shouted.  “They’re smaller than us, but they’re moving much faster!”

“How long until they reach us?” Malone asked.

“Less than two minutes.”

Malone took a deep breath and then ordered, “Switch the ship into battle mode.”

This scenario was not unexpected.  The ship was equipped with shields, laser cannons, and retro rockets.  It would be the match of any warship built on Earth.

Unfortunately, they had no knowledge of Martian technology.  Even with their enhanced weaponry, it was possible that they would be hopelessly outmatched.

“Battle mode activated!  We’re ready for them.”

Malone raced over to one of the ship’s turrets and strapped himself into the chair.  He tracked the Martian ships as they approached and prepared to fire.

“Bobby!”

Eight year old Bobby Malone had his concentration interrupted by his mother’s voice.

“Yes, mom?”

“Lunch is ready!”

Those words were music to Bobby’s ears.  He was starving, and his mother had been cooking up some chicken nuggets.  The battle against the Martians was important, but it would just have to wait until after lunch.

He put down his toy ship and his WWE John Cena action figure and ran into the kitchen.

About these ads