End Where You Begin by Euler | Main | Authors by their nature... by clone00
March 8, 2007
What will be interesting about people in the future when spaceflight is routine? by analog_mind
"OK Critter, bring her down"
Chaz adjusts his earpiece and shoots a glance
at the large com screen at the front of the room.
The curve marking the craft's descent is smooth,
and right on target.
"Looking good.. Watch the joint.. "
He holds his breath during the tense final seconds.
A roar of applause goes up in the room.
Chaz is relieved.
He mumbles that's a wrap to Critter
and barely remembers to switch the earpiece off
before dropping it next to another receiver.
Executive Commander Leslie is at his side
before he can turn to rush with the crowd to the launch pad.
"Walk and talk?" she inquires in her usual demure
yet commanding tone, and begins walking crisply
to the door before waiting for an answer.
Chaz correctly assumes
she will speak her mind
with or without his permission.
"We have a special job upcoming"
she remarks with a wink to Chaz.
He realizes she must mean
he is the man for the job.
"What's the catch?" He asks
although he knows he'll do it anyway
Knows he'd do anything for Leslie
(and the potential promotion she represents)
"The cargo is .. less than pleasing,"
she begins, with awkward hand motions meant to reveal
what she doesn't wish to say.
"Foreigners?" Chaz demands, peeved
He gets paid so much dough in part to not have to worry about extra
terrestrial jerks
(It's a class thing.)
"There will be a modest bonus."
Chaz hears again the roaring applause
of the crowd.
No matter that the applause,
next time
will pale compared to the green
Posted by Overlord at March 8, 2007 12:43 PM
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Comments
Again ... cut.
Interesting, but why is this a poem? The only point seems to be the clever title.
Posted by: Overlord at August 3, 2007 9:45 PM