Memo: An Incident is Occuring
John frowned at the Colleague as it conveyed its displeasure. He tried to speak civilly to it, as taught, while being direct and efficient. “The incident was…
Aliens Lacking Humanity
Write about an alien being (or a group of alien beings) exactly like humans, except for one definable human quality (no sense of humor, lacking suspicion, always completely truthful) and how they interact with either other aliens or humans. The missing human quality should be evident from your writing, but should not be specifically stated (i.e., your character will not say, "I do not understand humor"). The story may be told from the point-of-view from either your alien character or from another character's point-of-view. Basically, if you want to take this idea and go somewhere with it, you have my leave to do so. Multiple entries are encouraged. I have no intention of ever judging this. I am merely hoping to inspire.
Challengers
24 entriesRestless Guest
So it was my turn to be the host family for our newest visitor from the Intergalactic Unity Councel and I was beginning to think my cat Frizzle was right about…
Reassurance
The medical ward was almost empty, devoid of any warmth or comfort as it always was. A fit of coughing broke the tense silence of the room, snapping what would…
Optimizing Earth
Taking over this planet was straightforward; optimizing its efficiency is the more rewarding challenge. The first project is a geothermal power generator…
contemplation.
What a strange planet this is. Billions of creatures after millions of years of growth. Is this what we could have been? I try to think back to my creation; to…
Repent
The sun was setting on Victoria, and the lone Savior Unit stood on a sandy hilltop, wispy cloak fluttering about his metal exterior. His single red eye was…
A Guy in Need
Since arriving on Earth about seven years ago, Fednor was still having a hard time picking up the nuances of human speech and behavior. That’s not to say he…
Best-Friends
“Hey, Sampson, I need your help over here.” Greg yelled over his shoulder. Sampson was his best friend, an alien. Greg was from earth. They had met in an…
Offworlders
I was biting the last chip of pink nail polish off my right thumbnail when the bell above the door tinkled and in walked a man who must’ve been seven foot tall…
Tapping
There’s a brief tapping on my window. I don’t worry- it’s not loud enough to wake anyone, and soon he’ll give up and return to wherever it is he goes at night…
Waiting
It’s not that she felt hopeless. She wasn’t even scared. Not really, anyway. It was the waiting that made this so hard. Brad came back in. He wasn’t smiling…
Hard of Believing
It’s easy to take for granted some of the bad qualities in us. The first real conversation I had with one of them was quite shockingly addictive. The man…
The Woes of an Old Child
I was born like any other person. At that point, nothing about me was different from you all. I started life like a normal child; I walked and talked and…
Alienated
For many days, I have observed this “earth-like” planet. Much is similar to my world; grassy areas with trees but not many and not as green. The sky and ocean…
Take Nothing For Granite
“Are you sure you detected life?” the doctor quipped at the science officer. “There’s nothing here but rocks!” It was true. In all directions there were rocks…
No Lie
A single bare bulb shines on a table where a figure slumps in a chair beside it, in handcuffs. A man enters in a dress shirt and slacks, gun in holster at his…
Truly Alien?
I looked up from my dressing table. “Does my bum look big in this Joe?” A smirk spread across his face. “It does, but you know I love that about you.” He…
The Eyes
They’re everywhere. They say they’re peaceful, and that they haven’t started moving about in the public, but they’re lying. Look at the eyes, it’s all right…
People are Strange
Ed was driving Jim to work, as usual. Well, not driving at the moment, they were sitting in traffic-- for the third time this week, and it was only Wednesday…
Midnight Shift
I sit working away at my desk, attempting to make it to the end of the day—er, night. Whatever it’s called here. It doesn’t really matter to me. I look up for…