The Package – Sunday Photo Fiction

Written for Sunday Photo Fiction. A story of about saving Humanity begins after the photo. Don’t get mad at me when you read the last line. 😉

Genre: Science Fiction/Humor

Photo by: Alastair Forbes

The Package

The world had gone mad.

Fusion bombs could now be made in anyone’s garage. Weapons went off everywhere. The Troubles in Ireland reignited. The fighting spread deep into the ROI. At least the Guinness factories escaped destruction.

And now a Sea King helicopter lowered Dr. Seamus Donegal down to the ship’s deck. Men in silvery hazmat suits and Geiger counters walked out, examining him and the precious Package he carried. Once cleared, the captain escorted him to the rear of the ship. He fired a flare gun over the water. “How is it you know their language, Donegal?”

“It’s a long story, Captain,” said Donegal clutching The Package tight.

“Is that a weapon?”

“No, Captain. It’s tribute.”

“What could they want?

Waters boiled and a giant undersea vessel, larger than three supertankers, emerged and settled. A massive cannon, the size of a small ship, swiveled and pointed towards London.

“Our scientists estimate that gun could release over two Terajoules of energy,” said the captain.

“27 Terajoules to be exact. Enough to obliterate London with a single shot.”

“How do you know this?”

“Enough, Captain!” scolded Donegal. Two tall, grey creatures floated from the vessel and landed beside the men. They spoke to Donegal in a strange language and he fluidly replied in kind.

“How do you know this alien language?”

“It isn’t alien, Captain! We’ve known them a long time.” He handed The Package to the creature. It’s small mouth found a way to smile. It handed the package to the other one who fumbled and dropped it. The packing split open and the content’s label was clear to see.

“Seriously?” glared the captain.

“It’s the only thing they can’t make!” explained Donegal.

“All this for THAT!”

“It’s kept us all safe for almost 300 years. Other kinds for a thousand years before then.”

“Who would’ve thought Humanity could be saved, by a case of Guinness!”
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Each Sunday, Alastair Forbes presents an original photo for use as a writing prompt. The list of talented writers joining us is growing. Won’t you join us? Here’s this week’s prompt: http://sundayphotofictioner.wordpress.com/2014/01/05/sunday-photo-fiction-january-5th-2014/