Collecting Ashes – Sunday Photo Fiction

Written for Sunday Photo Fiction. An Indian Joneseque story begins after the photo.

Genre: Speculative Fiction/Humor
Word Count: 200

Copyright: Alastair Forbes

Collecting Ashes

The security guard was asleep from a sleeping pill dropped into his coffee. The Doberman guard dogs were feasting happily on raw brisket. Jasper and Chris wound their way through the museum guided by their flashlights. At last, they found their target.

“The ashes of King Howard,” whispered Jasper.

“Awesome!” effused Chris. “What do they do?”

“These ashes were collected more completely than any other ancient king’s ashes. Thus, they’re more potent than any other.”

“Yeah, but if I know you, all these parts make some incredible device.”

“Correctamundo!” said Jasper, and he began assembling the parts from the alcove.

“So what does it make? Rays of Kingly Domination? Magical Missiles of Doom?”

The box was affixed to the staff, connected to the urn, which snapped into place with the crown. Jasper proudly held the assemblage aloft. “Something even better!”

“What is it?” Chris hopped on his toes in glee.

“A Vacuum Cleaner!”

Chris’ face drooped. “A what?”

“A vacuum cleaner. How do you think the ashes were collected so completely? This technology was a literal miracle for the time. I’ll bet this baby works better than a Dyson.”

Chris squinted angrily at Jasper. “It’s time to update my resume.”
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Each Sunday, Alastair Forbes presents a photo fiction prompt for imaginings 100 – 200 words long (400 if the muse demands). I managed to curb my addiction and limit myself to only 200 words this time around. Woohoo! To join the creative fray, look no further than here: http://sundayphotofictioner.wordpress.com/2013/11/17/sunday-photo-fiction-november-17th-2013/