The Good Year

Photo by: Jules Paige

Director McKinley stared up at the colony’s windmills. They worked flawlessly. The first year of the colony on planet Kennick went perfectly. “I can’t believe our good luck,” he said.

“Why not?” said Deputy Director Segundo.

“Look back at history. Colonies have struggled in the first year more often than not. The pilgrims who began a colony in America nearly died in their first year. Their experience was awful.”

“Not us.”

“I know. And so much could’ve gone wrong. But the crops are thriving. We have power and oxygen. No machines broke down. The local fauna avoid us. There have been no deaths or injuries. Honestly, all that good fortune is astounding.”

Segundo grinned, “And now we’re preparing for our first New Year.”

A foreman ran up and spoke the words McKinley had dreaded all year. “Director McKinley! There’s a problem.”

McKinley whirled on Foreman Johnson, “The main gaskets are corroding?”

“No.”

“The power connectors are arcing?”

“No.”

“The bees aren’t pollinating the plants?”

“No, sir. We’re missing a critical supply.”

“A certain vitamin? I knew it! We’ll all die slowly.”

“No!”

“What then?”

Johnson sagged. “We don’t have any Champagne for the New Year Party!”
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Written for Sunday Photo Fiction: https://sundayphotofictioner.wordpress.com/2017/12/31/sunday-photo-fiction-december-31st-2017/

Happy New Year everyone!