CRISIS Olivia and Matt slept late, waking slowly. Yesterday’s launch had been a lot.  We’re traveling in space! Olivia thought, I should be scared. But strangely she wasn’t. Olivia waddled into the kitchen, “Kitchen, coffee, full caffeine. “Make favorite breakfast for the whole family, to be served in fifteen minutes.” Olivia said to the AI of the house. “Yes, ma’am.” The coffee appeared, rising from the counter in front of Olivia.  Olivia could hear Matt grumbling down […]

1ST CHRISTMAS DAY IN MESALAND OF THE STARS Mathew burst into their bedroom. “Mom, Dad, get up, get up. It’s Christmas!” Elizabeth didn’t want to move; it had been a few days preparing for the holiday. Doesn’t this ever go smoother? “A few more minutes,” she moaned. “Mom, it’s snowing,” Mathew said, bouncing on his toes. “What?” James sat up. “Yeah, come on, come on!” Mathew’s voice wavering. They both bounded out of bed and followed Mathew into the living room. It was the best place in the […]

TAKE OFF Elizabeth drove her husband’s old truck through the neighborhood via Sage Street. It was bustling with new life. She had held onto this favorite vehicle, but it was the past, and this street was the future. While the houses retained their heritage, much was new, including the paving. A type of plastic that left a smooth, quiet surface that was a pleasure to drive on and walk on, especially for the dogs. Tucson asphalt roads were cruel to dog feet in the summer. The landscaping at each […]

THE LAST RECRUITS The children were quiet. Elizabeth had drawn her gun. Harry was defiant, emitting a low growl. She knew this could rapidly turn worse than it was, so she focused on Sarah and pieced together a plan. Elizabeth presumed that this creature had to come from somewhere other than Earth. These weren’t hiding out somewhere waiting for discovery. She guessed the bug might be proficient only in English, possibly Spanish, considering this area of the country. Invaders should be […]

LAST DAYS ON EARTH It was Spring, and Elizabeth was out and about. She entered the restaurant, and her eyes instantly went to her preferred seat on the patio. A broad smile crossed her lips; the seat was open. It was a small restaurant, but the courtyard expanded that very nicely. Patios didn’t always have this kind of ambiance. It was relatively large and surrounded by a fence with misters on the roof line and heaters posted throughout. This made it comfortable for much of the year in Tucson […]