LET’S PARTY THEN BRING IN THE LAWYERS The sheriff and Deputy Danny were in the hall next to the interogation room when Elizabeth emerged. “That was quick,” Danny said. “Did you get anything?” John asked. “Yes. Cynthia said she hacked into the Mayones’s system because she doesn’t trust them. The heated language she heard about the Hagor justified it to her. Zior told me the Mayones are not concerned about the bugs; they think their behavior is part of the natural way of things, […]

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 […]