Opportunity

Another one touched down last night. This time somewhere near the Jezero Crater where my ancestors used to swim back when there was water, which is what all these little contraptions are looking for, the elders say. My curiosity is bound to override my better judgment one of these days. I really want to trek down there and see with my own eyes what those bastards on Earth are sending us out here.

The elders say Earthlings think this is just some desolate wasteland, a blank canvas on which to paint a utopia they failed to create. Although too young to be considered an “elder,” Neila has such insight into these matters; she’s been tracking every blink and signal from that despoiled outpost most of her life.  

I shouldn’t be so hasty to pass blame on Earthlings for seeking alternate settings, I know, after what they’ve done to their air and water, always figuring out ways to kill each other. I can’t believe they made it as long as they did. We’d have been obliterated centuries ago. But they’re landing explorers way out beyond any settlements, and much farther from the city where Neila and I live with our family, so they’re only going to scoop up rocks and dirt and report back that’s all there is.

For now.

They’ll be here before long.

They’re Earthlings, after all. When have they ever stayed put?

I can hear what Neila would say if I told her what I was about to do. If I get trapped or attacked, I’m on my own. Since we don’t have violence, we don’t have weapons, so I would have only my wits to protect me. I bet I could take one of those things out if I threw a rock just right. 

Sorry, Neila.

Sorry, elders.

If what you’ve told me about Earthlings is true, we have to stop them now.

Here’s my opportunity.   

–Ted Millar

Ted Millar’s work has appeared in two dozen publications, including Fictional Cafe, Little Somethings Press, Grand Little Things,, Reflecting Pool: Poets and the Creative Process (Codhill Press, 2018), Circle Show, The Broke Bohemian, The Voices Project, Third Wednesday, The Grief Diaries, Aji, and Chronogram.