Varkon, AKA "Shima & Wol Go For A Drive"

"Okay, now just ease back this lever, and... You're doing great, try to relax. Give it a little more speed, just a touch..."

My flerkel sacs were slimy with fluid, something that always happened when I was nervous. It trickled between my spines, and I resisted the urge to extend my lower greebaum to scratch the area. I let out a steady breath, and slowed the ticking of my third heart.

Unhurried and majestic, it came into view. A gorgeous zeo, [Lit: "pearl"], a hue I'd never seen, and wreathed in... something. Like misty robes.

"Wow."

"Beautiful, isn't it?" he said.

"What is that colour?"

"They call it Blloo."

"And all that mist? What's that? Is it poison?"

"They call it kllaaaaud. It's made of wor-tor. An extremely dangerous substance, and the planet is absolutely covered in the stuff. Good thing for them; they're hopelessly dependent on it."

Transfixed, I stared. The planet Zeolara, [Lit: pearl of the celestial realm]. Just as wondrous as the stories claimed.

"Remember to keep the pressure on the centre shenkl," the instructor reminded me. [Lit: something like a clutch; steady pressure to be maintained while "idling".]

"Oh, yes, of course, sorry, ag-Wol,"

I tried to concentrate on keeping the craft steady. I knew the stories. If I let us drift too close, the beings down there would spot us. They were a bit weird, and terribly forward. We didn't need another nude.

I felt the pull though, almost like gravity. Curiosity.

"Could I go a little closer?"

"G'rek, no!" he said, his limbs gleaming orange in alarm. "I brought you here because no one comes this close, so it's a good place to practise. Shima, the creatures that live there are autflok. [Lit: babies] They're still at the mercy of their own weather, for G'rek's sake. They aren't ready to know about us. I could get into trouble for bringing you this close."

"They don't know about any of the Flok\ra [Lit: peoples of the realms] at all?" My trell-flaps widened in astonishment.

Shaking his trells no, he said, "A few suspect, but they're discredited." He pulled up some images on the glark screen.

"See what I mean? This is why everyone gives it a wide berth. Beautiful, but varkon. Completely stark raving varkon."

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Word count: 366

(NB. This excludes the title, subtitle, and author's note.)

Submitted on Monday 28th October at 13:28

Quick Author's Note

A Year of Stories: I'm writing (and submitting, here) a story every day this year. This continues my 302 (!!!) daily micro-fiction story streak since 1st January.

ONLY SIXTY-FOUR DAYS TO GO!

Please consider lending your support to the other creators on this madcap "a story every day" adventure. They're putting out excellent content every day!

Rachel Deeming

Gerard DiLeo

The story behind the story: To be honest, I just wanted to have a bit of fun with this one! I loved mucking about with made-up words. And yes, as many will surely already know, we have sent nudes to aliens.

As you can see, we didn't just sent them unsolicited nudes, we also included directions to our planet's address. Needy, much?? If that's not a rather desperate extra-terrestrial booty call I don't know what is.

Thank you

Especially if you are one of the wonderful people who has been staunchly reading these daily scribbles since the start of the year. I see you, and I am extremely grateful for your ongoing support.

Thank you to those who leave feedback/comments. Bear with me while I catch up on reads!

If you enjoyed this one, the very best compliment you can give me is to share it, or read another!

Just a few days left on my dollar challenge! Please have a look. I'd love to see what you come up with!

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Thank you again!