228 Days To Mars

The Delta 2 rocket clears the tower. All eyes are on the big screen. Lift off is a success.

Spontaneous cheering breaks out.

In 228 days our unmanned vehicle will be on Mars. If all goes well, our next launch will be the much anticipated manned mission. We can feel the excitement already.

I notice Eddy is subdued. He is not joining in the celebrations erupting around him.

“Eddy my man, why the long face?”

“Uhm, just been thinking.”

“Oh yeah, thinking about what?”

“Just remembering something… something important, I forgot I would adjust, recalibrate, in time for this launch.”From Guest Contributor Barry O'Farrell

Barry is an actor who sometimes writes, living in Brisbane, Australia. Barry recently had a short story awarded runner up in the Arts Alliance biannual short story writing competition. Barry's stories may be found at Cyclamens & Swords, 101 Words and of course here at A Story In 100 Words.

A Little Something To Look Forward To

Anyone who'd been to space knew the most terrifying moment came not at liftoff, but when the rockets detached near the limits of the atmosphere. This was the moment when most accidents occurred.

Of course Lincoln knew nothing about space travel, and was naturally frightened by the entire process. Then again, he'd known nothing about the future, but here he was in the year 2100. It wasn't how he expected. He couldn't even begin to put the experience into words and so it was best if he said nothing.

Though he did rather enjoy the snacks. They were a huge improvement.

The Daily Theme From Figment For March 22, 2012

In writing classes, we are often told to write what we know. But sometimes it's more interesting to break the rules. So let's turn this one inside out. For an interesting change, write what you DON'T know. Try to sound like a convincing expert on some topic that you know nothing about: the solar system, marriage, bread baking, the hiking trails of the Adirondacks. How convincing can you be?