Lost and Found

Lost and Found

The sound of splintering wood and screeching metal caught Vexon-6 by surprise.

By the Lord of the Dual Suns, he thought, as he pulled back on the controls and sent his ship skyward.

"Vex," yelled Altar-12, "what have you done?" Vexon-6 hated it when his wife took that tone of voice.

"It's nothing," he reassured. "I must have clipped one of those strange squares that they put up to worship their God, Bill." He had heard of these 'billboards' when he was researching their vacation destination.

"I was distracted by the flashing lights of one of their reproductive centers. They're called 'Mote L's' and..."

"And nothing!" Alt's voice sounded in his ear. "You pervert! I know what you were doing! We didn't travel all this distance so you could watch the natives divide or whatever they do."

Vex felt his face flush green. Well it would have been interesting from a purely scientific standpoint, he thought but he kept silent. He knew she wouldn't buy his explanation.

"Where are we and how long until we reach the hive?"

Vex scanned the guidance console. "I'm not sure. This map is not very recent ..."

"I told you we should have stopped and asked for directions when we refueled at the orb. Oh no, 'I know the way'," she mimicked.

Vex looked out at the large expanse of quartz and silica that spread out for decas in all directions. It was ideal for breeding but she makes my flagellum shrink, he thought sourly.

A flashing light indicated that he picked up the homing beacon and he turned toward the locater signal. "Five minutes, honey," he said, swallowing the anger he felt.

This is our vacation after all, he thought, knowing his condition would improve ... "Soon," he muttered grinning.


Notes

Word Count: 299 .

An entry for July 20 "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge"  [13+]
Prompt: Write a story that includes the words: motel, billboard, and map.

Thank you for taking time to read my words. I would appreciate it if you took a moment and left a comment. Your reaction, impressions, criticisms, - yes, even praise are all equally welcome. Please, however, keep the groans to yourself .

Ken