Noir

NOIR

The planet floated like scoop of ice cream in a sea of root beer, its stark whiteness glaring in the sun. Around it, like streamers of tasty vanilla melting away, stars formed spirals of fading brilliance.

Guy reached for his sunglasses before realizing that he didn't have pockets. His hallmark trench coat and hat were packed way. They were both props and his homage to the great detectives of the past.

"Mr. Gunn?"

Guy turned. She floated there, like a spandex angel, her form straining the jumpsuit. Well, he thought, if angels were bald and lavender ...

"Depends ..."

"I am – " a series of images flashed in his mind.

"Ouch! Do you mind if we use words and if I just call you ... Angel?"

"Oh forgive me," she said, her color moving toward lilac. "I forget that you aren't telepathic."

Guy had done his homework. He knew the inhabitants of Leucous were mind readers.

"That brings me to my first question – if you can read minds, why do need the services of a gumshoe like me?"

Again he noted a spike of color.

"I think you misunderstand, Mr. Gunn. We can send but we cannot actually see into another's mind. We can only receive what is sent just like you can only hear what I verbalize."

Guy felt a sigh of relief. Thank heavens – if she could see what I've been thinking ... Turning back to the viewport, he watched her reflection surreptitiously.

"Gotcha. But that still doesn't answer my question."

"We recently decoded a series of transmissions. Imagine our surprise when we found them to be old visual images sent from the Earth thousands of years ago. One series was an adventure tale about a man – a detective – whose name was Sam Spade. It's become very popular ... and we were hoping ..."

It was Guy's turn to change color.


Notes:
An entry for the 2/3/10 round of "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge"  [13+]
Prompt: Write a story that includes the words: sunglasses, ice cream, star

Word Limit: 300
Word Count: 300

Noir (nwar): Of or relating to a genre of crime literature featuring tough, cynical characters and bleak settings.
Leucous: White; typically applied to albinos, from the whiteness of their skin and hair.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please, as long as you're here, leave a comment. Criticisms, thoughts, reactions, yes – even words of encouragement or praise – are all equally welcome

Ken