A Flash Series by W. Steve Wilson
Writer’s Digest Flash Fiction Challenge February 2022: Writer’s Digest sponsored a Flash Fiction Challenge for February. Each day, Moriah Richard posted a new writing prompt and invited the Challenge participants to write a flash fiction piece based on that prompt.
I thought, why not write one story for the entire month? But each day’s prompt determines where the next episode goes. And I’ll limit each episode to 100 words. Hopefully, it will all tie together and make sense when we come out at the other end of the month.
28 one-hundred-word science fiction stories, all connected. Here’s Week 1.
Episode 1: Access Rights Prompt: Key
Tracking n’Kebron to the far side of the Helix Nebula had cost Jackson a year’s prospecting profits. But as always, his sources had been reliable. The trader from Tau Ceti f would part with the artifact—for a price.
Acquiring the device was one thing. Using it was an entirely different proposition. Jackson had run every diagnostic he had. He’d powered up the palm-sized sliver—maybe. At least it was warm to the touch.
The key to the operation was figuring out how the alien object gained him access to the crashed ship found under ten-thousand years of Martian dust.
Episode 2: Family Ties Prompt: Something Circular
Under UV light, Jackson detected a faint but distinctive circle on the face of the alien sliver. He wondered: Was it an activator? A control port?
Physical pressure, EM energy, heat—everything he tried had no effect. Maybe a signal from the ship would trigger it?
That meant returning to Mars, back to where his father and grandfather before him showed him the ropes of the alien prospecting trade. He’d taken those skills to the outer planets.
Jackson reminded himself he’d sworn never to return after the government killed his father. But now his biggest score was drawing him back.
Episode 3: Sibling Rivalry Prompt: “Where does this lead?” “Nowhere good.”
Hiding his ship near a small asteroid, Jackson sent his sister a coded signal. Jenny had remained on Mars after their father’s death, and Jackson wasn’t sure how she’d respond.
“So, you’re back—finally. What do you want?” came Jenny’s terse response over subspace.
“I’ve found a way into the ship, but I need your help.”
“That ship got Dad killed. Access to the ship? Where does this lead?”
“Fortune and glory—and revenge for Dad’s murder.”
“As I thought—nowhere good.”
“Just meet me at the old coordinates. Please, Jenny.”
“Fine. Two days. Don’t be late or I’m gone.”
Episode 4: Sins of the Father Prompt: A dream coming true
Jackson arrived at the rendezvous, noting Jenny was still flying their grandfather’s planetary shuttle.
“I’m here. So, what do you want from that damn ship?” asked Jenny.
“Dad’s dream.”
“Dad’s obsession, you mean. It killed Mom and it killed him. I had to retrieve his tortured body—alone.”
“I couldn’t help that. Dad would want us to work together.”
“A BS-er, just like him. You need me because I work on the excavation.”
“Jenny, it’s his dream. I can’t do this without you.”
“Screw the dream. I’ll help you. To keep you safe. You’re the only family I have left.”
Episode 5: No Clue Prompt: Mystery
Jackson activated the docking collar hatch and Jenny cycled through.
Five years older than Jackson, Jenny’s face was lined and leathery, her blonde hair lusterless and lank.
“You look good, Sis.”
“Yeah, right. I’m tired and haggard. Mars extorts its price. Let’s just get to it.”
“Fine. What have you learned about the ship?”
“Little. The smooth, matte-black hull material shows no seams or ports. We’ve found some equipment, maybe parts to environment suits. But no bodies.”
“Maybe they’re inside. We’ll find them when we gain access.”
“Possibly. That’s the mystery. Who were they? Where did they go? Why Mars?”
Episode 6: Home Sweet Home Prompt: Attempting to be heartfelt
Jackson moored the Star Strider on a nondescript asteroid—powered down, beacons off.
Jenny’s ship got them to Mars. His expensive fake ID got him past security at Arsia Mons.
“Nice place.”
“Standard quarters, but it’s home.”
“Jenny, I can’t tell you how good it is to see you. It’s been too long.”
“You could have come back anytime.”
“I know, but I’m here now. It’ll be like old times.”
“Stop. I said I’d help you. You’re my little brother. I told Mom I’d take care of you.”
“Jenny. I mean it. I’m glad to see you.”
“Please. Just don’t.”
Episode 7: Security Checkpoint Prompt: Workplace drama
Jenny docked her rover at the Arsia Mons excavation and, using her staff ID, accessed the airlock where she knew the guard.
“Dr. Fowler, who’s this?” came the guard’s challenge.
“My brother. Thought I’d show him the ship, Reynolds.”
Sergeant Reynolds clicked his comms. “Director, Dr. Fowler is here with a guest.”
“I’ll be right there.”
The Director arrived in a huff.
“Jenny, you know I need to clear guests.”
“Don, he’s only here for a few hours. Please, just a quick look.”
“OK fine. Just keep him away from the artifacts, and if he gets hurt—it’s on you.”