Microfiction #5 — Long Shot

“There’s no way it’s gonna work, Jakel!”

“Just have a little faith, will you?! It might be a bit farfetched, but if I make it work, it’s gonna be the sickest shot ever!”

“But look at how far it is. You would have a better shot hitting a planet in another galaxy!”

“Always with the extreme analogies, Damen. I’ve put a lot of effort into this and all the maths involved is as precise as it can be. I’m cautiously optimistic.”

“Whatever you say. I think you’re just trying to convince yourself that all this time was invested and not wasted.”

“Maybe so, but I did have a lot of fun working on it. It won’t bother that much if it doesn’t work.”

“Yeah, right. Ok, how much longer till you give it a shot. A “shot”, get it?”

“Yes, I got it. Hilarious, Damen. It shouldn’t be long now. I just need to charge it… ok, that should be good enough. Do you want to do the honours?”

“Nah, it’s your pet project and I know you’ll want to relay your experience in full to everyone else later.”

“You know me so well. Ok then, 3… 2… 1… Let’s do this!”

The announcement happened simultaneous all over the world. There wasn’t much time. The lucky ones were already with their loved ones and could enjoy their final minutes in peace. As for the rest, despair doesn’t come close to express the reality of the situation.

The third planet in the solar system was no more. Pulverised to bits.

Looking through a telescope, Jakel looked at Damen with a wide smile.

“Told ya it would work! I’m gonna rule the science fair this year!”