The alien crown
This is an entry in Junior Dispatch’s alien short story contest. The effort earns the writer a free book from the York Emporium and a chance to win a $50 movie gift card and a $50 gift certificate from The York Emporium. Read the rules to the contest here, and get your story in by August 1.
By Lauren Beharry
Age 11, Mount Wolf
“Is this the place?” alien princess Orbit hissed the question, her pink snake-like tongue sliding in and out of her chapped mouth.
“Of course” another alien snapped back sounding slightly offended at being questioned about his work. “You know as well as I do that investing our time on replacing all those pennies with disguised video cameras allowed us to spy on the humans and make sure my calculations are correct.”
After the harsh clarification, the five creatures slowly slithered into the fine house they had been watching (The door was unlocked). Their octopus legs had trouble walking when they reached the marble flooring in the kitchen because of its slippery texture. Orbit and the other four aliens just barely made it into the large, cozy dining room without smashing their faces. Although, one very clumsy alien named Space tripped on his sixth leg and fell on his arm. He was thankfully all right because he landed smoothly on his bony elbow causing only minor bruises and scrapes.
As they continued to the heart of the room they came upon a lovely, wooden cabinet with glass sidings to show off prized or valued possessions. A silver medium sized lock guarded the case. There were also some hidden video cameras in the corner.
“Dark, destroy the video cameras,” the princess commanded. Then, “quietly” Dark did his required assignments and disabled the cords that ran the power supply. Once he had finished, the other aliens had already picked the lock containing the precious object that they were looking for. This object had been causing trouble since the day it vanished. The stolen king’s crown was that object.
A thumping sound on the staircase warned the aliens that someone was coming. The creatures scurried off just in time to see a plump heavily made-up maid come running in.
“Ow!” she yelped like a dog. “My foot, now why would there be a needle in the floor?” All of the aliens glared at Star who had needles all over her back. “Sorry,” she mouthed. Then she whispered, “Let’s just grab the crown and go home.”
With Star’s suggestion in mind the five creatures stalked the maid until she reached a dead end. A long line of cabinets and a silver refrigerator had made a perfect opportunity to go ahead and tie her up.
“Silence her,” Orbit commanded in a cold voice. Moon (another alien) and Space walked toward the maid who was now crying, with mascara running down her cheeks. Moon held the lady still, in case she had thoughts of running away. Space gagged her with a filthy, brown cloth. After, he gagged her he fished out some rope from a bag on his back and tied her tightly to the refrigerator.
With the maid now unable to report them to other humans they carried on with their mission. When they reached the glass case, Princess Orbit stepped forward. Cautiously, the princess reached her three-fingered hand out and snatched the golden crown.
“Let’s go!” she shouted, then teleported out of sight. The other aliens did as well. Together the aliens teleported to their home planet, Mars.
So the five aliens continued on with the rest of their mission. Now with their time short they began sprinting on the uneven ground, heading for the king and queen’s mighty castle.
Finally, they reached the beautiful “Palace of Gold and Silver.” The palace was nicknamed that because each block of cement used to create the castle was plated with an inch deep of silver and rimmed in a flowery gold design. On every other cement piece was a lovely portrait of the king and queen together. Though, the mansion was a little small because of the expensive price.
“Mother, I’m back. Call for the meeting,” Orbit’s voice rang from the entryway, echoing softly.
For a few dreadful seconds the princess thought that her mother wasn’t home. But then, a familiar shape in an elegant dress flung itself into Orbit, embracing her.
“Daughter, I’ve been so worried. I feared the worse had fallen upon you when you did not show up last night!” the queen exclaimed with tears stinging her eyes.
“Mother, it’s great to see you too, but we really must announce this to our people so father can get better,” Princess Orbit spoke gently, removing herself from the hug.
Orbit knew she was being harsh but her father could only survive without his crown for two weeks. It had already been fourteen days. So her father could die at any moment.
“That’s my daughter, always thinking of others before herself,” the queen smiled sadly. “Let’s have the meeting!”
They sprinted away and into the auditorium where aliens already were waiting for the assembly. The king was there also. There was no time to waste now.
“I, Princess Orbit, daughter of King Galaxy who now lays beside me, place this crown on my father’s head and ask do you accept?”
The king nodded and was then suddenly attacked by a fit of severe coughing. Princess Orbit hurried up knowing that that cough was deadly. I now crown you again as King Galaxy.”
Two days had passed since the crowning ceremony. Orbit now stood outside her bedroom chambers watching the setting sun with interest as it sank farther and farther away. Her peaceful thoughts were suddenly gone when a door opening startled her. She whipped around. Then, sighed in relief as she recognized her father.
“Nice day,” the king said, dreamily.
Orbit nodded. Then told the king, “I thought you were supposed to be resting.”
“If I rest anymore I’ll die of boredom,” the king chuckled as did Orbit.
The king was safe and far from harm. It would stay that way for a long time. She could be sure of that.
