RESERVOIR
The city
sprawl was visible from space, its airport runway a strip of light that
silhouetted each plane’s takeoff and landing. The pilot of the largest craft didn’t
join the circling queue, but waited confidently behind his radar shield.
Only when
the city slept did he descend and slide stealthily beneath the surface of the
reservoir, where their carefully-constructed outer shell blended seamlessly
with the drowned landscape of abandoned farms and fields.
Birds by day, bats by
night, they explored, listened and observed.
They were
in no hurry – there were several years to go before the invasion.
...................................................................
Thanks to Rochelle for hosting Friday Fictioneers on her blog https://rochellewisofffields.wordpress.com/ and to Lucy Fridkin for the photograph which prompted my story. You can read other interpretations by following the link from Rochelle's blog.
Excellent.
ReplyDeleteLove it.
Thanks for commenting, ce ayr
DeleteDear Lizy,
ReplyDeleteInvasion? If they wait long enough we'll destroy ourselves. Good one.
Shalom,
Rochelle
I try not to dwell on that possibility, Rochelle!
DeleteGoosebumps!
ReplyDeleteBut hopefully not nightmares.
DeleteOminous tone, a beautiful setup for the invasion to come. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting Iain.
DeleteOoh... *checks sky suspiciously*
ReplyDeleteFor bats, birds or spaceships?
DeleteAll of the above, but mostly spaceships!
DeleteEvery cloud could be one in disguise. Mwah-ha-ha!
DeleteThey are already here... waiting patiently... actually a few of them have started blogging.
ReplyDeleteYou're probably right, Bjorn!
DeleteIs birds by day and bats by night the wildlife equivalent of burning the candle at both ends?
ReplyDeleteShiftwork, Patsy!
DeleteVery well done. This is very haunting. I loved it!
ReplyDeletexx Rowena
Thanks Rowena.
DeleteLeaves me wanting for more. Nicely crafted.
ReplyDeletethanks yarnspinner - one day I might expand on some of the score of flash stories I've written.
DeleteYou've created a real sense of foreboding.
ReplyDeleteDeep water can do that to my imagination!
DeleteWell, now you've got me worried. Such a poet sense inside impending doom.
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking the invasion mightn't be so bad if they're only small?
DeleteThis is great. And if they watch birds and bats--I'd rather they invade sooner than later, as long as there are birds, bats and other wildlife left. Since we're not able to take care of our planet, maybe they'll show us.
ReplyDeleteThe only trouble with that view, Ga H, is that we cannot assume aliens are better than us. The question we should be asking is, why did they leave their own planet?
DeleteWonderful. I love this. You've covered so much, from distant observations to arrival , concealment, and future plans. I'm in awe.
ReplyDeleteWow Margirene - thank you so much!
DeleteA unique take on the prompt - enjoyed the read thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Dahlia.
DeleteSounds like aliens with drones. Now that's creepy. Good writing, Liz. :) --- Suzanne
ReplyDelete