2052

By Ophelia Spracklen, aged 12

It is 2052. Daniel is the lone lookout. It is dark and through the small window space opens, velvet black. Stars are specs of light that stretch away to infinity.

Since he could remember Daniel wanted to be a space pilot and here he was, Flight Lieutenant, First Class, alone at his station. His sole responsibility to protect the landing stage from the onslaught of THE CREATURE. It was vital the landing stayed open, lights blazing, welcoming, safe … but that light attracted … the creature.

Daniel sat, tense with anticipation. Although darkness surrounded him, the light above the landing stage brought it sharply into focus. Time seemed to stand still, as he waited for the creature to make its move. Must concentrate. Must protect the landing stage. Minutes passed. It had been a long day and Daniel’s eyes felt heavy, but he jolted to attention and was fully alert as the creature slinked into view.

Stealthily it came, step by step. Daniel held his breath as its familiar head slowly emerged from the darkness, jaws open, rows of sharp teeth glistening, its tongue red and wet hanging from its mouth. Shining eyes penetrated Daniel’s skull. The creature looked straight at him and there was no mistaking that look… the creature was hungry. The creature was always hungry.

Every night it came, the search for food drawing it towards the light, night after night. As its shoulders rose into view, Daniel reached for the ammunition. The creature paused, its powerful tail swaying as it crouched, ready to leap.

Daniel slowed his breathing and took careful aim, ammunition was scarce, he had few opportunities. Exhaling, he spoke softly “Preparing to repel invaders.”

Hoping to catch it off guard, Daniel launched; the creature twisted its body, lunging sideways, and caught the missile in mid-flight, snapping its powerful jaws upon it. Immediately, Daniel prepared to fire again.

The creature, more confident now, edged closer, nearing Daniel’s door. Lightning fast, it anticipated Daniel’s aim before the next missile was even in flight. It lined itself up and swallowed the second round whole, never taking its dense hungry gaze from the target.

Daniel tensed, this was it, the last of the ammunition. Waiting until the creature was completely in range, Daniel launched a sideways attack. The missile missed its target, rebounded off the creature’s head and disappeared out of sight. The creature locked on to the movement, turned and hurtled away downwards, into the darkness below.

Daniel froze. Footsteps crossed the landing and his Commander spoke.

“Come on Danny, it’s nearly half nine, time you were asleep. And what have I said about throwing biscuits to the dog at bedtime. There’s crumbs all over the landing and she’s nearly knocked me flying chasing one down the stairs!”

“Sorry mum.” Daniel said sleepily, sliding under the duvet.

His mission was complete. The creature would not return, not tonight anyway – even ferocious, alien creatures are afraid of THE COMMANDER.