Missus Est

By San Antonio Rose

It’s a good thing our mission briefings at ANGCOM only seem to take a long time. I don’t know what our charges would do if we were actually gone as long as we think we are. And as this one was to discuss long-term strategy, it promised to feel very long indeed.

In the hall outside the briefing room, I bumped into my old friend Carborundum. He was grousing, as usual.

“Oh, poor Carbo,” I said. “Tuttle giving you trouble again?”

“When does he not?!” Carbo replied. “Do you have any idea how much work it is creating sandstorms to keep him on the ground?”

“I do, actually. Mine went to the Sandbox too, remember.”

Carbo sighed. “At least I’m able to keep mine on one planet. What’s yours done today?”

“Only tried to suffocate himself. Not that he meant to, but he really should have known better. I’m still not sure how I got him into the EVA suit in time.”

“Grace,” Carbo shrugged. He then caught sight of the sign on the briefing room door. “Sorry, shouldn’t keep you. Hope it’s an interesting briefing.”

“Thanks. Give my regards to Tuttle.”

I patted him on the back and turned into the briefing room just as his data pad beeped. Before the door closed, I heard him yell, “ARGGHHH!”