Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: WAIT (05/21/20)
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TITLE: Hurry Up and Wait | Previous Challenge Entry
By Art Westefeld
05/28/20 -
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Stephen hit the switch and a quarter-sized holo of his friend appeared hovering just above his desk. Stephen said, “Hi, Myron. I see your new holotransmitter is working well.”
Myron’s image grinned as his reply filtered across light years. “Sure is. Better than the citizenship visa I’m still waiting for so I can stay on Qlag.”
Stephen frowned as he asked, “What’s the problem now? You said that Shiren and Kurn are willing to sponsor your application.”
Myron’s face turned downcast as he answered his friend. “They aren’t available due to the intersystem war going on. They’ve been drafted. It’s annoying, because according to the Qlag’s customs a child can’t be dedicated unless the whole family is there."
“Who are they fighting?”
“The inhabitants of a world on the far side of their sun, the Tsab,” Myron finally responded. Something in his tone told Stephen that he knew more about the war than he was telling, but Stephen decided not to push it.
“So,” Stephen said to fill the silence, “your ministry is at a standstill, then?”
Myron knew that his old friend was wondering what his plans were, so he made a blatant change of subject. “What really is annoying about my visa, is now I’ll have to postpone my wedding, again,” Myron said bitterly.
Stephen tried to lighten the mood by asking, “Are you still hung up on that girl from college, Cindy or…”
Myron saw through Stephen’s attempt at deflection and answered, Cedar. You ought to remember, since you introduced me to her.”
“Right!” Stephen slapped a hand on his desk. “As I recall she was majoring in communications, and on your third date you asked her how she’d feel about being the wife of a missionary."
Myron smirked in response. “No need to waste time dating a girl who wasn’t committed to the LORD.”
Stephen smirked back. “So you finally asked her. When were you planning on marrying her?”
Myron looked dejected as he responded, “When I return to Earth for furlough. But with this blasted war going on, all off world transportation has been cancelled!”
“In any event,” Stephen replied, returning to an all business attitude, “you will keep me informed.” It wasn’t a question.
At that moment an older Qlag burst into Myron’s office and Myron’s attention turned away from his holotransmitter to the newcomer. "Qa-less!” Myron shouted. ”How are you doing, my friend?”
Stephen recalled one of Myron’s early reports and wondered why he was calling Qa-less ‘my friend’.
Qa-less roared, "Your visa’s approved!”
Myron was momentarily speechless, so Stephen asked, “How did you manage it?"
Qa-less scowled at the hologram of Stephen and asked Myron, “Who is this human to question a high priest?”
Myron found his voice and responded, “He’s my superior.”
Qa-less grunted at this and stalked closer to the hologram. “If you weren’t Myron’s superior I would not answer you.” He said imperiously, “However, as you do the honorable thing by asking about a subordinate, I will inform both of you at the same time.”
Not waiting for a response from the humans, Qa-less's face relaxed into what Myron knew was a Qlag smile. Qa-less was pleased with himself, Myron thought, and waited to hear the explanation.
“It was your stubbornness, my human friend. You have persevered these several years on Qlag. I don’t accept your religion, but I do respect your willingness to act upon it. I spoke for your character.” Qa-less paused and finished in a haughty tone. “The word of a high priest is not to be ignored. So you will get your papers tomorrow and then you can return to Earth to mate with Seder.”
Myron meekly corrected his benefactor, “Her name is Cedar, and I think you will like her. She’s studied your language in preparation for being my wife.”
Qa-less shook his mane. “I will never understand humans. I will see you when you return with...“ Qaless paused as if trying to wrap his mouth around Myron’s intended’s name, “Cedar.”
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