Mine Imagination: Flight of the Hummingbirds
By: T. M. Ashley
Flower 6: Meteor Neat
As Trey recanted his tale to Mine in Vicky V’s Saloon, someone else was just as curious about how a Storm Child got involved with Madame Monroe’s prized voskia, Little Miss Molly. The man with the wide brimmed hat sat in his booth with an empty glass in front of him. A small yellow skinned man with tiny horns approached and asked, “How’s everything going? Can I get you anything else?”
“What?” the man looked up and asked clearly irritated.
“Would you like anything to eat sir?”
“No, go away,” the man growled. He flashed a silver insignia on his sleeve and said, “I’m working.”
The waiter noted the man’s Orbit Police badge and cleared his throat, “In order to remain seated here without calling attention of our boss I’m going to have to insist you order something. Or would you like another drink perhaps?”
“Another Meteor whiskey neat,” the man said dismissively.
“Right away sir,” the man bowed his head and walked away from the table. He rolled his eyes and walked to the bar and leaned against it. “I hate the Orbit Police.”
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“Don’t we all?” Tella said as she hoisted a large tray with several drinks on her shoulder.
The waiter put in the man’s order and waited for the drink to be prepared. He flinched when he saw Mine and Tella crash into one another. However, he was surprised to see Tella dipped as if she were dancing with the man and the drinks completely undisturbed on the tray. Tella looked annoyed but the waiter had to admit the man was smooth.
While the officer waited for his drink he was awed by the sudden appearance of three chests overflowing with treasure. He sat up in his seat and like the other patrons he couldn’t look away. The man who summoned the treasure and arrived later than the children had jumped up and left the little ones in pursuit of a single coin. Vicky offered the children dessert as her staff came to collect the treasure chests. When she walked away the man saw an opportunity and moved toward the table. Suddenly, an incessant ringing and vibration called his attention and he was forced to retreat. He cursed under his breath, irritated by the interruption. He stepped into the hallway that led to the restrooms and looked around. The ceaseless beeping emanated from his watch and he slammed his palm on its face. A small ball shot from the watch and the voice belonging to his commanding officer boomed.
“Officer Bao-Min Nita you have been requested to join a special task force for a mission provided by the Zazpi Judges, report to Pravda immediately.”
“How’s that supposed to hap-“ before he could finish his question a red portal opened beneath him and he vanished from the hall.
The waiter returned to the man’s table with the glowing alcoholic beverage on a tray. He cursed when he noticed the man was gone. He looked around and quickly finished the drink.
“If I’m gonna pay for it, might as well enjoy it.”