The Orchard

Short Numenera fiction, because why not.

Numenera are temperamental. A certain Jack would have preferred to run for the hills.

He should probably tell him.

Bradford handed him back the blueprints for the theoretical laser weapon design, now much closer to becoming reality. The man’s grin is proud. Hopeful.

Commander Upton thinks of nuclear fallout and second ice ages. Of spineless men and the alien’s plans. Not to destroy, they’d already be dead if that was the case, but to take until there’s nothing left.

Upton takes the blueprints back. Sparing Bradford’s smile. Bright and hopeful.

He should tell him.

But not tonight.