Alien Nuptials (2nd Place)

“Look, I am marrying Martikoflatts, Mother. If you don’t like it, you can leave!” Britni yelled.

“Please, Honey. I like Marty really, but we just don’t know enough about him.”

“You mean them don’t you?”

“They are an alien race dear, and they’re so secretive about their customs. I mean Marty insisted upon their marriage ritual…”

“Not all of it. He allowed us to get married on Earth didn’t he? I’m wearing white. I think you have issues with the Plestomic ritual. Marty says its what all married couples do on his world, and it’s just a pledge to each other telepathically.”

“Fine. I just wish you weren’t the first. I mean the media circus out there is crazy. The President just arrived, and those Parnikoids just seem like they’re antsy. It’s not the wedding.”

“They’re giddy. They’re just as excited as us. I mean after Marty and me, they’ll be dozens more in the next week.”

“I suppose. I just wish I could pronounce your new last name."

…………………………..

General Mazer stood behind stage watching the bride ascend to the stage when a garbled message from Major Kerry broke through on a secret encrypted channel. “Sto.. we….”

“Say again Major. Did you find something out about their home world?”

“Stop the wedding. The Plestomic ritual is…(White noise).”

“Major. Major! The bride is about to enter the ritual. I have to know now.”

“The… P… ritual is a battle of the minds. The winner becomes the master of the other. The loser is a slave. Given the Parnikoids have mind control powers… (white noise).”

The General looked up. Martikoflatts grabbed Bitni’s head, and his eyes glowed bright green. After a few moments, he spoke.

“I am your slave, Britni.”

Britni smiled.

“Huh,” the General intoned, “I didn’t see that coming.”

300 Words
Flash Story Must contain the line: "If you don’t like it, you can leave"