An Invasion Story

Admiral Meliki and General Zoravo were celebrating the early success of their military campaign.  They were watching a report from their lieutenants, presented in the form of a video montage showing the Empire State Building, the Sears Tower, the Burj Khalifa, and the Petronas Towers being turned into smoking wreckage.

"That will teach them a lesson," the General said.

The Admiral's fleet had swept in from Alpha Centauri.  Going into an orbit in sync with the planets single moon, the low level fighters had been dispersed first.  After the defenses were softened up, the General's landing forces were transported to the surface to mop up.

The classic invasion plan that had worked for them many times.

Little did they know that Richard was plotting a counter attack to sweep the fighters out of the sky, before blowing the ugly troops away.

He was the best player in Saint James Middle School at the newest version of Space Invaders.  He could protect Earth against any force, no matter how evil.

He led his flight of sky raiders into combat, launching a sneak attack that they never saw coming.  It was over quickly.

Which was a good thing, as his mother called him to dinner.

"Were you able to clear the skies Richard?" his mom asked.

His mom was cool; she actually understood what a good player he was, and was proud of him.

"Got them all," Richard replied.  "I'll finish off the landing forces after I eat.  I paused the game."

"Good for you honey," she said.

She stepped into the kitchen, needing a minute alone.

Richard reminded her so much of his dad.  Once in a while it came on so strong that she needed that minute to dry her eyes.  The fighting in Iraq hadn't been pause able.