GVM flash fiction

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C Works On Any Surface

by Christine Lajoie Golden

Every available surface was covered with something for sale. Collapsible stands were hastily installed between permanent structures on the small moon that boasted the largest galactic flea market anywhere.

Flashing lights, hand painted signs, holographic images and blaring noises that passed for music all struggled to capture the attention and wallets of assorted visitors and traders stopped for either refueling or last minute supplies, while awaiting the next solar storm that would open the lone worm hole in this solar system.

Narn Wellder, retired space pirate and husband to four dozen women on at least as many planets, stood patiently and watched the other vendors clamber for customers among the easily distracted people that moved through the crowded market. His own stand was constructed from the scant remains of his ship, after a less than delicate landing on the far side of the busy moon.

Taking a torn and tattered scrap of his old captain's uniform, Narn began to rub his sales stand intently, bringing the metal to a brilliant shine. Checking his reflection on the surface, he waited until someone began to notice his endeavors before he pretended to check his yellowed teeth in the mirror-like finish.

"Works on anything," Narn spit onto the newly polished area, marring the fine finish with thick phlegm. He poured a scant amount of liquid onto his cleaning cloth, then began to rub the offending spit with vigor. Within seconds everything was gleaming. "Now watch." Clearing his throat, he again spat upon the surface. This time the expectorant didn't adhere to the surface--it just slid onto the ground.

The female customer flinched and looked horrified, moving quickly to find someone less offensive.

Narn had bought, that's right, bought, a cargo ship full of liquid cleaner from the previous owner of the now defunct sales station beside him. All the man had wanted was enough money for passage off the moon. It sounded too good to be true. After two months of less than stellar sales, Narn realized it was just that.

While the flea market remained constantly open, Narn required at least four hours of sleep each day. He trusted no one else to run his operation, fearful that everyone was as dishonest as he was. Closing up shop, he headed for home--an escape pod from his devastated ship that he converted into living quarters.

Returning to work later, Narn stopped briefly to chat with some of the other merchants. Disturbed by the enthusiasm his competitors displayed, he limped back to his meager station.

The old pirate began to polish his stand, determined to sell at least one bottle of cleaner. Not stopping at making just the counter shine, Narn began to polish the sides of the old ship before starting all over again with the counter. Within a few hours the metal gleamed brilliantly--out shining even the most crass and elaborate holo imagers that the more expensive merchants possessed. Out of surface to polish, Narn began to clean his boots, mostly our of boredom. Soon a crowd began to gather around him.

"Works on any surface, " Narn spouted as he rubbed the dirty cloth across his stained teeth. Remarkably, they too began to gleam.

At first, customers did not request any of the product that he offered, they were more willing to pay generously to have items polished that they had already purchased elsewhere. Whereas physical labor did not appeal to him, Narn was not one to turn down profit.

Word began to spread about the amazing product that could only be found at Narn's. He hired a couple of run-a-bouts, kids who were either orphans or children from the poor side of the moon, to clean things for him..He managed to sell a couple of bottles of cleaner to other merchants, after they saw what it did for his stand. He also received several offers to buy the remainder of the cleaner, which he turned down.

Barely three months after he sold his first bottle of cleaner, Narn noticed that his boots were beginning to disintegrate. Literally falling off his feet. Thinking that it was time to buy new shoes anyway, he simply tossed them out. A few days later, he noticed some odd looking bits of dirt on his pillow. A trip to the mirror proved interesting--they were his teeth.

Heart racing, Narn hurried back to work. Cautiously, he examined the surfaces of his stand. On the underside, where the metal was thinner and older, he found what he feared...tiny little holes forming in the metal.

Sweating profusely, he began to worry. What if all those customers that he had cleaned precious items for came back and demanded to be compensated? He thought about the odd little man that had sold him the cleaner. All he wanted was to get away. Now Narn understood the man's eagerness to sell.

Keeping business closed for the day, he tried to think of a way to get out of the terrible mess he was in. He heard knocking on the side of his shack and chose to ignore it. The knocking continued, getting louder and more demanding. Fearful that who ever it was would end up punching through the deteriorating metal surface, Narn reluctantly opened the door.

"I'm closed," Narn used his most threatening tone.

Standing before him was a rather large alien, wearing a scowl. Narn began shaking, certain that his fate was sealed.

"I wish to purchase the remainder of your product."

"I'm sorry, but I no longer have..." Narn flinched when the creature pushed past him. "I'm afraid it's..."

"I know what it does," the huge creature glared at Narn. "That's why I want it. It's a gift for my ex-wife."

Narn thought of his wives and ex-wives and shuddered. "Works on any surface," he smiled toothlessly.

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Christine Lajoie Golden has been published in Aoife's Kiss and FMAM. She has had flash fiction appear in Alien Skin Magazine on several occasions. This story appeared in the September edition of Alien Skin. She lives in Georgia with her husband and children. She is presently the Editor of Golden Visions Magazine, so she generously contributes her work.

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Previously published in Alien Skin Magazine

another great online (free) magazine

worth looking into.