The Phone Call

The Phone Call
By Scott Wilson
Word Count: 363

“I really hate those phone answering devices. Why the heck don’t they call me back, it is a matter of life and death...I have to reach them,” Captain Grohl said.

“Unfortunately,” Communications Officer Vedric said. “That is a very common item in a twentieth century home. Most people over the age ten carried mobile telephones. I should have the number in a few minutes.”

The captain strutted across the bridge, rubbing his chin with the cybernetic hand.

“How long have we got until...the event?”

The Science Officer checked the timer on his computer screen, “seventy five seconds, Captain.”

“I need that number now, Vedric!”

“Got it.”

The captain rang the mobile number.

“Hello.”

“Catherine Morgan?” The captain said.

“Yes, who’s this?”

“My name is Captain Grohl. I need to talk to you...it is extremely important and of the gravest importance that you listen carefully and do exactly as I say.”

“What...who did you say you are?”

“I am Captain Grohl of the Interstellar Federation of...”

“Is this some kind of prank call? Who put you up to this? Was it Henry at the office?”

“Twenty seconds, Captain,” the Science Officer said.

“If you can just take a few moments to listen to me. I’m sure you will appreciate the severity of the conversation. It is of the utmost importance that you don’t go back to your apartment. Something is going to happen that will have devastating effects on your life and the history of mankind.”

“Five seconds, Captain.”

“Look, I don’t know who you are or how you got my number but you’re really starting to freak me out.”

The sound of a thundering explosion reverberated through the communication device, causing a severe ringing in the Captain’s ear.

“Catherine,” the Captain shouted.

After a few seconds, the Captain heard Catherine talking to somebody in the background. The mission was successful. The crew had prevented the planned assassination of the future creator of the vaccine that would save ninety per cent of the population in ten years.

THE END