Humanity’s Day Out
The humans were restless. Gryxad glanced at them on the holding bay monitor as the ship pulled up to the orbiting inspection booth.
“Purpose of visit?”
“Just vacation,” Gryxad said. “And letting the critters run around a bit.”
“Critters?”
“About 50 humans, a few canines and bovines.”
“Length of stay?”
Gryxad exchanged a look with his partner Hilmuth. “Not long, maybe a few hundred years. We’re trying to let them build a bit of civilization. Don’t want them always cooped up.”
“Just remember this planet has no permanent residents,” the planetary ranger said. “Take only pictures, leave only archaeological remains.”
The Green-Walled Treehouse 
Humanity deserves a day out every now and then. As long as they leave things as they found them. Nice one, David, and a Happy New Year!
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Thanks, Sandra and Happy New Year to you too! Yeah, I liked the idea of letting the people stretch their legs for a few centuries.
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Love the idea of a few canines and bovines. And once again your title hit it out of the park. It’s always amazing to me how a photograph inspires one’s creativity. 🙂
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It’s fun to think back on the path from inspiration to story although a lot of times it’s not possible since ideas just come to you. Thanks for reading, as always. Glad you liked it.
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I like everything you write.
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And we’ve been here ever since.
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Yeah, really. A few must have gotten away from them.
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True, there are no permanent residents on Earth. The planet will regardless survive all forms of life.
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well, that’s true. In the long run, we’re all just squatting here temporarily.
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David, a brilliant spin on the image. Really puts things into an evocative perspective.
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Thanks, Lisa. I always like imagining things from a different perspective. Happy New Year!
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You’re very welcome, and I know you do. Happy 2026!
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Wonderfully imaginative, David
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I hope they have a leash law on this planet.
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Hi Russell, it’s great to hear from you. I hope you’re doing well. I’m guessing they should have a leash law in the story if they don’t. Knowing humans, we go everywhere. 🙂
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Dear David,
And we all know how good humans are at leaving things as they found them. 😉 Happy birthday! Have a great one.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you, Rochelle and thanks for the birthday wishes. It was a pretty good one, overall. Have a great week!
-David
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This is so clever and the dialogue is perfect. Great fun story, David.
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Thanks, Nancy. I’m glad you liked it. 🙂 Have a wonderful week!
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