The Tacise Project (This Flash Fiction piece placed Third for people's choice and Tenth Place in the Third Campaigner Challenge.)
Golden rays shimmered through the sheer aqua green curtains of the tiki hut I was sitting beneath. I had been awake for quite a while as the sun rose over the watery horizon. The rays slowly danced across the sand towards the tips of my toes and I couldn’t help but exhale and wonder at what point the waiters would begin their shifts. I was in need of a mimosa or two. Perhaps that would spark the day.
I lowered my sunglasses and glanced over my shoulder. A faint smell of rottenness wafted on the breeze and fluttered wisps of my hair. The higher the sun rose, I knew the stronger the scent would get. I settled back in the lounge chair and shrugged.
“Perdón, is there anything I can get for you señorita?” The sudden deep voice caused my throat to clench as my voice faltered.“Mimosa please.” I held up two fingers, his smile broadened.Within a few minutes, he carried both glasses over from the bar and winked. I didn’t feel obliged to give him a tip because it wouldn’t matter anyway. I’d be gone before he could tabulate a bill.
I drank the first glass before making my way over and stepping onto the awaiting sailboat with the second drink in hand. My wastopaneer partner quickly pulled the anchor and pushed off the dock.
As we left shore, I lifted the sparkling glass in salute and let the sweet concoction flow over my tongue as I savored the tangy flavor. Synbatec, the research company I was contracted through, would be pleased at how well the project was going. The air was bursting with stench meaning it would only be a matter of minutes before the deadly Tacise Pathogen was released and the island was in chaos.
©2011 Alynza Smith
I lowered my sunglasses and glanced over my shoulder. A faint smell of rottenness wafted on the breeze and fluttered wisps of my hair. The higher the sun rose, I knew the stronger the scent would get. I settled back in the lounge chair and shrugged.
“Perdón, is there anything I can get for you señorita?” The sudden deep voice caused my throat to clench as my voice faltered.“Mimosa please.” I held up two fingers, his smile broadened.Within a few minutes, he carried both glasses over from the bar and winked. I didn’t feel obliged to give him a tip because it wouldn’t matter anyway. I’d be gone before he could tabulate a bill.
I drank the first glass before making my way over and stepping onto the awaiting sailboat with the second drink in hand. My wastopaneer partner quickly pulled the anchor and pushed off the dock.
As we left shore, I lifted the sparkling glass in salute and let the sweet concoction flow over my tongue as I savored the tangy flavor. Synbatec, the research company I was contracted through, would be pleased at how well the project was going. The air was bursting with stench meaning it would only be a matter of minutes before the deadly Tacise Pathogen was released and the island was in chaos.
©2011 Alynza Smith
