“The No-Win Scenario” • by Patricia Miller

 

Xenid had never faced the no-win scenario. But before Kirk and the Kobayashi Maru, there was another master. I grew up studying him religiously. Everything I learned about fighting back, I learned from him.

So when Xenid thought he had the human race (or at least the portion that was my little town) on the ropes, I knew exactly how to vanquish the enemy. I raided Pitney’s Hardware, Vintage Trash to Treasure, and Eugene’s Automotive.

I worked through the night, dodging patrols and motion sensors. My sensei would have been so proud. 

Poor blue bastard never saw it coming. He may have studied our news, but Xenid had never heard of 1001 Rabbit Tales.

And while everyone stood around stunned at the sight of the blue goo draining out from under an Acme safe, I nodded with approval. Bugs Bunny would have been so proud! 

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Patricia Miller is a US Navy veteran who writes SF, fantasy, horror and romance. She is a member of SFWA and CODEX.

Publications include short fiction in A Quaint and Curious Volume of Gothic Tales, 206 Words, Amazing Offer!, and the Cinnabar Moth Literary Collection e-zine. Upcoming publications include short stories for Brigid’s Gate Press, Cinnabar Moth Press, Zooscape Magazine, Wyngraf, and Touchstone Press.

P.S. If you enjoyed this story, consider reading “Kickstarting Fate” or “Sins of the Father,” also on Stupefying Stories.

This week’s Pete Wood Challenge was to write a 150-word or less story that includes the line, “[character] had never heard of [name of a movie].” To see the previous winners of previous challenges, click this link. 

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“Do you miss Firefly? Do you like The Expanse? If so, then Privateers of Mars is exactly what you need. [...] Structured as three loosely interconnected short stories, it reads like three episodes of a great science fiction show that you wish someone would make.”

—Amazon reader review

Categories: The Pete Wood Challenge