Flash Pan Piazza - II

Packet Droppings The triumphant review meeting was almost at its end. Trancheor could feel the impatience of some of the younger members. Heck, he couldn't wait to begin the celebrations himself. Doubtless, this had been the greatest week in their collective history. He permitted himself an amicable head-bobble, much to the astonishment of many present, who hadn't known the President to be capable of such expressions. Historic indeed.

"So to summarise: we present planet Kilnario's highest gratitude to Chief Communicator and his group. By neutralising planet Earth's seemingly advanced electronic communications systems, we could effectively eliminate their capacity to transmit vital data to their installations..." intoned the Chief Minuter.

Trancheor fidgeted in his seat, and his pod-acles scratched a non-existent itch. He dwelt on the surprise attacks that took down the Earthian optical lines, wireless orbiters, and wire cables, both terrestrial and sub-terrestrial. He had personally overseen the plans. They had been bold but time-consuming. He had to fight off the sceptics. But Trancheor had been convinced this was the way to go, for this had been the biggest Earthian lever. In contrast, the slower but more robust Kilnarion methods would not be so fragile. Confusion had prevailed among those more society-driven aliens and Kilnario had driven home the advantage.

"...and so, thank you all. Xarp President, you are kindly invited to inaugurate the month-long festivities". The President was shaken out of his reverie and rose from his kneeling position.

"Thank you, Xarp Minuter. One last question: just out of curiosity. Do we know what the last coherent recorded Earthian message was? History-books would like to know". Bobbles broke out.

"Yes Xarp. In fact I have it here. It doesn't seem to mean much though."

The Minuter consulted a scrap.

" 'WHERE ARE THE BLOODY PIGEONS?' "