Hover Cat
Author : Chis Sharkey
The sign read:
P.B. FARNSWORTH’S TRAVELLING CIRCUS PRESENTS:
THE MYSTERIOUS HOVER-CAT
WITNESS THIS MYSTICAL CREATURE OF GRAVITY-DEFYING MAJESTY
THREE NIGHTS ONLY
OCT. 5TH, 6TH, AND 8TH
Special Agent Smith studied it intently. The font was, of course, overly dramatic and flourished across the paper. The sign included an artist’s rendition of “Hover-Cat”, depicting a tabby hovering over a podium, surrounded by an orange glow. Down at the bottom, in small lettering was the disclaimer :”Tickets not refundable”. Smith activated his mouthpiece hidden in his shirt cuff.
“Control this looks like the place. Request permission to proceed.”
“Permission granted,” chirped the voice in his ear piece, “Remember Agent Smith, this mission is recon only. Apprehension is not authorized at this time.”
“Roger that.”
Smith approached the smiling young woman at the ticket booth.
“One, please,” he said with a smile.
“That’ll be six dollars,” the ticket lady replied.
Smith took his ticket and proceeded into the tent where the show was to be held. It was fairly empty. That was good, it allowed Smith to get a front row seat, making a bio-scan more accurate.
Taking a seat, Smith pulled the bio-scanner, cleverly disguised as a pair of glasses, from his jacket pocket and put it on. The readout, visible only to Smith, displayed in front of him. Scanner Active. Smith touched his watch, remotely activating the scanner. He waited a few seconds, and a new display popped up in view. Scan Complete, No Signs of Alien Lifeforms.
The circus tent started to fill up, and finally the show began. Smith watched intently as the emcee entered the center ring with his assistant, an attractive young woman. Between them, a cloth draped over what looked like a podium. With much flourish and build-up, the emcee finally pulled back the cloth, revealing a cat sitting a top a podium, surrounded by a glass bell. Lifting the bell, the emcee warned the audience to prepare themselves for what they were about to see.
As Smith watched, the cat lifted into the air effortlessly and started hovering towards the audience. Ignoring the “ooos” and “ahhs” as the cat flew over audience members’ heads, Smith touched his watch again, keeping his eyes intently on “Hover-Cat”. After a few moments, the display read: Scan Complete, Extra-Terrestrial Life Confirmed. Remaining calm, Smith activated his mouthpiece.
“Control, I have positive I.D. Request permission to apprehend.”
After a long pause, “We have received the results of the bio-scan. Permission to apprehend granted. Use of deadly forced is NOT authorized.”
“Roger that.”
Smith immediately stood up and walked out of the tent and around to the back, where the performers would exit after the show. He spotted the emcee about a half hour later, holding a live animal carrier.
“Halt!” he yelled, “F.B.I. I need what you have in that cage!”
The emcee took of running, cage in hand. Smith took off after him.
“Control, I have a runner headed towards rear exit, request immediate assist!” he yelled into his mouthpiece.
He followed the emcee into the rear parking lot, where five F.B.I. vehicles were already waiting. Smith saw his partner Johnson jump out of the lead SUV and tackle the runner. Smith caught up moments later.
“Good job,” Smith said.
“Thanks to you,” replied Johnson, “Confirm this is the life form?”
Smith peered into the animal carrier. He nodded.
“Confirm. Positive I.D.”
“Good,” said Johnson, “Let’s get it back to the lab.”
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