Mars circa 3328
“Do you really think you’re ready?” Ob’s brother asked again for the hundredth time.
“I’ve practiced all my life, as you well know brother. Am I not the best shot on Mars?”
“There’s a big difference between competing with the rest of the solar system, or just on Mars.”
“Listen Hu, I subscribe to the Milky Way Shooter’s Guide and my scores are as good as anyone else’s in this solar system. Otherwise they wouldn’t have accepted my application.”
Venus circa 3328
Keimie shot the eyes out of the manikin from 100 yards with naked sights. She was just warming up for another afternoon of practice when her father called out, “Keimie! I’ve got news!”
She lowered her rifle – a standard SX Solar System carbine – and watched her father cross the field with something in his hand. As he drew near she could make out an envelope in his hand.
She read its contents and smiled. “The Saturn Shooting Association has approved my application to compete in the annual Milky Way Star Shoot-A-Thon!”
“I knew they would, but now I may lose a daughter.”
“Don’t worry Daddy. It’s the only way I can get our family out of these hard times. It’s what I’ve prepared for since you gave me my first training rifle.”
Mercury 3328
“I don’t care what you say! I’m competing this year. Here’s my letter of acceptance,” said prince Ymir.
His mother, the Queen, pulled at her hair dramatically and wailed like a lost soul.
“What if you don’t win my precious son? We could not bear to lose the heir to the throne!”
“I need to prove that I’m the best shot in the solar system. Nothing else means more to me right now than that. The throne and the riches are inherited. I didn’t earn them. This is something I must do.”
As the king walked down the drafty corridor of the castle he heard his wife’s wails. “Sounds like the letter of acceptance has arrived,” he mumbled to himself.
Neptune 3328
Arie took the last lap at full speed. As soon as he crossed the finish line he grabbed one of the .308 caliber carbines off of a nearby gun rack and trotted towards the high grass to take up a shooting position.
As he wedged himself into a hedgerow he carefully took the scope out of the pouch from around his neck, and attached it. His targets would range from 100 to 800 yards.
He was the most accomplished sportsman on the planet. As an avid hunter he collected trophies of his kills from throughout the solar system. His shooting ability was legendary.
The Saturn Shooting Association had talked him in to competing by promising he could keep the heads of his kills.
“Release,” he said to the watch on his wrist.
He saw the first target at 1000 yards. When the slave from Uranus got within 800 yards he squeezed the trigger. The slave was spun around by the shot as he fell.
Earth 3328
Jay Standers finished polishing the carbine parts and put them back together in seconds. He was once a Navy Seal team member, but got kicked out for fighting with his squad leader, breaking his jaw and three ribs.
After completing his time in prison he hooked up with an old high school buddy with mob connections. He quickly became one of the most feared hit men in the business. After that he hired out as a mercenary in Africa.
While teaching Nigerian soldiers how to set up ambushes, Jay got a phone call from the United States. It was from mob boss Big Arnie Giordano;
“How are you doing Jay?” he asked.
“What’s up? I haven’t had anything to do with you guys for eight years. Since Tony Rizzo tried to rip me off.”
“Yeah…about that. His son says you ripped Tony off and he wants twice the amount – $100 Billion dollars!”
“You gotta be kidding me.”
“It’s no joke Jay. Lucky for you, I found a way you can get that much money and even have a little left for yourself.”
“Screw you! I don’t have…”
“Oh yes, you do! Tell him Dad!”
“Son…you mother and I aren’t hurt. These men..”
“That’s enough pops. So here’s the thing Jay, I sent your qualifications in to the Saturn Shooting Association for next months annual competition. Guess what? You were accepted! Isn’t that exciting?”
“I’m going to kill you Arnie!”
“No you’re not. I’ll kill your parents if you try. You better brush up on your shooting skills Jay.”
Saturn 3328
“Welcome to our annual Shoot-Off. This year we couldn’t find any eligible contestants in Uranus and Neptune. Maybe next year! But today, we have the best shots in the solar system competing in a do-or-die competition.
“The winner takes home a huge cash prize and a trophy proclaiming them the Best Shot in the Milky Way. As always, the losers will become next years targets.”
As It Stands, who do you hope wins?
The Creative Chronicles of Dave Stancliff 