Chloe Collins Written age 12
SALE OF SOL 3 [Curtain rises] [A busy scene appears. A hall with glass walls looking out onto flying craft and green lawns, stretching as far as the eye can see in one direction, a buzzing metropolis of light and sound in another. The room is light and airy with skylights in the roof and plush velvet chairs clumped in groups of threes and fours around the room. An average-looking human, a long thin blue rope, and a clear-coloured blob are in the front seats. The auctioneer, an elderly hedgehog-like creature, is standing at the end of the room atop a large platform.] Auctioneer - Good night, my name is Lak, and the planet currently for sale is Sol 3, otherwise known as Earth. [Trollish chuckles form the back of the room] Auctioneer - (laughs nervously, shuffles his papers, then continues) This planet has a wealth of natural resources. Incredibly hot deserts and freezing cold tundra are the extremes of this planet, and there are many other climates besides. Many animals currently reside on this planet, and a number of isolated islands are available for your feeding needs. It is a fairly advanced planet, with moderate mechanical knowledge. [Jokes] It does not, however, have Sxhsine engines. [Waits politely for a few smiles, but does not get any. Seeing this, he continues] I'm afraid that it does have inhabitants, called Humans, and they are not aware of the existence of extraterrestrial life. Anybody wishing to buy the planet must be aware of the need to integrate with the planet's community. The starting price is 30 bjing, or 10,000 Ha. Please be aware of the fact that you will need to bid for higher amounts. [The sound of tutting rises in the air. A number of people leave the room. The auctioneer looks worried] Auctioneer - So, down to business. Does anyone have any questions before bidding begins? Long blue rope - (a mouth appears in the middle of it, and a strange gurgling sound is emitted. A translator speaks clearly) My name is Reka. To be blunt, how do we know you are not cheating on us like a Krrl? [Cheer from the back of the room. The auctioneer looks scandalised and a little angry] Auctioneer - (snidely) I have powers invested in me by the Rra itself, thank you very much. Now are there any more questions? [The human's hand suddenly shoots up. The auctioneer points and nods irritably] Human - What is needed to own the planet? Auctioneer - (laughs shortly then speaks crossly) A hand-print of blood. Everyone knows that. Twit. [Translator at the back snorts but quickly stops when heads begin to turn his way] Auctioneer - Anyone else? [Clear blob splutters smoke. The auctioneer throws up his hands in resignation] Auctioneer - very well Pl. But make it quick. Last time it took is three years to unravel your riddle, and we're in the middle of an auction, you know. [Clear blob bubbles, spews bouts of sticky fluid and wafts warm air across the room] Auctioneer - An egg of course (under his breath). Good Rra! So, 30 bjing, 35, 40? Good, ah... Mr Swama, is it? Going to 45, 50, 55, to number 13400, 60, 65, going once, going twice, sold! Sold to Number 13400 of Tww! [Auctioneer bangs mallet against the floor as tradition states] Auctioneer - (triumphantly) Auction finished! (He turns away and says to himself) Until next year, of course. [Auctioneer groans and walks off] [Curtain falls]
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