Benny & The Jetsssssss

Posted on Fri Jul 31st, 2015 @ 11:00am by Commander Jonathan Martin

1,052 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Of Gods and Men
Location: Jonathan's Quarters
Timeline: Present

ON

Jonathan went to grab some water and watch a little television before heading to bed. It was a weird day, especially after the meeting with Louis, Maryam, and Apollo.

It was 23:35, not much was on except for late night programming, which consisted of talk shows, re-runs of old shows, or home shopping programs. One of his favorite shows from when he was in the academy that he used to watch while studying late at night was still on the air. 'Staying Up Late with Suzanne Eldson' served Earth for 44 years and colonies within the Federation for 26 years. He hadn't watched it in so long and he knew he couldn't sleep, so he decided to give it a shot as there wouldn't be much else on.

He sat in his recliner, placed the water onto the stand to his side and relaxed his body. "TV, turn to channel 236." The TV automatically turned on and switched to channel 236. The host, Suzanne Eldson was behind her desk getting ready to introduce her next guest. Very beautiful given her age of 68, with lush curly pearly white hair, a face that most women would envy at her age with the wrinkles not detracting from her beauty as most find it does to them in the latter stages of their life. Wearing a bright red suit with a red rose to match pinned to her right upper breast, she looked magnificent as well as professional.

"That last segment went well, I thought," she said to the camera. Her renowned teleprompter skills were in full effect as she seamlessly shifted from camera to camera reading her lines, which she often improvised. "Ladies and gentlemen, I'm proud to introduce our next guest, an old friend who has visited us many times before. He's the author of such classic books "BFF's", "Bad Woman", "The Legacy of Family Blood Ties", "Lustful Secrets", and "Jerk Hunter" are just a few of his works. His latest, "The Sins of Grandma Rosie" has topped the NY Times bestsellers list, his 5th book to do so and has captured the eyes of Federation citizens. Please welcome, for the 13th time, one of our greatest authors of our time, Benny Hopenheimer!"

With that, a short, fat El-Aurian stepped onto the stage. Wearing oversized pink circular glasses with a feather outfit that made him look like a human sized goose with high leather boots; he waved to the crowd before blowing some kisses their way. The crowd loved him. He gave cheek kisses to Suzanne before heading to his seat.

"Welcome back to the show Benny! The people love you as usual," Suzanne smiled as she looked at the crowd cheering at higher decibel levels than she was usually used to.

"Oh, thank you my dear and I love them too!" His voice was barely audible over the cheering as he blew more kisses to the crowd. "It's great to be back, it's been too long."

"Yes it has, how long has it been, 3 years now?"

Benny was thinking, "3.5 I think, when my last book 'Dying Hearts Never Sleep' came out."

"Oh yes, how time flies."

"It sure does my dear. How have you been?"

"I've been doing great, except for the occasional lapses in memory and some sore hips." The crowd laughed.

"Oh stop it dear, you're not that old!" Benny laughed.

"Thank you, a gentleman as always. Now, you're new book, 'The Sins of Grandma Rosie' broke the record for most units sold in its first week." The audience clapped and cheered. "Critics are calling it your best work of your illustrious career. How have you taken to the reception of it?"

"It's overwhelming of course. I feel it's my best work, but before publication you can never tell how people will react to your writing, so I'm a nervous wreck." He let out a small chuckle before shifting his weight in his seat. "Years before, I would've never thought I'd be where I am now after barely escaping with my life from the Borg, moving from planet to planet alone like a gypsy without my family. During those times, I heard a lot of stories which allowed me to reflect on my imagination along with the ones I experienced personally."

"Interesting."

"Instead of being a listener as we El-Aurians tend to be, I decided to go down a different path and be the one telling the story and allow others to listen to what I have to say. And it's worked out I think."

"Yes it has, wouldn't you agree?" Suzanne asked the audience. The positive response was felt throughout the studio with a thunderous cheer. "We have only a few minutes left, but rumors are circulating that you are developing a television series that you hope to be picked up for a pilot, and if all goes well, a full season. Can you tell us anything about that?"

Benny seemed surprised at her knowledge of this. "Oh, you naughty woman. You've done your homework haven't you?" He chuckled. "Yes, I am currently developing 2 series, one with my long time business partner, Zhuss Buloris, about the adventures of a young Q learning to deal with his powers. Sounds exciting doesn't it?" He turned to the audience as they "ooooohed "in agreement. "The other is a reality show about a Gorn dating and trying to live with a Benzite, which I hope will be airing sometime next TV season."

"Sounds fantastic! Last question Benny, any new books on the horizon?"

"The two shows are keeping me quite busy, but I do have an idea for my next book, but I'll keep it under wraps for now." He gave Suzanne a wink.

"You're certainly a busy AND popular man Benny. It was a pleasure to see you again." She turned to the camera. "If you haven't already, his new novel 'The Sins of Grandma Rosie' is available at any retailer or available to digitally upload at your local digital market. We'll be right back with our musical guests who have been making headlines in the Klingon Empire, Bloodwine!!!"

Jonathan had had enough TV for one night. "Monitor off." Even though he wasn't sleepy, he was going to make a forced effort to sleep. Hopefully tomorrow would be a better day.

OFF

Commander Jonathan Martin
Mission Advisor

 

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