"Science Fiction" means—to us—everything found in the science fiction section of a bookstore, or at a science fiction convention, or amongst the winners of the Hugo awards given by the World Science Fiction Society. This includes the genres of science fiction (or sci-fi), fantasy, slipstream, alternative history, and even stories with lighter speculative elements. We hope you enjoy the broad range that SF has to offer.
Michael Collard enjoys being a father to his young children. Since they were young enough to listen, he's been telling them bedtime stories to help them wind down from the day. Some days they really enjoy hearing a story, while other days they just want an excuse to stay up. Regardless of the reason, there is magic in creating and telling stories and seeing how an idea can enlighten another's day.
"Just a little help"
"Nope"
"But Dad, they're hilarious. They'd make a great contribution to the galactic culture. Everyone will find them entertaining."
"Nope"
"Just some help with the physics. They're so inefficient. At this rate they won't leave the planet for a long time."
"Nope"
"Getting to space is just a side hustle for them. They barely even can reach into space. It's a hobby to them. They'll never make it with that kind of priority."
"Nope"
"Ok, fine. How about we help them maintain their planet? It's getting pretty bad."
"Nope"
"Just some help on cleaner energy, that's all. Simple chemistry changes here, change resource use over there."
Zincherion sighed and his gaze moved from the blue and green planet to his son, Jensiathon.
"They need to figure it out for themselves. They need to want it, and then achieve it. Without that desire and maturity and cooperation they wouldn't make it. "
"But Dad... Without our help, or them figuring it out soon they might not make it."
That's true my son, but that's the barrier they'll need to cross on their own. If they make it, then they'll make a great contribution out here with us. And if they don't make it, then it will be better than if we helped them out; helping them out would be like letting your three-year-old sister fly the spaceship. She's just not ready for that yet, so she would hurt herself and others. They might not make it, Jensiathon, but it's a barrier they'll have to cross and achieve on their own.
"Dad. We can still cheer them on though, right?" Jensiathon asked as his eyes grew wider.
"Yes. We can wish them luck my son." Said Zincherion.
"Then I wish them luck."
The End
This story was first published on Monday, May 24th, 2021
Become a Member!
We hope you're enjoying Not mature enough for that by Michael Collard.
Please support Daily Science Fiction by becoming a member.
Daily Science Fiction does not have a paywall, but we do have expenses—more than 95% of which are direct payments to authors for their stories. With your $15 membership, less than 6 cents per story, we can continue to provide genre fiction every weekday by email and on the website to thousands of readers for many years to come. You may also choose to support us via patreon.
Rate This Story
Please click to rate this story from 1(ho-hum) to 7(excellent!):
