Developing intelligence early in the Cretaceous, these dinosaurs had escaped the destruction of Chicxulub and departed the Earth for a distant world.
After their return, the creatures described their origin to mankind. Developing intelligence early in the Cretaceous, these dinosaurs had escaped the destruction of Chicxulub and departed the Earth for a distant world.
Despite thriving for the last sixty–five million years, the visitors had continuously celebrated Earth and maintained more than a passing interest in the redevelopment of intelligent life on their former planet.
With understandable anxiety, mankind collectively posed one question.
“Why have you returned?”
The feathered beasts were stunned. Their leader spoke only after a considerable pause.
“We have received your transmissions. Have you not resurrected our brethren?”
That’s my picture up there. I’m not totally sure why I look so angry. I may be thinking about how much I hated the Crypt Keeper as a child.
I grew up faithfully watching reruns of The Twilight Zone and Tales from the Crypt. Unfortunately, I missed the boat in terms of writing for either of those programs. I do consider both to have been wildly influential when I think back to my earliest thoughts about becoming an author and I’m grateful my parents let me watch those shows as a kid (although there were probably some nights early in my childhood my mother wished she hadn’t let me watch those shows). If you’re familiar with either program, then you know what genres are my focus. I thoroughly enjoy science fiction, suspense, the twist ending, and some horror or supernatural elements as well. Honestly, when I was a kid the Crypt Keeper scared the hell out of me. As an adult, I’ve really learned to embrace the puns.
Historical fiction is a favorite of mine as well, and the root of that is shared with my profession. I am an educator by trade, and I teach American History. I consider some of the best writing I’ve ever done to be within the realm of historical fiction and I really enjoy saturating my mind in the research end of those projects.
I would make the argument that storytelling is in my blood. Even my sister mulled, very briefly (about 45 minutes), launching a career as a screenwriter! My last name is one of those Irish (and, apparently, formally Manx) ones with a wonderfully researched history -“the story-teller’s descendant”. On of the first day of school each year, I do share that “my name is Mr. Scully, and that rhymes with Kelly”, just so I do not hear the myriad of mispronunciations on the first day.
Several years ago, I started a blog similar to this one to highlight my middle years as a teacher. If that aspect of my life is of any interest to you at all, you can still find that blog online. During my summers, I really have time to pursue my writing projects and this blog will highlight some of that work. My first attempts to sit down and write extensively occurred when I was 15, but only a few years ago did I make setting time aside to write a priority. I’ve also benefited wildly over the years from many willing readers among my family and friends. The direction and feedback from those individuals has been invaluable.
Outside the world of the written word, I am an educator, basketball coach, lecturer, and (very, very occasionally) a landscaper. I have only ever known Western Pennsylvania as my home.
Although I love a good novel, I am absolutely unable to resist the power of the short story. The latter is really what I hope to be remembered for one day.
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2 thoughts on ““The Chickens Have Come Home to Roost””
I have always thought this idea interesting. I wonder if there are worlds out there that have supported double emergence of intelligence for this reason. I’m sure after we’re long gone we too will be replaced- maybe Earth will be one of those worlds.
Star Trek Voyager did an episode on this concept- where the species has to confront the reality of sharing a common ancestor with warm-blooded animals.
Thank you! I think that if a planet has the conditions that allow for intelligent life to develop once, there is an opportunity for a second instance (especially if the first form of intelligent life is no longer present for whatever reason). Depending on how the next few millennia play out for us, I think Earth could easily see another intelligent species while conditions permit.
A Visit to the Idea Factory 
I have always thought this idea interesting. I wonder if there are worlds out there that have supported double emergence of intelligence for this reason. I’m sure after we’re long gone we too will be replaced- maybe Earth will be one of those worlds.
Star Trek Voyager did an episode on this concept- where the species has to confront the reality of sharing a common ancestor with warm-blooded animals.
I like the joke too… Poor chickens!
Keep writing, my friend.
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Thank you! I think that if a planet has the conditions that allow for intelligent life to develop once, there is an opportunity for a second instance (especially if the first form of intelligent life is no longer present for whatever reason). Depending on how the next few millennia play out for us, I think Earth could easily see another intelligent species while conditions permit.
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