Tikki Tann

After the end of World War III in 3042, global peace had finally been established.In order to ensure this each country was given a new governing body known as the Committee for Planetary Dissection. Shortly thereafter it was decided at a spaceship should be built and launched in an effort to promote peace throughout the galaxy. This starship was to be the first of its kind, being built entirely in space.

In a gesture of kindness, it was determined to let the general populous help with the creation of the starship. Flyers were printed, ads placed in newspapers, television and radio ads purchased, all asking for donations of any kind to help. A post office box was purchased, and a seventy year old partially deaf sherpa named Tikki Tann living in Tibet, was chosen as the one responsible for receiving and organizing the items.

The generous outpouring was astounding. Millions upon millions of packages arrived daily. It was an odd assortment, everything from used cans of spray paint to plastic eggs of silly putty. One package that Tikki opened was completely filled with styrofoam packing peanuts, nothing else. After seven weeks of nonstop deliveries, Tikki called the Tibetan division of the Comittee For Planetary Dissection, asking that the donations cease. Several days, and many advertisements later, on December 25, 3050, the final package arrived. It was small, no larger than a shoebox. Tikki examined the package. It was wrapped in red cellophane. He shook it. When nothing inside seemed to break, he decided to open it.

Tikki tore through the covering like a madman. He threw the clear plastic aside, and stared at what lay before him. It was indeed a shoebox, wrapped heavily in silver duct tape. Whatever it was, they sure wanted it protected. Tiki tucked the package under his arm, and began the tedious task of removing the binding.

This was the last, the very last. There would be no more deliveries after this one. Thoughts ripped through Tikkis mind as to what it could possibly be. Would he find a brand new pair of Nike running shoes? Would it be more garbage like the one that contained several packages of outdated dog food? Tikki peeled away the last of the tape, and lifted the lid of the box. He removed the contents, and held them close for further inspection. What use would two brass croquet balls do on a spaceship?