WELCOME TO FRIDAY FICTIONEERS!
Seize the opportunity to free your muse and allow her take you on a magic carpet ride.
Henry David Thoreau said it best.
“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”
THE CHALLENGE:
Write a one hundred word story that has a beginning, middle and end. (No one will be ostracized for going a few words over the count.)
THE KEY:
MAKE. EVERY. WORD. COUNT.
THE RULES:
- Copy your URL to the Linkz collection. You’ll find the tab following the photo prompt. It’s the little white box to the left with the blue froggy guy. Click on it and follow directions. This is the best way to get the most reads and comments.
- MAKE SURE YOUR LINK IS SPECIFIC TO YOUR FLASH.
- While our name implies “fiction only” it’s perfectly Kosher to write a non-fiction piece as long as it meets the challenge of being a complete story in 100 words.
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TO THOSE WRITING HISTORICAL FICTION (MYSELF INCLUDED): While WIKIPEDIA is usually a decent source of information, it’s not always reliable one. As a rule, I use it as a jumping off point to other research threads. It’s a good rule of thumb to use more than one source. I speak from experience when I say that a simple 100 word story can bring serious repercussions.
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- ***PLEASE MAKE NOTE IN YOUR BLOG IF YOU PREFER NOT TO RECEIVE CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM.***
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**Please exercise DISCRETION when commenting on a story! Be RESPECTFUL.**
Should someone have severe or hostile differences of opinion with another person it’s my hope that the involved parties would settle their disputes in private.
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My story follows the photo and link tool. I enjoy honest comments and welcome constructive criticism.
- Shalom,
Rochelle
Genre: Science Fiction
Word Count: 100
GORT! KLAATU BARADA NIKTO!
My brother has always had a vivid imagination and a penchant for fabricating tall tales. This time I thought he’d gone too far.
“Too many sci-fi comics, kiddo,” I said. “If there were aliens on the summit, it would be all over the news.”
“I saw their spaceship land. They’ve set up weapons of mass destruction.”
“They’ve got cyclotrons?”
At his insistence, we hiked to the site. I expected to have the last laugh. But now my hearts stand still as I watch the two-legged creatures in shiny suits lumber about their craft.
“Perhaps they come in peace,” I whisper.
And Just for Fun:
* Hint: It’s not a typo. *
Good story, Rochelle. Really clever. I’m going to have to give this prompt a bit of thought. This is a rough one.
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Dear Patricia,
Glad you liked it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I was completely thrown by this prompt and then I did some research on the volcano itself. It’s fascinating! Did you know that the lava flow from this volcano is sometimes natrocarbonite lava which means it can flow like a whitewater stream! (It is the only volcano that erupts with this sort of lava.) Also most newly solidified lava is black and contains crystals which sparkle in the sunlight.
I freaking love this prompt!
p.s.
I managed to work none of this into my actual entry which is somewhat disappointing. However I think I might do a post about the volcano itself. Sometimes I think I’m too geeky for my own good but oh well.
Thank you for the wonderful prompt.
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Got confused as to who I was talking to half-way though the prompt. Mildly distracted by the volcano stuff.
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Dear Carol,
No problem. I also researched the volcano and used none of the info. But we’ve both expanded our horizons, right? Danny and I say you’re welcome for the prompt.
😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nice story Rochelle! I love when a character completely changes their beliefs… And thanks so much for running FF. Second week in and I’m addicted!
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Dear Jessie,
Friday Fictioneers is my passion. I’m the worst addict here. Glad you liked and commented on my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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😀
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A ha! On the third read I finally got it too (hearts, two legs etc. now who are the aliens here…?)! I see why we’re joined at the hip this week.
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😀
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Sorry, that wasn’t meant to post twice!
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No problem. I edited it so no one but us will ever know. 😉
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Brilliant! I’m so glad I went back and read your story a second time. Great job!
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Two sides to this, the humour of Pythonesque flavour and the tinge of fear….how true it mightsuddenly be, in a matter of minutes, one morning. Great story Rochelle.
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Dear Hamish,
I’m pleased that you caught the two sides. I wondered if it’s too subtle. But those who get it will get it and those who don’t won’t. Gort…
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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Perhaps…
Such a different story…
Too good!
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Dear Satya,
I love a little experimentation now an then. Although I’ve always been a sci-fi fan I’ve not written much of it. Glad you liked.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I could feel your heart stop when you saw them. No worries.They probably just need to borrow some sugar…na-nu na-nu.
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Dear Patricia,
Perhaps. But the weapons of mass destruction could be problematic, 😉
shalom,
Rochelle
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Excellent story Rochelle 😀 I love it
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Dear Al,
Excellent is nice to hear. You got it, right?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I did 🙂 “Now my hearts stand still as I watch the two legged-creatures…” humans 😀
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Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!! Phew! I was having serious self doubt for a minute.
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The subtlety was just enough 🙂
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Very nice story, a different one from you. I could not get the meaning of the title even in google translate. Please help me.
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Dear Indira,
Google can’t translate. It’s from a 1951 SciFi movie, The Day the Earth Stood Still. As far as I could find, the phrase has no real meaning. I used it to set the stage.
Yes, this is different for me. Kind of an experiment. Not sure it worked. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks Rochelle. It worked beautifully, loved it.
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Excellent story, Rochelle! I love a good sci-fi tale. The original The Day the Earth Stood Still is one of my favorite movies. I wrote a paper about it for a film class in college. Gort is the best robot alien, ever. Perhaps your aliens have come to Earth to teach us a lesson just as Klaatu and Gort did. 🙂
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Dear Lisa,
Glad you liked the story. However my “aliens” didn’t come to Earth. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well, now I see. I missed that subtle “hearts” reference. My brain is still cloudy from lack of sleep, and I was excited to see Gort. 😉
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Dear Lisa,
It’s quite all right. I was beginning to worry that I was too subtle, but happily some “get it”. It was a departure for me and a lot of fun to write.
When I was a child, I often got sent to the movies with my older brother who was a huge science fiction fan so the corny old films bring fond memories.
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle
Quite a different genre for you, well done for setting the scene so well. I thought at first that ‘hearts’ was a typo, then realised the invaders were human!!
Take care
Dee
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Dear Dee,
I’m sending you a cyber hug to you from across the pond. I figured some might see that as a typo. And yes, this is a different genre for me. Time to branch out and experiment.
Again, thank you.
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle
Hug received and appreciated. Good luck with the experiment.
Na-no-na-no
From the home of Doctor Who
Dee
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Yes I thought it was a typo too! How quick we are to judge…
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Never be shy if you think something’s a typo. I want to know when it really is. However in this case, it really wasn’t. 😉
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And wouldn’t I have looked the fool if I pointed it out!
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Not necessarily. I’ve been expecting someone to all day. No worries.
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thank you for hosting this fun event. I have enjoyed writing my story and am now reading and enjoying the other stories. I will always welcome any comments, constructive or otherwise. 🙂
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Dear Sarah,
Welcome! Half the fun is getting to know writers from around the world. I’ll be reading your story soon.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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We don’t come in peace nearly often enough, although we’ve come to pieces much too often.
An enjoyable departure from your “usual” stories. And don’t smack me; “usual’s” not meant in a negative way.
janet
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Dear Janet,
No need to duck. I took that as a compliment. It was fun to branch out into something different. I see that you understood just who the aliens are. 😉 We have met the enemy and he is us.
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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Brilliant as always and very subtle this time. I almost thought you had made a typo! All the best, Zainab
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Dear Zainab,
Can’t tell you how pleased I am that you realized it wasn’t a typo. Thank you.
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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Great story, and I love the Army of Darkness clip. It’s one of my favorite movies. One of those ones that is so bad it’s actually kind of awesome.
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Dear Adam,
Nothing like movies that are so bad they’re good. Glad you liked my story. My hearts beat in unison to the tune of your compliment.
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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Love how the skeptic was wrong this time! By the way…”The Day the Earth Stood Still” is SUCH a good movie! (my wife and I love a good cheesy film – if you feel the same, check out “Metal Shifters” – or in some markets, the title of that was “Iron Invader”)
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by the way, it did take me a second reading to “get” this completely…and now I think the piece is even MORE brilliant!! (that pulmonary plural…oh what a difference an “s” makes!!)
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Dear Bryan,
You’ve now won my hearts…all of them. 😉 Thank you for commenting and even moreso for understanding.
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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peace and long life!
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Lol…I love that last line!
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Thank you, Dawn. 😉
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Yes, and perhaps they are just searching for intelligent life. They made a wrong turn somewhere around the Big Dipper, didn’t they? HA! Fun with a purpose, this story.
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Dear Honie,
Yes, there’s kind of a purpose to this one. It depends on whether or not you know who’s who. 😉 Glad you came along for the ride.
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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I watched the movie “The Day the Earth Stood Still” just about a year ago when I found it online on an old movie site. I used to love those old sci-fi movies. In fact, I still like them much better than the new ones. But when your post came up in my WP Reader, the only picture it showed was the one from the movie. I thought that was the picture for this week’s story, and the wheels started turning. Oh, well, back to the drawing board.
Oh — and by the way — I do like your story this week. I could see those two-legged creatures in shiny suits “lumbering” around their craft — right out of the 1950’s sci-fi. Perfect!
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Did you get who they are?
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Oooops, no, I guess I didn’t. I read it for the sheer joy of reading it. It just brought back so many memories of some old movies I’ve enjoyed. I’ll go back and see if I can figure this out.
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I tried for subtle. Some are catching it, some aren’t. To be fair, I’ve been known to miss things in other writers’ stories. So I should probably quite stewing over it. At any rate, Sandra, I’m glad you like it.
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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Oooh, I love a story that makes you wonder whose point of view you’re looking through. Are we talking about aliens seeing humans? Humans seeing aliens? At first I immediately took it from a human’s point of view, but on a second read I was really wondering if that was what I was really reading. Cool!
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Dear Hala,
My hearts leap at your comments. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Amazing! And Army of Darkness for the win, darling! Have you seen the wretched remake of The Day The Earth Stood Still with Keanu Reeves? Do you think the casting director just asked them to find the most robotic actor possible, and William Shatner was unavailable?
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Dear Helena,
I’ve found that, for the most part, remakes are pointless and lack the freshness of the original. I agree, you can’t get much more robotic than Shatner.
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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I like it. This time it’s the perspective of the aliens seeing us arrive. Nice switcheroo. Trouble for the aliens is, we come in peace, but soon their culture will be obliterated by MacDonalds and Starbucks stands all over the place. And comes the specter of consumerism. Poor aliens! Great story, Rochelle!
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Dear Eric,
You’ve earned the name “Eagleaye” or in this case, “Eye.” I’m pleased you caught my subtle twist. Thank you for the great comments.
Nanoo Nanoo,
Rochelle
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“Live long and prosper.” 😉
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“Prosperity and long life.” 😉
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brilliant twist! 🙂 i suppose we’re all aliens in the eyes of those we consider aliens. 🙂 not your usual genre and i loved it. 🙂
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Dear KZ,
That’s one of the great things about Friday Fictioneers. There’s always room for experimentation. It was fun to write. Glad you caught the subtle twist. Shows you have a keen eye, m’dear.
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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Perhaps they do come in peace, but I wouldn’t bank on it. Something a little different from you this week Rochelle, showcasing your versatility! 🙂
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Dear Sandra,
If you catch who the two-legged creatures in shiny suits are you’ll know for certain they never come in peace.
Every so often it’s good to try something new. Shades of The Twilight Zone and 1950’s sci fi flicks. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love it, Rochelle. Big sci-fi fan here. You brought a great sense of place to the story.
Is the title the secret command that stops the robot from decimating Earth?
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Dear Gina,
I’m pretty sure it that’s the line. Glad you liked. Thank you.
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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*Gives the Vulcan salutation.*
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Fab twist.
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😉
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Rochelle- This was terrific. I fear little brother may be more right then any of us hope if they have weapons of mass destruction. As i read I wondered if Dad was home building mash potato mountains. I know different movie but love the sci-fi theme.
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Dear Dana,
Glad you liked it. I’m curious to know if you caught just who the aliens are lumbering around their space craft?
Close encounters was a great movie, but then I love Richard Dreyfus.
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
PS A book is on its way to your mailbox. 😉
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I assumed it was our government doing experiments with nuclear power. But Gort! Klaatu Barada Nikto would date it to the 50s so perhaps it was the Nazi’s experiment.
Am I close?
Can’t wait to get your book-a b-day present to myself. 🙂
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You’re close. I guess my question should be, did you get who the narrator is? It’s kind of subtle and I guess I should leave it alone or I’m liable to spend the next week explaining it.
When’s your birthday?
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Oh I hate that I have missed something. I will go back and figure it out. A mystery for me today.
The 18th.
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Finally got it! Hearts plural. They are the aliens. you are a sneaking one my friend. I love it!
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Dear Dana,
Some saw that as a typo. Probably more who didn’t admit it or were too polite to point it out to me. Never be too polite for that. 😉 At any rate I’m glad you got it. Makes my hearts sing!
And remember…Beee Goood and Phone Hoooome.
Rochelle
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Oh I love ET and Ellllliooooot.
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I loooooved this all the way from the title, through the little surprise in the penultimate paragraph, to the video treats at the end. Brilliant 🙂
Peace and love,
A widely smiling two-legged creature
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Dear Jan,
I’m another widely smiling two-legged creature since you caught the twist. Some are catching it some aren’t. Sigh. Thank you for your glowing words.
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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Great to know our kind is feared everywhere,lol!Two-legged are the worst I guess ;-)Loved the kid brother’s character too Rochelle-reminded me of RK.Narayan’s story -can’t remember the name -but the young child ,Thambi the protagonist -he too had a habit of spinning tales -so when he comes to the village bearing tales of someone having climbed Mount Everest,they all pooh pooh him but as evening falls,someone hears it on radio and then how the villagers react makes the rest of the story-really entertaining:-)Once again your story was fun to read:-)
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Dear Atreyee,
I’m pleased that you caught the true story here. 😉 The Narayan story sounds interesting. Thank you for coming by. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It is always a pleasure reading your story and your’s is always the first I read Rochelle:-) If you can manage,do read his novel,”The guide” or maybe the short story collection,”Malgudi days.” 🙂
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Ha. had to google that film.. (thanks for Wikipedia) great dialogue.. and the last line was brilliant.. For once I got an idea myself immediately..
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Dear Björn,
I’m happy that you liked. Thank you.
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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I, too, loved the last line! Thanks
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Thank you, Alicia. 😀
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You did a great job interpreting this stark prompt. Sometimes a blank canvas is best. Nice twist at the end – but then, that’s no surprise!
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Sorry – Anonymous no more!
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Dear formerly anonymous Erin,
Thank you for your kind words. I’m so pleased you caught my little twist.
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle. I can’t tell you how much I love stories where everything is not on the surface. Like volcanos, I guess, where the lava waits under the ground and sends up little hints occasionally to remind us it’s still there. Your story does that brilliantly this week. Even if some people don’t see your twist they will still enjoy a great story. cheers, Karen
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Dear Karen,
Your words are very encouraging. I’m pleased that you got the twist, though. Thank you so much.
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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You pulled one over on us this week, Rochelle! A very different style–and then you turned the tables–thinking from the human perspective becomes thinking from the alien’s perspective.
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Dear Patti,
Nothing’s made me happier this week than those astute people who caught POV and who the aliens really are. A little experimentation is good for the soul. 😉 Thank you.
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, you have a broad range of stories. I like your sci-fi. Nice twist at the end there. Unfortunately, knowing two-legged beings like I do, I don’t have high hopes they come in peace. We can always hope.
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Dear David,
I haven’t ventured out into sci fi before save a couple of pieces that might be questioned as that genre. Yet, I grew up on Grade B sci fi flicks and started reading Bradbury when I was ten or eleven. This was a lot of fun to write and even more fun when you and others catch the twist at the end. It’s a little thing but it means a lot to find out that it works.
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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Rochelle – I don’t know who to ask. But, my Friday Fictioneer entry does not show anywhere on Flash Fiction. Would you have any idea why? (Not that Flash Fiction is your responsibility). Silent
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Dear Silent,
I went to your site and your FF story did show up for me. Aside from that I have no idea what the problem might be. You might try going to tools on your computer and clearing cookies on your web browser. WordPress does have tech support although I haven’t been overjoyed with them.
Hope this helps.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you
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i was glad they didn’t see you. otherwise, this story won’t see the light of day. 🙂
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dear plaridel,
we have to be wary. they’re watching.
rochelle
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Great story. I’m thinking that the chaps in silver suits are from Earth? If that’s the case I think the native inhabitants are in trouble 😦
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Dear Ali,
Your thinking is spot on! Thank you. 😀
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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Great piece. Of course they come in peace. Of course we’ll nuke them.
Thanks for the intro to the Klaatu phrase. Shalom.
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Dear Patrick,
Depends on who’s who. I don’t think these aliens ever come in peace. 😉 Thank you.
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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Very heartening story.
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Hee hee. My hearts just skipped a beat. 😉 Glad you caught that, Subroto,,it’s important.
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle,
I think YOU have a vivid imagination. Very fun story. Just hope it isn’t too painful when they get probed. Ron
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Thanks Ron. I sort of cut my baby teeth on 1950’s sci fi thanks to my older brother. You did catch who the aliens really are, right?
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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I thoroughly enjoyed the cleverness of this piece..and maybe they do come in peace 🙂 I must admit the photo is prompting me into my negative space, we shall see the outcome. Cheers.
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Dear Amanda,
It’s a challenging picture but a lot of diverse stories have come from it. Take heart, it’s only Thursday. 😉
and…
Maybe they come in peace and maybe they don’t.
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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Haha thank you and same to you 🙂
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Just fantastic, Rochelle. Talking to you this morning I realized I hadn’t read your story yet – how could I have waited?! The twist is masterfully done and makes me hope we never find life on other planets. Would we be any wiser if we did than we were when we found it on other continents?
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Dear Jennifer,
It was good to talk to you this morning, comment or not. 😉 It really makes me happy you caught that little twist. I don’t think everyone has.
Given human history I wonder if we’ll ever be any wiser.
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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Wow! Fascinating. I’ve always had a thing for UFOs and aliens, especially the friendly kind after watching E.T 🙂 Loved your story!
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Dear Sam,
ET was and still is a favorite of mine. Glad you liked my story.
Beeee Gooood,
Rochelle
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Earthling, alien, extraterrestrial–they’re all alike. The naive natives pray for peace until the invaders bring out the heavy artillery. We can only hope your earthlings are curious interplanetary explorers rather than greedy land-grabbers and that the weapons will never be employed.
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Dear VB,
The fact that you caught just who these alien invaders are makes me smile. Thank you for your astute and insightful comments.
Nanu-Nanu,
Rochelle
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Aha! A new side to Rochelle this week. Subtle things in there too. I loved it. Had to read it twice to make sure I got it all right. Glad I did. Nicely done oh kind hostess! 🙂
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Dear Jackie,
Can’t become stagnant, right? There are those writers who write the same story with different characters and settings. I don’t want to become that.
I’m sending you a hug for taking the time to get it. I should’ve hired Arnold to say, “It’s not a typo!”
Thank you for your comments and compliments, oh kind fellow fictioneer.
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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You are so right Rochelle, different makes us better. I’m patting myself on the back for getting it! 🙂
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What if they don’t come in peace?
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Dear Kwadwo,
I seriously doubt that they do, given the true identity of these “aliens”.
Beaming up now,
Rochelle
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Rochelle – great twist! I loved the surprise 🙂
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Dear BA,
The best compliment is that you got it. Thank you. 😉
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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Nice For some reason, I’m picturing the green aliens from toy story at the end
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Dear Welthcy,
Hnmmmmmmm…perhaps. 😉 I’ll have to see if I can have this story filmed in Pixar.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What began to read like comic book fun, quickly turned to futuristic thriller…with real-life possibilities. Loved it! hugs…
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Dear Millie,
Is it real or is it Memorex? Only her hairdresser knows for sure. 😉
Hugs back atcha, Mahalo.
Live long and prosper.
Rochelle
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i almost missed the “now my hearts stand still…” clever, turn of events. Rochelle. is that Jim Carrey in the last video clip?
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Dear Sun,
I was going for subtlety. So happy you caught it. Bruce Campbell is the actor in the film clip.
Beam me up,
Rochelle
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This is a fun take for the week, Rochelle. I especially love the multiple hearts in this week’s heroine. 🙂
So sorry it took me until now to weigh in. I wonder how much SciFi and fantasy this week’s prompt has inspired?
Peace,
Marie Gail
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Dear Marie Gail,
I’m sending out hugs to all those who made my hearts leap by getting that. Some did some didn’t. Ah well. The audience knows what to expect and that’s all they’re prepared to believe, right?
It’s only Friday so technically you’re not late at all. The original concept was that the prompt went out on Wednesday so that writers could take some time to write and edit. It wasn’t always a race. 😉
Due to much multitasking I’m slow to read.
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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Terrific. But “hearts stand still” is an error, no. The tense too confused me a bit.
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Dear Stephen,
Nope, it’s neither error nor typo. Sorry if this confused. I confess total intent. The creatures in shiny suits? We have met the enemy and he is us.
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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And kudos to you for asking the question. I’ll bet that others saw it as a typo but didn’t say anything. 😉 In my best Arnold voice I say, “It’s not a typo.”
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Ooops. Sorry. I saw that when I re-read it.
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😉 I wondered if I might be too subtle. Then I decided “if they get it they do, if not they don’t.”
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Dear Curlylocks,
Today’s movies are nothing like the sci-fi from my childhood. So what if they’ve got billion dollar high-tech special effects, it’s hard to compete with chanting made-up words. So, this is where that English band, Klaatu, got their name. Just wait until I put a roofing tack under the wheels of their space ship. We’ll see how high & mighty they are then.
signed – Johnny
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Dear Johnny,
Yep, I grew up on good ole, cheesy as they come, dubbed Japanese sci fi. They were fun. Someone always saved the world that you’d never suspect. Of course the hero always got the girl. Sings Edith Bunker, “Those were the daaaaaaaaaays!”
See you soon.
CL
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Interesting ending Rochelle. “I have met the enemy and it is me!”
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Dear Joseph,
Exactly. Human aliens with weapons of mass destruction can’t be a good sign.
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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Love the character’s sudden change of heart. His little brother doesn’t seem so foolish now…
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Dear Tiffany,
Yes, I’m sure her hearts will trust him from now on. 😉
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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Ooooh, Rochelle. I like this different style from you and to hear from the alien perspective. Great story! I had to read it a couple of times. I like the subtlety.
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And Oooooh Amy,
You made my day by picking up on that. I suppose if I choose something subtle I shouldn’t be miffed when some don’t catch it right? Still I think there are some who are too “polite” to tell me I have a typo. 😉 Thank you.
Beam me up, Scotty,
Rochelle
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Rochelle,
I’m so happy to make your day!! I just released a story where many didn’t get it (not FF, another). But it’s my fault so I take the blame. I know how it feels! You’re welcome! We were on the same wavelength this week!
Up you go!
Amy
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Well, I guess I’m not the only one who does science fiction.
Great job.
I wonder how many other of her brother’s stories are true? ;0)
Blessings to you, Phyllis
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Dear Phyllis,
I’ve been a lover of sci fi since I was a wee child. I just never have felt comfortable trying to write it. This photo seemed to beg for it as evidenced by the number of us this week.
I think she will ponder his other stories in her hearts. Glad you liked.
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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Well done. I think you could write more science fiction. I say have at it. ;0)
Live long and prosper,
Phyllis
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Oh dear, took me by surprise! Great ending…one does wonder about those two legged creatures, they have a bad reputation when they visit other places on their own planet, I can just imagine that their selective interpretation of what life is might just carry over with their voyages through space…
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Dear Georgia,
Your comments fill me with smiles and made my hearts leap for joy.;) Indeed, these biped creatures are dangerous.
Beam me up, Scotty,
Rochelle
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It never ceases to amaze me, how many directions your stories go in. All unique and all well done. This is a clever, and funny take on this prompt… and the videos, music, and history you add, is always a bonus!
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Dear Dawn,
I loved sci fi as a kid. Not the kind they’re making today…good old cornball, often dubbed from Japanese, men in outer space stuff. Every so often I like to challenge myself and go in a different direction. You make my hearts sing with your comment.
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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😀
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How foreboding I like it!
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Thank you, Riya. 😀
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I did not get the reference (I am woefully inadequate in certain areas of sci-fi) but I definitely liked the story despite this. That last line was great! I was happy to see this photo show up.
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Dear Danny,
I’m not sure what reference you mean. At any rate I’m glad you liked my little space flight. 😉
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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As a professed science fiction admirer, I, too, loved the twist to your science-fiction story, Rochelle. I’m even wondering if the surprise might be delayed until the ending; I think you might be able to get away with removing “They’ve got cyclotrons?” entirely. But that’s my (less than) 2 cents’ worth! 🙂 I wrote something for this challenge because the photo really lends itself to speculation and writing (kudos, Mr. Bowman), but I’m not linking up because mine goes quite a bit (about 45-47 words) over the limit; I hope it’s okay if I mention it, though. If not, no worries; please let me know I’ve erred!. I’m more than open to constructive criticism: http://leighswordsmithery.wordpress.com/2014/03/10/friday-fictioneers-letters-of-shelley/
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Dear Leigh,
You make good points to ponder. The twist might be clearer if I left the hearts standing still to the very end. And as I’m compiling a book of these mini stories to be put in print I’ll give this some thought.
At any rate, I’m very pleased that you caught the twist. 😉 Some did some didn’t. While I’ve always been a science fiction fan, this is the first time I’ve actually tried my hand at it.
As I’ve said before, you won’t be forced to walk the plank for going 47 words over. I don’t recommend it every time.
Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Live long and prosper,
Rochelle
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Keep up with the sci-fi, Rochelle. I think you do a more-than fine job with it, with the authentic dialogue and “eureka” moments! Yeah, I caught the twist, but admittedly not until cyclotrons and then the two hearts confirmed it. Otherwise, from the title, I simply thought it was kids of approximately the era of TDtESS or thereabouts. Your story and the twist were not altogether un-Serlinglike either (and I love TZ), albeit without the altogether bleak ending and dark or dystopian setting.
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