Week 121 of #ThursThreads had some terrific tales. I'm honored to see all of the returning writers and read your stories. Thank you for coming back again and again to write and for helping me celebrate these years of flash. It was also wonderful to have some new folks stop by. Welcome! Great thanks to Cara Michaels for judging this week. Be sure to check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on FB to keep up with news, etc.
Entries:
- Sandi Layne | @Sandyquill
- Charles W Jones | @ChuckWesJ
- Alice Wilson | @Ali_OMalley
- M.T. Decker | @mishmhem
- Olivia Starke | @OliviaStarke
- Silver James | @SilverJames_
- L.T. Dalin | @ChessnySilth
- Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
- Josh Peters | @joshbgosh
- Charley Emma | @Charley_001
- Lizzie Koch | @Lizzie_Koch
- Hunter Frost | @HunterFrostMM
Winners Announcement:
Honorable Mentions
Alice Wilson | @Ali_OMalley
Cara says: I'll be honest and say this story concept is not my favorite. However, there is no denying that your writing is crisp and solid.
L.T. Dalin | @ChessnySilth
Cara says: This
is a rocking action sequence. The end is a little ambiguous (is the
voice reminding the driver of the deal about the dune buggy or is
something more menacing about to go down?) but I enjoyed the overall
feel of the piece.
Hunter Frost | @HunterFrostMM
Cara says: And the relationship drama gives way to refreshing and amusing honesty. Good character interactions and clean writing.
Week 121 Winner
Cara says: This tiny sci-fi tale is at once terrifying and sad. Alma's AI/computer logic adds to the sadness with a touch of childlike confusion as Jed's final request counters any chance of survival. The building sense of inevitable tragedy is maintained throughout with solid writing and a clear concept.
Jed opened his eyes and saw only darkness. The air in his space suit tasted stale.
“Alma, open visor,” Jed said.
A moment later the computer replied, her voice smooth and calm.
“Rebooting.”
Jed remembered the repair had gone well but on his return to the airlock he saw a flash then nothing.
“Warning,” Alma said. “Low Power.”
“Alma, open my visor,” said Jed.
The dark visor cleared, giving him a view of Nexus 3 hanging below, his body floating in a cloud of debris.
He drifted in space, floating toward the planet.
Jed checked his power and air supply, confirming both at minimal levels, 30 minutes at best. He went over his options, ran possibilities through Alma, and came to terms with the situation.
“Alma, send message to Evie.”
“Warning. Power required to send message will deplete available supply.”
“Understood. Let’s do this.”
“Do this?” questioned Alma.
Jed felt strained and light headed. He sighed.
“You know what I mean. Compose message.”
“Every day without you feels like a year and now it will become forever. Make sure Terra knows how much her father loves her and misses her every day. I love you always.”
Jed felt a tear slide down his cheek.
“Send message.”
“Message sent. Shut down immanent.”
Jed watched the planet below as the cold of space crept into his suit.
The sun began to rise at the edge of the planet and Jed smiled. His smile lasted an eternity.
Congratulations Winner Josh, Alice, L.T., and Hunter! Don't forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it!
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the stories here. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)
Hi Josh! : )
ReplyDeleteWell I'd say you did it! You made me stop. You kept me reeled in. And...as Jon Morrow would say, you made me willing to allow my cell phone to go to voicemail if it were to ring. Brilliant job, and the best part is that I want to read more. Congratulations, this was excellent.
Congratulations Josh! You should be very proud of this achievement!
ReplyDelete