Bear with Me

It’s been quite some time since I posted anything here, Friday fictioneers piece or short story. This was not from a lack of wanting, more a busy and tiring period of my life, with the birth of another child and other general things that happen in life.

Anyway, that’s enough excuses, on with the story. This week’s piece took initial shape quite differently from the finished result. I guess that’s how most stories go, evolving as you go along and taking on a life of their own.

Anyway, ‘Bear with me’ is my latest submission for the Friday Fictioneers challenge. Photo prompt this week is courtesy of Karuna.

I will try to read everyone’s submission, but of course there are quite a few. Sorry if you read, like or/and comment about mine and I do not return the favour.

Finally, a short word on the weekly challenge. The Friday Fictioneers are a friendly group of online writers from all over the globe who endeavour to create short but fantastical tales with which to enthral and inspire both reader and writer alike. The genres and styles of writing are varied, so there’s something for everyone to be found within its midst.

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Bear with Me

Cleaning off the mud splattered bear, Todd glanced over his shoulder.

“Fifteen”, he muttered, “twenty minutes at most. She might…”

Shaking her head, Chen gave Todd a grim expression. “Maybe, but I doubt it.”

Kneeling down, Chen studied the ground intently. “Look” she said, waving Todd over. “Fresh tracks.”

Todd hurried over. “Damn, a cougar.”

“I know ”, replied Chen, “damn drone has her scent i’d guess.”

Unslinging his rifle, Todd began following the tracks. Cougar drones were merciless hunters, modelled on an extinct animal from Earth’s past. He’d told his daughter not to wander out, but like her mother, she never listened.

Chocolate Mousse

This week’s short story takes a bit of a dive into the ridiculous. It’s what you see that counts when you first view the picture, so as you can guess from the title, I saw a field of chocolate mousse with a stock car topping. Very odd, but as I worked back to how the situation arose, the story just took off from there (No story pun intended).

Anyway, ‘Chocolate Mousse’ is my latest submission for the Friday Fictioneers challenge. Photo prompt this week is courtesy of Jean L Hays.

I will try to read everyone’s submission, unlike last week where I failed miserably in attempting to read other stories. Sorry if you read, liked or/and commented about mine and I did not return the favour.

Finally, a short word on the weekly challenge. The Friday Fictioneers are a friendly group of online writers from all over the globe who endeavour to create short but fantastical tales with which to enthral and inspire both reader and writer alike. The genres and styles of writing are varied, so there’s something for everyone to be found within its midst.

get the InLinkz code

Chocolate Mousse

‘EMALS test fire in ten’

In retrospect, a comically written sign that said ‘Caution, chocolate mousse drowning hazard ahead’ should have been warning enough for Bill. Whoever had thought of using stock cars to shakedown a launch system needed shooting.

‘Five’

Taking a deep breath, Bill cursed the suggestion that shakedowns needed pilots. Live feedback my arse.

‘Four’

Tuning out from the count, Bill focused on the target. Filled with impact foam that resembled chocolate mousse, the car would launch skyward, hopefully to fall bonnet first within the landing zone. As the system engaged, Bill wondered how his career had hit a new low before shouting what had become an informal motto for test pilots around the world.

‘Yippee Ki-yay Mother……’

Notes

EMALS stands for “Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System” and is under development by the US Navy to launch carrier-based aircraft in place of the conventional steam piston drive.

Shakedown in a testing context refers to a period of testing using real or similar to real word conditions prior to being declared operational.

Tales from the Kitchen

This week’s post gains inspiration from my two year son, Teddy, and his fondness of grated cheese and all things sweet. 

Anyway, ‘Tales from the Kitchen’ is my latest submission for the Friday Fictioneers challenge. Photo prompt this week is courtesy of Raina Ng.

I will try to read everyone’s submission, unlike last week where I failed miserably in attempting to read other stories. Sorry if you read, liked or/and commented about mine and I did not return the favour.

Finally, a short word on the weekly challenge. The Friday Fictioneers are a friendly group of online writers from all over the globe who endeavour to create short but fantastical tales with which to enthral and inspire both reader and writer alike. The genres and styles of writing are varied, so there’s something for everyone to be found within its midst.

PHOTO PROMPT -© Raina Ng

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Tales from the Kitchen

Tiny hands slammed down into hard wood, accompanied by an eruption of flour and dough that spread quickly to the corners of the kitchen. It was hard to imagine that someone so small could cause such a large mess, but when Teddy was involved, anything was possible.

‘Nana, look!’

The shout was excited, a cute little dictator’s demand that his creation take pride of place. The dough had been cast aside, replaced with a pile of grated cheese smothered in strawberry jam, peanut butter and anchovy. A masterpiece of culinary haphazardry, Teddy scooped up a portion of “Cheesy volcano” with his spoon and offered it to his Grandmother, who already cringed with excitement.

Scourge of the Seven Seas

Two weeks in a row, what’s going on here then!

Anyway, on with the story telling. Below is my latest submission for the Friday Fictioneers challenge. Photo prompt this week is courtesy of C Hase.

As always, comments are appreciated. I will try to read everyone’s submission, but with submissions reaching triple digits each week, it’s difficult to get round to everyone. Therefore, I try to read those who I follow, or who like / comment my story. I also hit a random selection from the list. You know know what gems you will find.

Finally, a short word on the weekly challenge. The Friday Fictioneers are a friendly group of online writers from all over the globe who endeavour to create short but fantastical tales with which to enthral and inspire both reader and writer alike. The genres and styles of writing are varied, so there’s something for everyone to be found within its midst.

PHOTO PROMPT – © C. Hase

get the InLinkz code

Scourge of the Seven Seas

‘Take the slack!’

Muscles glistening with sweat, Pollux took hold of the chain and pulled, cold iron digging into flesh as calloused hands sought to halt movement. Grunting with effort, his rally cry was joined by the rest of the crew, desperate men lending strength to stop the chain running away.

With herculean effort, the chain snapped tight, tethering a monstrosity that had plagued the coast for years. A creature of legend, Pollux had stumbled across the dragon with luck, sleeping amongst half eaten carcasses and piles of gold pillaged from countless raids. Dead, the creature would fetch a king’s ransom, but Pollux had something far more adventurous in mind.

‘Quickly lads, tie it down!’

Anyone for Sushi?

So, I don’t normally post random stuff on my blog. Tends to be either flash fiction or short stories. Certainly nothing with a photo. However, today is different. Today is “Sushi” day. 

I’ve included an image of the fruits of my labour, two rolls of sushi plus some extras just to add a certain “Je ne sias quoi” to the picture. 
Hope you enjoy. And for those Who were expecting a Japanese feudal era themed story, I’ll get back to you on that!

  

Dragon Hunter

After a two month hiatus, I thought it time to again post a piece of flash fiction. Below is my latest submission for the Friday Fictioneers challenge. Photo prompt this week is courtesy of Doug MacIlroy.

As always, comments are appreciated. I will try to read everyone’s submission, but with submissions reaching triple digits each week, it’s difficult to get round to everyone. Therefore, I try to read those who I follow, or who like / comment my story. I also hit a random selection from the list. You know know what gems you will find.

Finally, a short word on the weekly challenge. The Friday Fictioneers are a friendly group of online writers from all over the globe who endeavour to create short but fantastical tales with which to enthral and inspire both reader and writer alike. The genres and styles of writing are varied, so there’s something for everyone to be found within its midst.

PHOTO PROMPT © Douglas M. MacIlroy

get the InLinkz code

Dragon Hunter

“Gods man, it’s cold up here”.

I nod, returning Jimmy’s comment with a quaint smile. The mountain winds bite, but truth be told, my concern is more the task at hand than anything the mountain can throw at us.

I suspect Jimmy shares this sentiment, for his frost-bitten features reveal the truth, ready for his moment in history. He needn’t wait long, for the great beast soars into view, destiny trailing in its wake.

Even so far above, its form is majestic, leathery wings beating with oppressive force. I cannot help but feel in awe.

Suddenly it dives, hurtling at impossible speed. Watching, hubris is almost our downfall, for its intent is clear.

“Run”.

The Camp

Hi Folks, I’m a little late to the party, but no matter; still time for another hundred word(ish) submission to the Friday Fictioneers.

Photo prompt this week is courtesy of Rachel Bjerke.

Originally, I had a more sci-fi tilt to this story, but I changed to more conventional fiction and dropped words like molecular rifle and stealth field to make it easier to understand with less word count. Anyway, comments are appreciated. 

I will try to read everyone’s submission, but with submissions reaching triple digits each week, it’s difficult to get round to everyone. Therefore, I try to read those who I follow, or who like / comment my story. I also hit a random selection from the list. You know know what gems you will find.

Finally, a short word on the weekly challenge. The Friday Fictioneers are a friendly group of online writers from all over the globe who endeavour to create short but fantastical tales with which to enthral and inspire both reader and writer alike. The genres and styles of writing are varied, so there’s something for everyone to be found within its midst.

PHOTO PROMPT – © Copyright – Rachel Bjerke

The Camp

‘You’re late’

John stopped walking and crouched, his movements deliberate. Unclipping his backpack with one hand, the other held his rifle steady, allowing him to check his surroundings before placing his burgen to one side and lying on the ground.

‘Trouble, nothing serious.’

John’s answer found a shadowy form as Rohan, his fellow operative, crawled into view. Camouflaged, Rohan had chosen well, his foxhole granting views of the camp below whilst its position was perfectly hidden.

‘Don’t get comfortable John, target is in situ.’

Drawing a bead, John searched the camp. He needn’t look hard, for the target walked into view, a local warlord surrounded by his sycophantic entourage. Squeezing the trigger, John smiled, knowing he had rid the world of yet another tyrant.

A Matter of Perspective

Hi Folks, time for another hundred word(ish) submission to the Friday Fictioneers.

Photo prompt this week is courtesy of Erin Leary.

As always, comments are appreciated. I will try to read everyone’s submission, but with submissions reaching triple digits each week, it’s difficult to get round to everyone. Therefore, I try to read those who I follow, or who like / comment my story. I also hit a random selection from the list. You know know what gems you will find.

Finally, a short word on the weekly challenge. The Friday Fictioneers are a friendly group of online writers from all over the globe who endeavour to create short but fantastical tales with which to enthral and inspire both reader and writer alike. The genres and styles of writing are varied, so there’s something for everyone to be found within its midst.

PHOTO PROMPT – © Erin Leary

get the InLinkz code

A Matter of Perspective

‘Mushroom’

The answer was subtle yet complex. Driven to comprehend Richard’s answer, I pressed, reiterating a question asked by many through time immemorial.

‘What colour is the dress?’

Richard laughed. ‘It depends on your perspective. All I see is mushroom.’

The dress in question lay behind a security field, allowing the public to view one of the great war’s few remaining artefacts. A period of turmoil, the war had turned cultures inside out as questions of race and religion were stripped bare to reveal the underlying truth; not that it mattered to a dress centuries old. To the dress, history was simply white and gold, a contrast to the black and blue that humankind perceived.

Fallen from Grace

So, after a couple of months without posting a blog entry, I thought it about time to pull my finger out and hit that all important ‘Publish’ button. This latest submission to the Friday Fictioneers is quite overdue, but hopefully it’s an enjoyable piece.

Photo prompt this week is courtesy of Marie Gail Stratford.

As always, comments are appreciated. I will try to read everyone’s submission, but with submissions reaching triple digits each week, it’s difficult to get round to everyone. Therefore, I try to read those who I follow, or who like / comment my story. I also hit a random selection from the list. You know know what gems you will find.

Finally, a short word on the weekly challenge. The Friday Fictioneers are a friendly group of online writers from all over the globe who endeavour to create short but fantastical tales with which to enthral and inspire both reader and writer alike. The genres and styles of writing are varied, so there’s something for everyone to be found within its midst.

PHOTO PROMPT – © Copyright Marie Gail Stratford

get the InLinkz code

Fallen from Grace
‘Liar!’

Ulrich flung his sword down in disgust, watching as his cherished blade clattered among it’s discarded fellows. Destined for the firepit, Ulrich’s longsword would be melted down, readied to start afresh on the blacksmith’s anvil.

Shaking his head, Ulrich stepped forward, bringing him face to face with his liege lord.

‘Surrender is not an option.’

Tears ran down Ulrich’s cheeks. ‘Your words, not mine.’

Looking upon the man he had once trusted implicitly, Ulrich sensed his words fell on deaf ears. Filling his mouth with phlegm, Ulrich resolved to part with one final act of defiance.

Euphoria

Todays submission to the Friday Fictioneers is a return to more darker roots. I have to admit, upon reading this a number of times, I’m not convinced this is my best work. However, better to submit something than nothing. As always, comments are appreciated. I will try to read everyone’s submission, but with submissions reaching triple digits each week, it’s difficult to get round to everyone. Therefore, I try to read those who I follow, or who like / comment my story. I also hit a random selection from the list. You know know what gems you will find.

Finally, a short word on the weekly challenge. The Friday Fictioneers are a friendly group of online writers from all over the globe who endeavour to create short but fantastical tales with which to enthral and inspire both reader and writer alike. The genres and styles of writing are varied, so there’s something for everyone to be found within its midst.

PHOTO PROMPT – Copyright – Douglas M. MacIlroy

 

Euphoria

Warmth spreads, a sensation that brings to mind memories of a lazy day, snuggled in blankets, oblivious to the world as it passes by.

Vision blurred, I struggle to see, to wake, from a slumber that feels euphoric. Yet deep down, I know something is wrong.

In the background I hear voices, or maybe screams. Hard to tell, for the noise is drowned out by something closer, something menacing. A constant drone, the sound is numbing, disguising pain that should be felt.

Wake up!

A voice shouts warning. Suddenly, eyes spring open, horror engulfs me.

Trapped. Cocooned.

Above hovers an insect, man-size in proportion. It’s mandibles twitch, intent obvious, for I am to be main course.