A coffee machine is not such good company until it spills forth that heavenly elixir that could be called the natural healer. When one’s brain is thumping on the innermost top of the skull, one sip can quell the monster trying to get out. As the machine delivers the goods, my mind wanders to a place where I wonder what it would be like without coffee. A shudder brings me back in time for that first sip. As the cup leaves my lips, the unmistakable cacophony of the combination of Westminster chimes and baying of the Baskerville hounds demands action before every window in the place is broken. A knucklebone thrown into the soundproof room, followed by the slamming of the door, brings back peace to the valley.
So another idiot could not read the DO NOT RING THE DOORBELL sign. Checking the security monitor, it is plain to see that the idiot is a large dog looking very much like Goofy. The usual conversation takes place over the intercom, and the predictable conclusion is that if I want my envelope delivered, I have to sign for it. I make preparations to turn off the security system.
The SWAT team needs to be put on standby. A quick text to the leader confirms that status. Also, the flight of A-10 Warthogs must be diverted. Another call to the commander puts that worry to rest. The SEAL team needs to be called off, and a call to the leader makes that possible. A call to the tow truck driver stops the deployment of an M1A1 Abrams Tank. The control panel simplifies the shutdown process of the security system. The boiling oil vats are put on standby, the turret mortars disengaged, the Trebuchet on safety, the concertina wire rolled, the Claymore mines reset, the tower Gatling guns on safety, the moat net dropped, the alligators fed, and the IEDs and shoulder-held rockets put away. The Proton torpedoes switched off. The gamma ray beams covered. The high-powered maser guns switched to standby, and the nanorobots chained in the basement. The locks on the door are thrown. And the door opened.
I’m handed a clipboard and asked to sign on line twelve. In exchange, I get my envelope. The goofy-looking character holds out his paw in the classic tip-request mode. “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will,” I say as a tip before I slam the door. The envelope has a message from Linda Hill. It reads:
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “company.” Use it as you see fit. Have fun!
To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link https://lindaghill.com/2025/10/31/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-nov-1-2025/©
Company by John W. Howell © 2025
“I thought you were going to talk about a business.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because the prompt word is company.”
“I just thought I would go in a different direction.”
“I saw that. A real quick use in the opening.”
“Yup.”
“How about you and I spend some time in the. Company of VooDooRangers?”
“Sounds good to me. Uber?”
“Right over there.”
Photo by Dan Antion
“Now we’re talking. A nice Corvette.”
“Just one thing, though.”
“Of course there is. What is it?”
“We have to pay for the gas.”
“I thought that was included in the trip price.”
“Normally, yes. When I ordered the car, I said I wanted something fast.”
“Okay.”
“That puppy burns 110 octane fuel.”
“Oh. So a surcharge?”
“Yup. $10 a gallon.”
“Not bad. How many gallons could that monster possibly burn between here and the pub?”
“How far’s the pub?”
“Ten miles.”
“Yeah, that will be about five gallons.”
“Idiot.”
Fiction Favorites 
When miles per gallon switches to gallons per mile, it’s going to be a fun ride. I think you guys will be in good company at the pub.
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Except for the $50 to get there, it will be fun. Thanks, Dan.
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🙂
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😀
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Honestly, it’s a small price to pay for the Voodoo you do.
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I think you are right, Pilgrim. 0 to 60 in 1.2 sec. Need O2 and a G-suit. 😀
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You ain’t wrong LOL
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😀
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Goofy probably wanted a dog treat for his tip. Riding in the Corvette will be expensive, but fun. I remember reading that the new Corvettes get good mileage on the highway, because of their aerodynamics.
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That is encouraging. Thanks, Tim
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Let’s just call it an experience – a pricey one! And it is in my favourite colour so I would gladly take it out. Once!
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Five bucks just to start it.
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Haha! No doubt!
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😊
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What’s a mere $50, John, to enjoy a ride in style, to go have a beer? Just don’t get a speeding ticket or the wife will call you more than an idiot.
By the way, you forgot to call back the Klingon and cage the Targ before you opened the door. That’s my tip for next time.
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Okay, I like it. Added it in.
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Under conditions like that are sure this is a company you want to do business with? 🤔🤧👹
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Good one. 😊
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Thanks, Cheesy grin, if I had access to my phone’s emojis.
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😊
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Yikes on the gas prices. Probably better to snag a shopping cart and find a pub that’s downhill.
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I like the visual on that one. Thanks, Charles.
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Yowzah! The color of that car! Its mpg is about what our 1967 Dodge hatch back got. If you got over 90 mph, you could watch the fuel gauge go down. But at that time, gas was maybe 35 cents a gallon.
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I remember those days for sure.
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Ah, what’s $50 when the cops will nail that convertible pumpkin in a heartbeat if you go a mile over the speed limit?! This’ll be a fun ride!
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I hope to get to the top end before the handcuff party
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Hahahaha you won’t have any money for drinks
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That’s true. Gonna walk home too. Thanks, Cindy.
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No fuel nor whiskey what’s a man to do enjoy your walk! 😉
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Hard to imagine.
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😂
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😊
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Hope he has a handicapped sticker. Maybe that’s just where he ran out of gas.
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It would be helpful for sure. Thanks, Craig.
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Ah, John, you need to keep better company if you don’t want to get ripped off. 😂😂
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He’s my best friend, so I have to put up with him.
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A cozy and costly ride!
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It sure is. Thanks, Michele.
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A great response. Liking that corvette. 😊
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It is fast.
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I’m seeing a lot of very elite cars lately. The other day I saw an Aston Martin cruising by.
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Love those.
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Somehow I could imagine Cinderella being picked up in this cool ride.
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She would need a slightly smaller ball gown. Thanks, Jo
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I agree with the “idiot” conclusion.
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Ha ha ha.
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“Company of VooDooRangers” that sounds great to me. Enjoy! Cheers 🍻🍻🍻
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Thank you, Thomas. Mutual language.
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Ah, there’s always a catch when it comes to Uber 😉
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Yes, there is.
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Love the Corvette. Does it really burn that much gas?
Have you guys ever considered taking public transportation to the pub? Walking?
🍻🧟♀️ 🍻🧟♀️ 🍻🧟♀️
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No. This is a fiction blog. I made that part up. Walk???? At my age, I’m lucky to be able to stand. We could take a bus, I suppose. Maybe next time.
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LOL!!!
Omg… I always want to walk. I’ll give up sitting if I have to. I walk everywhere.
Okay… I need to send you some kind of bus pics. I’ll keep my eyes peeled.
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Youth allows you to walk. Age takes it away.
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I’m not that young, (60+) and I’m still walking. What about rolling?
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Wait until you are 80+
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Okay! OX
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🫥X
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Wow! That’s a gas guzzler for sure! Great use of the prompt.
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Thank you. 😊
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Well done on the prompt, especially Company of VooDoo Rangers. What a cool car, worth the $50 ride one time.
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Yes. Sadly, it is $50 to get back home.😊
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Sigh! 🙂
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As always, you nailed the challenge, John. I sure hope that ride is special enough to warrant the gas!
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I think it turned out to be worth it. Thanks, Monika.
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