Since I love prompts I have been running Keith Channing’s Kreative Kue for over a year. Here is how he describes the process in his words. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here – for reasons I have yet to fathom, pingbacks don’t seem to be working.
Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”
Here is the photo.
Just Us by John W. Howell © 2016
“Okay, you men. I’m going to have to ask you to stop right there.”
“Huh. You talking to us lady?”
“Yes. I’m talking to you. What are you doing here?”
“Not that it’s any of your business we are on maneuvers.”
“Maneuvers? What kind of maneuvers?”
“You’re kidding, right? You don’t recognize these uniforms?”
“You could be a gang of escaped convicts for all I know.”
“Oh come on. We are with the army.”
“Whose army.”
“For heaven’s sake our army.”
“I don[t know about you but the term ‘our army’ doesn’t tell me much. You are on private land. You know that don’t you?”
“Well, ma’am we don’t have much time to sit here discussing the fine points of property ownership. We need to proceed down this road now.”
“Not going to happen.”
“W-what? Who’s going to stop us?”
“Just us.”
“You and those two mutts?”
“Did you hear what he called you Trevor and Eos. The man has no manners. In answer to your question sir. Yes. Trevor, Eos and I will not let you pass.”
“Okay, ma’am have it your way. ATTENTION TROOP. WE WILL PROCEED DOWN THIS ROAD. IF ANY CIVILIANS GET IN THE WAY, ARREST THEM INCLUDING ANY OF THEIR PETS.”
“You need to keep your voice down. My husband is taking a nap.”
“For the last time. I am ordering you to let us pass.”
“I don’t report to you, so your order means nothing to me.”
“You are putting me in an awkward position. Do you know that ma’am?”
“This road leads right by our house. You and your noisy men will wake my husband, and he needs his rest. He’s a writer and works very hard.”
“What if we are quiet?”
“How is that possible?”
“We have a stealth mode. Please?”
“Well, now that you have asked nicely I see no reason not to let you go down the road now.”
“I’ll pass the word for stealth.”
“Have a nice day. By the way what planet are you from?”
“Earth ma’am.”
“Ah. No wonder you were so pushy. We have seen Earthlings before, and they are always in a hurry. My advice is to slow down and smell the Stitpots.”
“Stitpots?”
“Yes, it’s the national flower of Quarro.
“Quarro?”
“Don’t worry. You’ll figure out your wrong turn in no time. Have a nice day.”
Fiction Favorites 
Hahaha! I confess, John. In my dread of going back to work this morning, I was going to rush past, with only a supportive “like”… But I couldn’t stop myself from reading a line or two — which of course led to the whole thing. What a fun twist. I had to laugh. Have a terrific LA Tuesday. Okay — got the Doors in my head again, as soon as I said LA. LA Woman is a great morning rush song. Mega hugs
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Thanks for stopping by.
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LA is Thursday but I love the Doors connection. Have a Wicked Wednesday, Teagan. 🙂
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I’m starting work, but there are no 10 things. Then I saw this…even better! Nicely done John. Thanks for the diversion from reality. Unfortunately, it won’t last for long, unless I’m on the wrong planet.
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LOL Loved your comment and have to agree.
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Tuesday as a first day is the pits.
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That wrong turn was at Albuquerque, right?
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No doubt lol. Thanks for stopping by
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I think so. Could have been Dubuque. 🙂
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A writer who naps? I’ve never heard of such a thing. Great job, John!
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We have to nap–it lets the muse loose 🙂
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Coffee lets my muse loose. 🙂
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🙂
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Thanks, Jill. I don’t nap.
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Me either!
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🙂
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Great story. Love the twist at the end, and that lady looks pretty serious.
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I thought so as well. Now we know she is not from here.
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Lol! I would nave never gone that way with it, but it was great and nice twist!
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Thanks, Jan. I always have to throw one in.
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Of course! What planet is SHE from! Haha!
I love the walks with you, John.
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I always am glad to have you on the walks, Pilgrim
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Fist bumps…:)
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Ummm, you didn’t happen to snack on any unusual fungi whilst you were walking in the woods, did you…?
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Aaarggh! I’ve been found out. And I thought our disguise was foolproof.
Trevor (Chav) and Eos (Ixus) appreciate the shoutout, though.
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Ha ha ha. Thanks, Keith
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Nice! I loved the wrong turn. Quarro?
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