Keith Channing explains what we are doing here. 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 – pingbacks don’t often work.
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.”
The photo.
Maybe by John W. Howell ©2017
“Can you get your harness fastened?”
“I’m not sure. I think the buckle is broken.”
“Broken? How can that be? The government paid over $100,000 for that buckle. it is Titanium for heaven’s sake.”
“Well, smarty pants why don’t you come down here and try to get it to work?”
“You know I can’t do that. You have been hermetically sealed in the capsule and we can’t open it. It would render the atmosphere non-sterile.”
“So what are we to do then?”
“Let me check with control and get back to you.”
“Okay. How long till liftoff?”
“Thirty minutes. Plenty of time.”
“I’ll wait for your return.”
“Ha ha ha. I’m not ging anywhere I’m calling them. Hello, control. We have a situation. Marie’s harness won’t fasten. Uh huh, yup, affirmative. Thanks.”
“Uh, Marie.”
“Yes.”
“Control doesn’t want to delay the launch.”
“I can certainly understand that. So what do we do?”
“Are you sure you can’t get the harness buckled.”
“Yes, I’m sure. Joey here even tried.”
“Okay then here’s what control recommends. See that yellow bar just above you and to your left?”
“Yes, I see it.”
“And the one above you straight ahead?”
“Roger that one too.”
“When liftoff comes you are to grab that yellow bar to the left and the one straight ahead and hold on.”
“Wait a minute. You mean I’m going off in space holding on to a couple of bars like a monkey?”
“Looks that way.”
“Tell control there is no way.”
“I’m afraid it is the only way.”
“Then I quit.”
“You can’t quit.”
“Why not?”
“We have a contract that says you are going into space.”
“Without a harness?”
“The contract doesn’t stipulate how. I wish you God’s speed and a fabulous mission.”
“No, wait—”
“Sorry module one. Communications must cease until liftoff. Aloha.”
Fiction Favorites 
I stared at that photo for five minutes and I still couldn’t figure out what that is.
We actually watched the space station pass by last night…pretty cool.
Great job with the story, John!
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Thank you. Jill. The sky must have been pretty clear then. 🙂
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It was, John. We were fortunate to see it several weeks ago too. Boy, does it move fast and we didn’t need binoculars.
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Super. 🙂
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Houston, we have a problem! Love it.
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Thanks, Keith.
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Ha!!! I had no idea where you’d go with this crazy picture, John. This was about the last thing I would have expected. Of course that made it even more fun. Have a terrific Tuesday. Hugs.
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Thank you, Teagan. Hugs. 🙂
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This is going to be a bumpy ride for sure….. Fun story, John…with a reminder of whom to trust – or not. 🙂
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Yes. Trust is fine, control is better. (German saying) thanks, Gwen
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To be fair, the chimps had working harnesses. They just don’t make titanium like they used to.
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I think it was made in China. Not sure though.
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Isn’t everything these days?
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Looks like it. Maybe even WordPress
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Wouldn’t surprise me.
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😀
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And please place all of your electronic devices in flight mode.
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And make sure they are tethered. 😀
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Great story once again, John! I love my morning smiles here at Fiction Favorites!
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Thank you, John.
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Good short story John 🙂 I like how you are always keeping good content on your website.
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Why, Thank you, Jeyran. I do try. 🙂
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Great interpretation John! It reminds me of the signs at Kennywood Park that said “Keep your hands and head inside the car at all times” You always had to wonder about that, given the way the cars jostled you around.
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Oh my! Launching into space with only two yellow bars to hold on to. Hope she brought a clean pair of underwear! 🙂
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Nicely done, John! I wouldn’t have known where to start with this photo. Something tells me poor Marie is going to have an unforgettable ride … if she survives!
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Good one, John
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Sounds like Marie should have read the fine print in that contract.
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The ol’ Defective Harness of Damocles, huh?! Trust NASA to come up with something hoopy! 😛
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And I’d be freaked if it were a AMUSEMENT ride, forget going into space!!
Yet another reason to avoid the Super Dooper Looper at the park 🙂
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I always avoid rides. For some reason my inner ear is allergic
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[…] Maybe by John W. Howell © 2017 […]
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