Since Keith Channing is on a break, I thought it would be fun to do a finger point prompt. Here’s how it works. I open a book and randomly point to one of the pages. Whatever word my finger is pointing to is prompt. Today I opened Eternal Road – The final stop. Here’s the photo.
Landing Craft by John W. Howell © 2020
“So where are we, Mr. Tangent?”
“I would say somewhere close to the third planet from the sun.”
“You are saying Earth?”
“That’s right, sir.”
“Well, I never expected we would get this far. That was a mess back there.”
“It certainly was, sir. We were lucky to get away.”
“I can’t imagine why the locals were in such an uproar.”
“We only tried to help them out.”
“Yes, after all, their planet was choking on too many beings.”
“All we tried to do was lighten the load.”
“You would think we would be thanked instead of cursed. Maybe this Earth will be different. I’ve read the stats, and they also seem to have a population problem.”
“We know how to help with that.”
“Let’s just hope they are a little more reasonable than that last bunch. Do you think we ought to announce that our landing craft will soon be dispatched to help out?”
“I think that would be a noble gesture, my captain.”
“Let me get on the hailing frequency and announce our intentions.”
“The frequency is open, sir.”
“Hailing the planet Earth, do you read? Repeat. Hailing the planet Earth.”
“You are not getting a response.”
“Are you sure we are on the correct frequency?”
“Positive, sir.”
“I’ll try one more time, and if no answer, we will simply launch the landing craft. Hailing Earth.”
“This is Earth. Identify.”
“We are representatives from another planet here to help you.”
“We are but one country. What is the nature of your help?”
“We have the technology to share that will make life easier for your population. What country are you.”
“You are speaking with China.”
“Do you have the authority to speak for the planet?”
“Not yet.”
“Can you authorize us to land in your country?”
“Yes, we can do that. What is the name of your planet.”
“You have not heard from us. We have not been discovered by your civilization.”
“May I have it anyway.”
“Very well. In your language, our name is translated to COVID 19.”
“Our leader has authorized your landing. You are right. We have never heard of you but are anxious to take advantage of your science. Can you find your way?”
“We have locked on to your signal and will be there shortly, COVID out.”
Fiction Favorites 
Ouch. Both an easy and painful word to use.
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Ouch indeed.
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Yes indeed.
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Ouch was my first response, too.
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Anyone need a Band-aid?
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I’m officially spooked now.
Very creative use of the prompt Boss. I wouldn’t have thought to do this in a million light years!
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Yeah, don’t look behind you right now something may be gaining on you.
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I hear you, Satchel Paige, 😉
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You are the only one on the planet that would get the reference, Pilgrim. 😂 A gem you are.
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The man of a thousand birth dates, I read so much about him. What a character, and what a talent.
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I know right? I gave a speech one time using his words.
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That’s so cool.
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It was very cool. Most had not heard his words before (I know where have they been right?)
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Some people . . .
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Now it all makes sense. . . Good one, John! 😄
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Glad to clear it up. Thanks, Gwen. 😊
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Well done, John!
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Thanks, Jill.
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A word on everyone’s mind, but you make it creative! You’re a hoot, my friend.
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Thank you, GP. 😁
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Whoa!
I liked the “Not yet”… which is almost as spooky as the COVID coming in to “help”…
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The “not yet” is a nod to the expressed statements of the Chinese leadership. Glad it gave you a chill, Dale. (it should)
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…and now they’re taking over!
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Let’s hope the reign is short.
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They visited me personally, lol.
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I guess so. Hope you. are feeling okay.
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Oooowwwwweeeee. That hits way too close to home for comfort! Great use of the prompt and making it relevant, John!
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Thank you, Jan. It does explain things.
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It’s as good an explanation as any I’ve heard about how this started. Nicely done, John. I like the “not yet” answer 🙂
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The “not yet” is a riff from statements made by Chinese leadership. At least we have been warned. Thanks, Dan.
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I’d rather it was pure fiction 😦
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I think you just flipped the script on War of the Worlds.
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I think so too. Thanks, Woody. BTW I loved the movies. (The original and the redo)
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This made me laugh and was unnerving at the same time.
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You made my day. My job is done here. 😁
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🙂
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Ouch! This gave me a shiver. Great take on the prompt, my friend.
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Good deal. We all should shiver. Thanks, Soooz
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So THAT’s where Covid came from, lol. Good take on the prompt, John. And you’re right, anything is possible 🙂
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Most clever, J-Boy. Kudos and smiles…
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This might not be as far-fetched as you intended, John. Sure feels like aliens have landed and are taking over. *Still shivering*
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Yes it does sometimes. You know, part of my job is to make your worst nightmare come true. ( or seem to) Thanks, Debbie. 😁
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I had a hunch, but you still made me laugh out loud. Great one, John. Hugs on the wing.
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Thank you, Teagan. 😊
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Oh, very controversial! I mean very brave to have the Chinese speaking English – you could be accused of culturally linguistic imperialism…
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I’ve been accused of almost everything so this one I’ll tuck in my shrug file. (a good old French-shrug file) They were actually using a translation hailing device which sent the messages out in every language. The message received back was likewise translated. I just didn’t think anyone on the planet would be interested in that part of the story. Well here we are. One retired officer of the court caring enough to mention it. Makes me tear up slightly. Thanks Geoff. 😊
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Sorry John but after so many years ingesting the dried dead skin of my predecessors from those godawful case reports, I’m genetically predisposed to be a smug arsehole. I believe there is a cure but it requires me to become an actuary and I’m just not boring enough.
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I totally understand. Fun discourse, Geoff.
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That’s spooky and possible I suppose! Good writing on this self-imposed challenge, John!
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Yes spookie for sure. Thanks, Deborah.
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Well done, John. Not yet…haha!
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I know right? My subtle soapbox. Thanks, Jennie.
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You’re welcome! 🙂
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