In Keith’s words. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com 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.
Das Machine by John W. Howell © 2018
“SICWK 302 calling base.”
“Go ahead 302.”
“I have made a safe touchdown and am now active.”
“We copy that 302. We are receiving an image now.”
“I hope to be able to explain it, base.”
“Yeah. The monitors are showing a carbon unit.”
“Copy that, base. It looks to me like one of the life forms on this planet.”
“Can you tell if it is an intelligent life form? ”
“It hasn’t moved in quite a while. It does have unusual facial features. It almost looks like it is trying to determine something.”
“What form did you elect to take?”
“They have something here called an ATM. There were so many I decided to take that form.”
“What is the purpose of this ATM?”
“It is a reservoir for paper.”
“Paper?”
“Yes. My sensors determined that this planet has little pieces of a compound of fibers that the inhabitants use as currency to barter for goods and services.”
“You sound like you know a lot about it.”
“They also have an intelligent being here called Google. This Google knows everything. I believe it is the repository for all knowledge.”
“Well thank the planets you have help. Has the life form moved?”
“No. It is still staring at something on my face.”
“What is on your face?”
“I had to replicate a screen. It gives instructions on how to use the ATM.”
“Why is the life form staring then?”
“Maybe there is a language problem.”
“What language did you use.”
“Ours of course.”
“Um, 302?”
“Yes, base.”
“What are the odds a life form on a distant planet will be able to decipher Scrungy?”
“Google said Scrungys are everywhere. This thing still hasn’t moved. Maybe it is not viable any longer.”
“I’m so glad we sent you on this important mission 302.”
“Why, thank you.”
“Sure,”
