Week 522 of #ThursThreads, and y’all never disappoint. We’re in Year 10 and that’s an accomplishment in itself! Thank you to all y’all for coming back to write for all these years. I couldn’t have done it without you. If you’ve just found us, welcome to the crew. You’re in good company. May you come back again and write more great flash. A thousand thanks to Teresa Eccles for judging this week. Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook or the #ThursThreads Group on MeWe to keep up with news, etc.
Entries:
- Mark Ethridge | @mysoulstears
- Nellie Batz | @solimond
- T.L. Reeve | @tlreeve
- Silver James | @SilverJames_
- Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
- Mark A. Morris
- Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea
- Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil
- David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
- Joel Sandersen | @Whirlwindsof
- M.T. Decker | @mishmhem
Teresa says: Wow! What an amazing group of storytellers! There were a lot of excellent tales this week, making my job a real challenge. I appreciate all the hard work that went into putting their words out into the world.
Honorable Mentions
Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea
Teresa says: Bill’s laconic style of storytelling reeled me in. I love how the narrator goes off on a tangent about his toaster even when he’s worried about being hit by space junk. I mean debris.
Silver James | @SilverJames_
Teresa says: Silver’s choice of words – “the void around her” and “crabbing backwards” – immediately drew me into the story. I only hope the MC is able to save herself!
M.T. Decker | @mishmhem
Teresa says: I found Mary’s story of the last thoughts and actions of a leader on the battlefield intriguing. It made me wonder how he got into this situation in the first place. I’d love to know more!
winner announcement
Week 522 Winner
Joel Sandersen | @Whirlwindsof
Teresa says: I enjoy reading sci-fi and Joel tells a complete and compelling story. He was able to create tension between the narrator and Miller in a few brief words. As I read, my mind created a whole movie of what brought the characters to this point and I am curious to know if the mission was successful.
Solar Medicine
“All systems report clear for launch,” the computer purred.
“Groves, confirm mission readiness,” I said into my headset. There was no way in hell I was trusting a mission this critical to the eyes of a computer.
“Clean and green, sir.” Groves answered from her desk in the middle of mission control. “All systems have reported in and are operating optimally.”
“And the crew?” I asked.
Groves shook her head ruefully, as she opened the voice channel.
I could hear my handpicked crew finishing an enthusiastic, if not particularly tuneful version of I Can See Clearly Now, then pausing to catch their breath and launching into We Didn’t Start the Fire.
“All things considered, sir.” Groves said with a smile, “I think they’re calmer than we are.”
“Of course, they are…” Miller said, his voice dripping with condescension. “When they fail, they won’t have to live with the consequences.”
I stared at Miller coldly as I ordered, “Commence Countdown.”
The computer flashed from 10 to 1.
“Clean launch, repeat…we have a clean launch.” Groves added.
Miller looked at me, “So, this is the way the world ends…five pyromaniacs strapped to a rocket full of nuclear bombs trying to restart the sun.”
“The science is good, and those heroes signed up for a one-way trip to the sun to save us all, which is more than I can say for you.” I growled as the ship rocketed out of view.
~~~~~~~
Congratulations Two Time Winner Joel, and Honorable Mentions Bill, Silver, and Mary! Don’t forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it!
Pass on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, MeWe, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the original tales HERE. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! 🙂
