Week 588 of #ThursThreads, and y’all never disappoint. We’ve made it 11 years! Well done and thank you to everyone who writes each week. You made this happen. 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 Mark Ethridge 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:
- Bill Engleson
- Gora Shade
- Mark A. Morris
- J. Thomas Ganzer
- Silver James
- Sheilagh Lee
- Cara Michaels
- David A. Ludwig
- Siobhan Muir
- M.T. Decker
Honorable Mentions
Mark A. Morris | Website
Mark says: Technology run amuck. Kinda reminds me of other such stories, like Ghost in the Shell, and Robots.
Gora Shade | Website
Mark says: A deserved reward to a real estate agent. Although I wonder if the agent has a soul to be eaten.
winner announcement
Week 588 Winner
Mark says: Love how the AI can’t figure out what’s happening in the little story. A story of where AI could take us, if we’re not careful.
Okay, don’t panic. Throat closing…don’t panic. What the hell did I eat? Shit. Phone, need my phone.
Press 9911. Shit. 9111. Shit. Focus…911
“911. How may I direct your call?”
“Amblanche. Help!”
“Okay, I didn’t catch that ma’am, how can I assist you? And please, speak more clearly.”
“Ambwants! Need help! I can’t bwee-“
“Ma’am, please calm down. How can I assist you? And please, speak more clearly.”
How can this idiot be so calm, I’m dying here!
“Can’t…bweet!! Allergee!”
“Hmmm, let me find someone to assist.”
I know that voice, that’s the same dude from half my reels. Why the hell is he-
“911. How may I direct your call?”
“I…can’t…”
*gulp*
“…bweeethe. Hep!”
“Ma’am, I show that you live at the following address: 825 West Lindmore. Is that correct?”
“YESSS!”
“Great. We have many services, police, fire, ambulance, and poison control. Which service do you need?”
I know that voice too, the other half of my reels. “Speak…to…a…oprato.”
“Sorry, I didn’t catch that.”
Christ, there has to be someone. One fucking human being. I’m fucking dying!
“I nee-”
…
“It’s been thirty seconds with no response. We will send a patrol to check on you. Response times vary. Be advised this AI 911-auto response system is here for your convenience.”
~~~~~~~
Congratulations Three Time Winner J. Thomas, and Honorable Mentions Mark, and Gora! Don’t forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it!
Pass on the great news on Facebook, MeWe, Bluesky, Mastodon, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the original tales HERE. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! 🙂
