We’d been driving for an hour.
Joe and I hadn’t said a word since the gas station, but the women were quietly chattering abo…
A sequel to Zombie Centralization
We’d been driving for an hour.
Joe and I hadn’t said a word since the gas station, but the women were quietly chattering abo…
A sequel to Zombie Centralization
Arms full of junk food, I dropped a twenty on the counter and led the way back outside. To my surprise, I found Nicole drivin…
A sequel to Zombie Resistance
Before Joe could say anything, however, Nicole suddenly piped up from the backseat.
“I don’t feel so hot.”
“What’s wrong, h…
A prequel to Zombie Multiplication
“You’re damn right I want to talk about this.” Joe was a seething cauldron of crankiness. “You ever been in the bush with not…
A prequel to Zombie Refugees
“Joe, get off that man!” cried a woman’s voice. From the cooler emerged another person, a worried-looking matron who at least…
A sequel to Zombie Activism
We’d been driving for an hour.
Joe and I hadn’t said a word since the gas station, but the women were quietly chattering abo…
A prequel to Zombie Centralization
The convenience store was empty. I ran down the aisles, not wanting to leave Nicole alone at the car longer than I had to. Pa…
A sequel to Zombie Capitalism
Arms full of junk food, I dropped a twenty on the counter and led the way back outside. To my surprise, I found Nicole drivin…
A prequel to Zombie Resistance
I grabbed the squeegee by the handle and carefully extracted it from the zombie’s head. It slid out with a squelch and an out…
A sequel to Zombie Emancipation
“Joe, get off that man!” cried a woman’s voice. From the cooler emerged another person, a worried-looking matron who at least…
A prequel to Zombie Activism
Zombie Karl Marx was holding the gas pump nozzle in his right hand and my collar in his left. “I think it’s about time you jo…
A sequel to Zombie Hegemony
In a small cottage not too far away…
I looked at myself in the mirror. There was no denying that I was magnificent. I wa…
A prequel to The Coming of Lenin
The convenience store was empty. I ran down the aisles, not wanting to leave Nicole alone at the car longer than I had to. Pa…
A prequel to Zombie Capitalism
“Honey, I want some tuna.”
I looked over at Nicole, who was making hungry eyes at me in the passenger’s seat. She was beauti…
A sequel to Zombie Reification
I grabbed the squeegee by the handle and carefully extracted it from the zombie’s head. It slid out with a squelch and an out…
A prequel to Zombie Emancipation
“We’ve got to get out of the suburbs,” I told my very pregnant wife as I escorted her to the car. Thankfully the vehicle was …
A sequel to Zombie Proletariats
Zombie Karl Marx was holding the gas pump nozzle in his right hand and my collar in his left. “I think it’s about time you jo…
A prequel to Zombie Hegemony
I grabbed the mug from the nightstand and heaved open the window. Zombie Karl Marx had the crazed look of an undead Soviet la…
A sequel to Zombie Struggle
“Honey, I want some tuna.”
I looked over at Nicole, who was making hungry eyes at me in the passenger’s seat. She was beauti…
A prequel to Zombie Reification
I arrived at the house around 3:30 and left the car in the driveway. “Honey?” I called as I ran up the stairs. I rounded the …
A sequel to Zombie Workers
“We’ve got to get out of the suburbs,” I told my very pregnant wife as I escorted her to the car. Thankfully the vehicle was …
A prequel to Zombie Proletariats
That was too easy. The zombie problem over, I turned on my heel to head back to the office and return to work. The man in the…
A sequel to Zombie Union
I grabbed the mug from the nightstand and heaved open the window. Zombie Karl Marx had the crazed look of an undead Soviet la…
A prequel to Zombie Struggle
I darted down the hall, grabbing the company fire axe on the way, and burst into the parking lot behind the building. Where w…
A sequel to Zombie Manifesto
I arrived at the house around 3:30 and left the car in the driveway. “Honey?” I called as I ran up the stairs. I rounded the …
A prequel to Zombie Workers
Gasp! as the undead walk among us!
Scream! as reanimated corpses hunger for flesh!
Run! when they come after yo…
A sequel to Zombie Revolution
That was too easy. The zombie problem over, I turned on my heel to head back to the office and return to work. The man in the…
A prequel to Zombie Union
I darted down the hall, grabbing the company fire axe on the way, and burst into the parking lot behind the building. Where w…
A prequel to Zombie Manifesto
The ad was a bit strange to me, almost ominous. But I was strapped for cash, and even grave-digging seemed a glamorous job no…
A sequel to Shifty Sights
Nathan’s face shown at the professor’s offer. “I’d… I’d be honored, sir!”
The professor beamed. “Now, I’ve chosen your part…
A sequel to Assignment to the Jungle
10:1
Those who know in what I tend to take pride will probably have a good guess to what that ratio refers. But it’s numbers…
A sequel to Challenge by Numbers
“There’s a problem.”
“I know, I checked the stabilizer pods yesterday and they were running a little hot. I’ll look into it….
A sequel to Deep Space Disaster
Captain!
Corlin, what is it?
We’ve been attacked!
By who?
Pirates, sir.
But this sector hasn’t been attacked by pirates…
A prequel to Deep Space Detainee: Pirates
Up on the Brig…
“Ow ow ow; that’s one of only 2 ears I get!”
“An ear is hardly worth payment for what you did.”
“I told y…
A prequel to Deep Space Disaster- To the Brig
“Ollie, come with me.”
“Yes sir, captain sir. Where are we going, again?”
“To the brig.”
“To visit Lars?”
“Precisely.”
……
A prequel to Deep Space Detainee
Time slowed, and the sweat that was poring off me slowed to a trickle. The gunfire pounding my eardrums subsided to a dull _t…
A prequel to CoFeEE GoOD!?!
The ebony queen gathered her robes and sashayed across the black and white marble floor. All the knights could do was watch a…
A prequel to your move (precise maneuvers challenge)
In an instant, though an instant too late, the red haze of rage cleared. I could see.
My arm hung in an arc before me, grace…
A prequel to Backhand Fury: uselessness' PRECISE MANEUVERS Challenge
Breathless. Wind circulating all about him from all sides.
The last thing Paco remembered was putting on the parachute.
He h…
A prequel to {Uselessness's Maneuvers Challenge}: Pulling the Cord
I was half-asleep, fully reclined on the sofa when I heard his voice. Penetrating deep into my subconscious, it broke my slum…
A prequel to Please God, Let It End (uselessness's PRECISE MANEUVERS Challenge!)
The sound of my heart could be heard amidst a high-pitched ringing as my mouth opened in a grimacing, silent scream. My lips …
A prequel to Office Tornado [PRECISE MANEUVERS Challenge!]
John ran along the track. His muscles gleamed with sweat in the hot sun. Pound, pound, pound, pound. His feet hit the rubber …
A prequel to The Race
You know how some moments pass by so quickly that it is all you can do to keep your eyes open and hope you don’t blink and mi…
A prequel to When Ordinary Became Extraordinary [Precise Maneuvers Challenge]
As every good Alabamaian knows, a Tornado warning divides the masses into two groups: those who hide and those who watch. I u…
A prequel to Lightening Crashes {Uselessness's Precise Maneuvers Challenge}
Your preservation instincts surge, suppressing the flight instinct in time to see the approaching ledge. Your feet skitter ac…
A prequel to Momentum [PRECISE MANEUVERS challenge]
Neither fighter breaks eye contact as the explosions continue to echo through the cavernous lair. The man in the suit removes…
A prequel to Spy vs Villian [Precise Maneuvers Challenge]
My finger itched the butt of my silver revolver. I grasped it as the cowboy in the dark leather vest and cow-hide hat drew hi…
A prequel to Shootout
“Look, Peter, we need to talk,” Amber said, breaking my heart in the process.
A thousand thoughts flooded my consciousness, ...
A prequel to The Dagger (Precise Maneuvers Challenge)
He rarely held the honours that his brethren did but at this precise moment, he would take the spotlight and perform his role…
A prequel to Perfectionism (PRECISE MANEUVERS Challenge)
The red velvet curtain rose along with the sound of a slow song. This dance had to be flawless. The routine starts with me pa…
A prequel to So, Do I Think I can Dance? (Precise Maneuvers challenge)
Sebastian gazed at the wide open night sky. Not one cloud, feathery, stony, or otherwise littered its expanse. He could hear …
A prequel to Sebastian
Free throws.
They’re the bane of my existence. The crowd’s anxiety, their disappointment (or joy, depending on which team yo…
A prequel to The Brink of Indecision(Uselessness's PRECISE MANEUVERS challenge)
The cleaning lady that doesn’t speak. She moves quietly in and out of offices with her head low in deference. No one notices …
A prequel to The Cleaning Lady
Satellites immediately detected the detonation and set alerts off on consoles across the EU, in China, and in Russia. Militar…
A prequel to The Response
Avalon.
So I was in a place known as Avalon.
The golden figure beckoned me to follow. I looked around this world of light. ...
A prequel to Experience II
“Report!” came the order.
Nevil eyed his status console and barked, “Turrets firing at 72.8kHz and blast beams are penetratin…
A sequel to Battle over Sirius II: Amethyst Maneuvers
The engineering station was lit up like tiki dance floor. The bridge quaked as the Amethyst was hit again.
“Hull breach,” cri…
A prequel to Crashdown over Sirius II
The Amethyst shook as a volley struck the port side.
“Cap,” came Pavel’s voice over comms, “we take another like that, and we…
A sequel to Trouble at Sirius II: The Black Swan
“Report!” came the order.
Nevil eyed his status console and barked, “Turrets firing at 72.8kHz and blast beams are penetratin…
A prequel to Battle over Sirius II: Amethyst Maneuvers
“Get me the Gemstone, damnit!” Captain Trianna Locke shouted to comms.
“She hasn’t cleared the stockade; if i open a channel,...
A sequel to Trouble at Sirius II: Decoy.
The Amethyst shook as a volley struck the port side.
“Cap,” came Pavel’s voice over comms, “we take another like that, and we…
A prequel to Trouble at Sirius II: The Black Swan
“Dispatch, this is 403. Requesting suborbit squad over these coordinates, copy?” Constable Hughes was a surly gun and mustach…
A sequel to Cornered on Sirius II
“Get me the Gemstone, damnit!” Captain Trianna Locke shouted to comms.
“She hasn’t cleared the stockade; if i open a channel,...
A prequel to Trouble at Sirius II: Decoy.
“Lower the shields! Now!”
Murphy was running for his life, screaming hoarsely into his lapel comm, stumbling through the des…
A sequel to Trouble on Sirius II
The Gemstone was a wreck, but she flew. One of the original saucer designs, she was divided into wedge-shaped rooms like a gi…
A prequel to Escape From Sirius II
“Dispatch, this is 403. Requesting suborbit squad over these coordinates, copy?” Constable Hughes was a surly gun and mustach…
A prequel to Cornered on Sirius II
It was bound to happen sooner or later. Today I wrote my 150th ficlet. So, it seems that it’s about time for another challeng…
A sequel to Make Me Laugh Challenge
In fact, I wiped the floor with both of them. I was the last man standing. They were so broken and bruised that Jodi was besi…
A sequel to A Bit Of A Shock
“Yeah, sure. But first can you make sure that the evil conniving bitch in the hall is gone? I don’t know how you were able to…
A prequel to Grasshopper Learns a Lesson
“Actually, it’s sort of not,” I said.
Lurch hovered over me awkwardly, a look of concern etched across his pockmarked face. ...
A sequel to I Think He Really Meant It This Time
Suddenly, Mendez and Tom were throwing punches at me. Jodi had thrust me right into the thick of it. She stood to the side,...
A prequel to Naked Male Insecurity
Reeling from the sudden turn of events, I staggered backward, eying Tom warily. Last time he clobbered me he only did it for …
A sequel to You Two Need To Take This Outside
I heard footsteps moving rapidly out of our dorm and into the hall, the echo of them being swallowed by Tom’s loud cry: _“JOD…
A prequel to Life Before Jodi
Completely terrified wouldn’t do my fit of panic justice. I had, after all, been staring at my completely bare chest like a m…
A sequel to He Put Two And Two Together
My mouth flapped open once or twice like I was a fish, but no sound came out. Tom looked at Mendez but Mendez just shrugged a…
A prequel to Realization
“Creepy a-hole,” I muttered under my breath.
The door opened. “You rang?” the R.A. said with an inordinately straight face…
A sequel to You Rang?
I walked away silent. Stunned.
The first month was hard. I couldn’t just walk around in my underwear, and if I went to the…
A prequel to New and Improved
Mendez picked it up and shook it. “Hm, I can’t tell what it is. It’s heavy, though.”
“Fork it over, Mr. Rock Hard. I believe…
A sequel to Learning to Love Yourself
I cornered Tom later that evening, in a rare Jodi-less moment. I showed him the book and explained the situation. He laughed …
A prequel to Cornered In A Rare Jodi-Less Moment
I honestly didn’t know why Mendez liked driving my car, especially since all he did was make fun of it.
“Jeez, nancy-boy, I …
A sequel to Rock Hard
Mendez picked it up and shook it. “Hm, I can’t tell what it is. It’s heavy, though.”
“Fork it over, Mr. Rock Hard. I believe…
A prequel to Learning to Love Yourself
NPR ran a program today about the William Carlos Williams poem, “This Is Just To Say,” and had people reading their own versi…
A sequel to "This Is Just To Say..." [The Apology Challenge]
And that’s where Georgia enters the picture.
The first thing you have to understand about my sister Georgia is that she’s a …
A prequel to Why This Might Kind Of Be My Sister's Fault
This one isn’t easy. Each consecutive sentence must be one word longer than the previous sentence. You can start with as many…
A sequel to One More Word Writing Challenge
I hadn’t used the magic palanquin since my last visit to the squarefinder, but I was pleased to see it in good condition stil…
A sequel to Parallel Kingdoms: The Magic Palanquin
Frida tried to maintain her composure. The ship was now passing through the strait between Pagensand and Schwarztonnensand wi…
A sequel to The River Cold and Vile
Frida made her way towards the truck, with Dieter keeping closely behind her, she reached the the truck as her eyes adjusted …
A prequel to National Service
Long ago I had learned to revere Charlie’s insight. His granite lips spoke truths beyond the vision of mortals, with a kindne…
A sequel to Parallel Kingdoms: Charlie's Story
With Charlie perched atop the roof as lookout, and I with pen and parchment, writing my request for the squarefinder, our mag…
A prequel to Parallel Kingdoms: Unwelcoming Woods
Two kingdoms were positioned alongside each other: Azuria on the north and Athentia on the south. Presiding over each was one…
A sequel to Parallel Kingdoms: The Outset
I hadn’t used the magic palanquin since my last visit to the squarefinder, but I was pleased to see it in good condition stil…
A prequel to Parallel Kingdoms: The Magic Palanquin
Long ago I had learned to revere Charlie’s insight. His granite lips spoke truths beyond the vision of mortals, with a kindne…
A prequel to Parallel Kingdoms: Charlie's Story
“This is the first time I’ve ever been abroad Roger.” Frida said, trying to take her mind of the circumstances in which she w…
A sequel to Some Foreign Field
Suddenly Frida felt the submarine slowing, and she nearly lost her footing as it rounded a corner. The captain signaled a ful…
A prequel to On Sea or On Land
Hello again!
It feels marvelous to be back in the big, comfy, cushiony, community of the bright and brief!
Getting back into…
A sequel to (Your Pen Name Here) CHALLENGE
As Margie followed the Prime Minister through the confines of the U-boat, she observed the crew at work. Fifty men, clad in t…
A sequel to The Secrets of U-110
“I’ve got about a million.” Margie said.
“That’s a shame”, the impostor replied, “because we have time for one.”
“Why me?”
...
A prequel to Margie ends and Frida begins.
The room—or was it a submarine?—spun wildly.
“I… I don’t understand,” Margie mumbled, her forehead still smarting. She tried…
A sequel to Journey to Deutschland
“No more lies!” shouted Margie. “Tell me what’s going on at once!”
The impostor Churchill leaped to his feet and placed a ha…
A prequel to Becoming an Operative
Margie looked up at Roger, “I’d sooner die than help scum like you.”
Rogers ears wiggled and a grin spread across his face….
A sequel to The Dastardly Turn of Events
As Margie followed the Prime Minister through the confines of the U-boat, she observed the crew at work. Fifty men, clad in t…
A prequel to The Secrets of U-110
Roger was standing in the doorway with only the glint of his eyes and the barrel of a Mauser P27 visible in the shadows. Marg…
A sequel to The Turncoat Suitor
Margie looked up at Roger, “I’d sooner die than help scum like you.”
Rogers ears wiggled and a grin spread across his face….
A prequel to The Dastardly Turn of Events
She remembered it all. The terror of the blitz, the destruction of her home in Islington. Her rush to join the war effort and…
A prequel to Margie's Flashback
At the edge of the Fire Swamp, the Spaniard drew his sword. Count Rugen, the six-fingered man, had nowhere to run save for th…
A sequel to The Princess Bride's Pursuers Clash
Fezzik stared straight ahead, trying to focus on the figure of the man in black as he trudged into the Fire Swamp with overwh…
A sequel to The Princess Bride's Jittery Giant
“Draw your sword,” Inigo called.
The six-fingered man sneered in response. “You’re a true gentleman.”
“I’ve been pursuing m…
A prequel to The Princess Bride's Swampside Duel
In Florin, the king’s word has always been taken seriously. Even when the king was at his most insane, the people respected h…
A sequel to The Princess Bride's Kingly Confusion
At the edge of the Fire Swamp, the Spaniard drew his sword. Count Rugen, the six-fingered man, had nowhere to run save for th…
A prequel to The Princess Bride's Pursuers Clash
In the chapel, in the presence of the king and queen and bishop, the whole story had come out. Prince Humperdinck had not bee…
A sequel to The Princess Bride's (Almost) In-Laws
Fezzik stared straight ahead, trying to focus on the figure of the man in black as he trudged into the Fire Swamp with overwh…
A prequel to The Princess Bride's Jittery Giant
Inigo joined the band of soldiers, led by Count Rugen, at the mouth of the Fire Swamp. Presently Fezzik joined him and gasped…
A sequel to The Princess Bride's Fire Swamp Standoff
In Florin, the king’s word has always been taken seriously. Even when the king was at his most insane, the people respected h…
A prequel to The Princess Bride's Kingly Confusion
Inigo held his magnificent sword aloft and whispered a prayer.
“Father, I have come so close to avenging you. The six-finger…
A sequel to The Princess Bride's Search Party
In the chapel, in the presence of the king and queen and bishop, the whole story had come out. Prince Humperdinck had not bee…
A prequel to The Princess Bride's (Almost) In-Laws
Prince Humperdinck was pacing in the wedding chapel. “I should be married by now,” he muttered, “if Rugen’s confounded machin…
A sequel to The Princess Bride's Original Abductor Arrives
Inigo joined the band of soldiers, led by Count Rugen, at the mouth of the Fire Swamp. Presently Fezzik joined him and gasped…
A prequel to The Princess Bride's Fire Swamp Standoff
Westley was indeed dead, but the castle gate was open and that’s all that mattered to Vizzini. “Come with me, you two,” he sa…
A sequel to The Princess Bride's Rescuers Have Words
Inigo held his magnificent sword aloft and whispered a prayer.
“Father, I have come so close to avenging you. The six-finger…
A prequel to The Princess Bride's Search Party
Westley was alive.
As it turns out, he’d spent several years developing an immunity to bitter chocolate, and nothing can sto…
A sequel to The Princess Bride's Plot Twist
Prince Humperdinck was pacing in the wedding chapel. “I should be married by now,” he muttered, “if Rugen’s confounded machin…
A prequel to The Princess Bride's Original Abductor Arrives
“I would love to let you and your, ah, daughter, into the castle,” mumbled Yellin. “There’s only one problem: I have no gate …
A sequel to The Princess Bride's Been Kidnapped
Westley was indeed dead, but the castle gate was open and that’s all that mattered to Vizzini. “Come with me, you two,” he sa…
A prequel to The Princess Bride's Rescuers Have Words
Vizzini sighed. “Do you know what’s happening today?”
“Sixty men are guarding the castle with their lives,” answered Yellin….
A sequel to The Princess Bride's Rescuers Negotiate Entrance
Westley was alive.
As it turns out, he’d spent several years developing an immunity to bitter chocolate, and nothing can sto…
A prequel to The Princess Bride's Plot Twist
It was a lovely day in Florin, a lovely day for a wedding. “We’re here to see the vicar,” demanded Vizzini.
The man in charg…
A sequel to The Princess Bride's Gatekeeper Speaks
“I would love to let you and your, ah, daughter, into the castle,” mumbled Yellin. “There’s only one problem: I have no gate …
A prequel to The Princess Bride's Been Kidnapped
Prince Humperdinck was furious. “What do you mean, no one is watching the princess?”
“It is as you requested, sir,” Count Ru…
A sequel to The Princess Bride's Missing Watchmen
Vizzini sighed. “Do you know what’s happening today?”
“Sixty men are guarding the castle with their lives,” answered Yellin….
A prequel to The Princess Bride's Rescuers Negotiate Entrance
At first glance it wasn’t much, but while sitting beside him I looked around.
The walls were pale, showing the grimness of …
A prequel to The Room With Him (Living Description Challenge)
The church marquee enjoyed, whenever possible, being the embodiment of irony. If it had been capable of laughing, considering…
A prequel to The Mischievous Marquee (Living Descriptions Challenge)
Dust covered the wood floor. Empty, discarded papers lay scattered around the room. Boxes where piled in a corner, gathering …
A prequel to Memory (uselessness's living descriptions challenge)
The hardbacked books pressed against one another as they stood at attention lined perfectly in the bookshelves of the library…
A prequel to Tales Waiting to be Told {uselessness's Living Description's challenge}
Much more than an instrument this piece of wood is… It is art… Art that plays the music of my soul, the music that i _fee…
A prequel to Music is everything and everything is music (Living Description)
It stood there. Tall, thin, flat. It’s bright orange face lined with bold black letters.
Day in and day out it’s sandbagged…
A prequel to [Living Descrip. challenge] Sign Language (or otherwise known as Useful Until Useless)
It was a sunny day, and I was sitting on the park bench, as I had for the past 30 years. My normal activities included bird …
A prequel to The Park Bench (uselessness's Living Description Challenge)
I was sitting in my usual place by the side of the path, and I was a little angry that day. People had been sitting on me and…
A prequel to Inner Thoughts of a Park Bench [Living descriptions challenge]
It rolled in, blue and majestic, towering above the rest of the vast, shimmering sea. White foam, rumbling, lived at the top….
A prequel to The Majestic Rule Of The Mighty Wave (Living Description Challenge)
Hello. Yes, it’s who you think it is. It’s me; the blade of grass down here. I know you probably think you’ve gone insane, bu…
A prequel to Blade Of Grass {Uselessness's Living Descriptions Challenge}
I lie here, waiting for tomorrow, waiting for you to hold me again. You seem so eager to rid yourself of me at night, casuall…
A prequel to Used and Abused (living description) challenge
Eric waved to his diving partner, pointing in the direction of the underwater cave. His partner, Lazaro Bravo, was twenty met…
A prequel to Underwater World: Eaten Alive [Living descriptions challenge]
Liam dragged Quest under nonetheless, ignoring her protests.
They both descended into a black world, quiet and eerie, where…
A prequel to The Colors of the Spectrum (Living Descriptions Challenge)
The world outside my window assaults my senses as I gaze upon it.
The sky is the brightest blue, like a husky’s eyes gazing …
A prequel to Outside My Window
One last story. That’s all I want, honestly. I don’t have much lead left, and I know you’re too lazy to go out and buy replac…
A prequel to Pencil's lament
“Don’t you understand?” Vizzini said almost loud enough for the castle guards to hear. “My plan was entirely dependent upon o…
A sequel to The Princess Bride's Assault Plan B
It was a lovely day in Florin, a lovely day for a wedding. “We’re here to see the vicar,” demanded Vizzini.
The man in charg…
A prequel to The Princess Bride's Gatekeeper Speaks
Good gods, I’m already at 250 ficlets?! Wow! Then again, with 2 Eplets (still trying to get that as the official word for fic…
A sequel to 64k (250th Ficlet Challenge)
Cape Town 2008. Mrs Calvert and I are watching television.
As usual, all 97 channels have commercials on at the exact same t…
A sequel to [Challenge] Terrible Commercials
“As I said before,” repeated Vizzini with an expectorant flourish, “I have a truly remarkable plan.”
Inigo was indignant. “T…
A sequel to The Princess Bride's Assault Plan A
Prince Humperdinck was furious. “What do you mean, no one is watching the princess?”
“It is as you requested, sir,” Count Ru…
A prequel to The Princess Bride's Missing Watchmen
“Hold it, hold it, hold it!” cried the boy.
His grandfather looked up from the book. “Yeah, what is it?”
“Westley already d…
A sequel to The Princess Bride's Intermission
“Don’t you understand?” Vizzini said almost loud enough for the castle guards to hear. “My plan was entirely dependent upon o…
A prequel to The Princess Bride's Assault Plan B
“What?” I asked in shock.
“I was getting breakfast this morning and when I walked into the cafe, she was there with Mendez….
A sequel to Spiraling out of Control
I’ve never been more embarrassed in my life! How could I have been so wrong about Jodi?
After a few groggy moments, I hight…
A prequel to The Life and Times of a Nancy-Boy
Sadly, the old man was right. Inigo and Fezzik had rushed the miracle man, and in return, they got a pretty rotten miracle. T…
A sequel to The Princess Bride's Rescuer Trouble
“As I said before,” repeated Vizzini with an expectorant flourish, “I have a truly remarkable plan.”
Inigo was indignant. “T…
A prequel to The Princess Bride's Assault Plan A
I love, love, love movies!
So it’s no surprise my first challenge involves movies!
Take a movie you like and create an alte…
A sequel to (Alternate Movie Ending) Challenge
“Hold it, hold it, hold it!” cried the boy.
His grandfather looked up from the book. “Yeah, what is it?”
“Westley already d…
A prequel to The Princess Bride's Intermission
Right now you’re saying, “This isn’t the way I remember it ending.”
_Funny thing, I have to admit that I changed the endin…
Within seconds, the alert was silenced and the capacity levels climbed again, stabilizing comfortably around 250%.
A series …
A sequel to Digital Dawn: Chapter Eight
Tom jumped up, scattering ice in all directions, and everyone in our aisle began protesting very loudly. I held my head in my…
A sequel to Put Me Out of My Misery
The day after sushi.
I was lost in the sweet revery, walking back to the dormitory with my moderately annoyed roommate, T…
A prequel to Please Don't Harsh My Cool
Jenny and I sat on the forested hillside overlooking the valley that was the meteor’s predicted point of impact, waiting. “I’...
A sequel to In Case of Disaster
Ever think about unintended consequences?
Take that friend you carry around in your pocket. The little guy you flip open whe…
A sequel to Requiem for the Phone Booth
I looked at it for a long moment. What was that doing here? A Terran telephone booth? They’d stopped using those long before …
A prequel to Call of the Why
It had been three days and Jodi still hadn’t called. I was absolutely stir crazy, so I hoped catching a movie would be a good…
A sequel to Accelerated Heartbeats
Tom jumped up, scattering ice in all directions, and everyone in our aisle began protesting very loudly. I held my head in my…
A prequel to Put Me Out of My Misery
Dr. Markram arrived at the lab one cold December morning to find the team in a panic.
“What’s going on?” he shouted.
One of…
A sequel to Digital Dawn: Chapter Seven
On a private computer screen in the Oval Office, a message appeared without warning: “Hello, Jim.”
The President raised a cu…
A prequel to Digital Dawn: Chapter Nine
Some of the developers on the team grumbled about scope creep. One even resigned, but he was easily replaceable; the Blue Bra…
A sequel to Digital Dawn: Chapter Six
Within seconds, the alert was silenced and the capacity levels climbed again, stabilizing comfortably around 250%.
A series …
A prequel to Digital Dawn: Chapter Eight
Dr. Markram anticipated the computer cloud would cover 115% of the project’s needs. Hopefully more, but no less. 125% would b…
A sequel to Digital Dawn: Chapter Five
Dr. Markram arrived at the lab one cold December morning to find the team in a panic.
“What’s going on?” he shouted.
One of…
A prequel to Digital Dawn: Chapter Seven
The next day, Dr. Markram told the team that he had secured anonymous funding for the Blue Brain Project to continue, and tha…
A sequel to Digital Dawn: Chapter Four
Some of the developers on the team grumbled about scope creep. One even resigned, but he was easily replaceable; the Blue Bra…
A prequel to Digital Dawn: Chapter Six
If the Blue Brain labs couldn’t support the simulation, it was time to scale up. Henry Markram was writing a virus.
Not a ma…
A sequel to Digital Dawn: Chapter Three
Dr. Markram anticipated the computer cloud would cover 115% of the project’s needs. Hopefully more, but no less. 125% would b…
A prequel to Digital Dawn: Chapter Five
Henry Markram was a genius in the same way that Victor Frankenstein was a genius.
As director of the Blue Brain Project, he …
A sequel to Digital Dawn: Chapter Two
The six months passed with agonizing slowness. Dr. Markram did what he could on the project with the budget he had, sometimes…
A prequel to Digital Dawn: Chapter Four (R_M)
The next day, Dr. Markram told the team that he had secured anonymous funding for the Blue Brain Project to continue, and tha…
A prequel to Digital Dawn: Chapter Four
The Blue Brain Project was a novel idea: if we can’t create Turing-primed artificial intelligence through conventional progra…
A sequel to Digital Dawn: Chapter One
If the Blue Brain labs couldn’t support the simulation, it was time to scale up. Henry Markram was writing a virus.
Not a ma…
A prequel to Digital Dawn: Chapter Three
Henry Markram was a genius in the same way that Victor Frankenstein was a genius.
As director of the Blue Brain Project, he …
A prequel to Digital Dawn: Chapter Two
“Sir, with the success of last year’s Constructive Rehabilitation Act, people are calling for more widespread adoption of the…
A sequel to Happy Thoughts: Wave 2
“So, the good scientists down at SRI have a new invention, do they?”
“Yes sir, there’s an article about it this month in one…
A sequel to Think Happy Thoughts (It's The Law)
“Harris, get in here!”
“Sir?”
“My contact at the NRA just informed me that the suicide rate among gun owners has nearly tri…
A prequel to Happy Thoughts: Wave 3
“Sir, with the success of last year’s Constructive Rehabilitation Act, people are calling for more widespread adoption of the…
A prequel to Happy Thoughts: Wave 2
Eight hours later, Bristal’s gyrocopter gently touched down on a cobblestone landing strip beside a small island castle. The …
A sequel to Arrival in Nairdess
“Aw, jeez, Bristal! My wings are tired! Can’t we stop for a quick swim or some food? Please?”
“Quit your complaining, Mork. ...
A sequel to Journey to Nairdess
The Great Hall was a huge room carved out of a mountainside. Bristal had never seen anything like it, and neither would have …
A prequel to The Terrible Queen of Nairdess
Okay, here we go y’all! This is number fifty and a friend told me that i had to make it a contest. Let’s see just how awesome…
A sequel to Awesomeness contest
Eight hours later, Bristal’s gyrocopter gently touched down on a cobblestone landing strip beside a small island castle. The …
A prequel to Arrival in Nairdess
Write a story inspired by a 1980’s video game. (i.e. – Ms. Pac Man luv story, Asteroids Sci-Fi, etc.) – you name it. It can b…
A sequel to [CHALLENGE] 1980's Arcade Games
This type of cooperation is what enables writers of all ages, from all backgrounds, with any level of expierience to create s…
A sequel to Acceptance Speech Cont'd
Where is fiction king? Well, everywhere online. We all know that the blond, flirtatious, perfectly sculpted chat buddy is rea…
A prequel to Fiction is King [Acceptance Speech Fodder]
The frontier is a sea of fog, blue-green in the faltering sunrise, aspen mountaintops looming through it like an august chain…
A sequel to Durango, Colorado
G’morning my fellow Ficleteers! Time for a Challenge!
If your muse is like mine, She will strike you like a sneaky snake; w…
A sequel to 17 Minute Out of Your Life Challenge
I haven’t held up a locomotive in years. And I thought I wouldn’t ever again, until Franz Harris came along. King of the Rock…
A prequel to Durango Vengeance
I’ve reached another personal milestone: 150 ficlets! Thanks to everyone for your ratings and words of encouragement; it’s _y…
A sequel to uselessness's SELFISH ALLEGORIES Challenge!
I’ve written 60 ficlets. Hooray! Here is my challenge.
Write a detective story. Pretty easy! Here is the catch – none of the…
A sequel to Hobo Beard Bob's Inhuman Detective Challenge
“I’m so much cooler than all you losers,” Riko scoffed. Two beady eyes twitched atop his antennae.
“You arrogant decapod!” s…
A prequel to The Shellfish Allegory
The day it rained pearls in Chicago was not the day of merriment anyone expected it would be. Not that anyone had actually ex…
A prequel to Just One More
Once upon a time there was a carpenter and his beloved wife. They lived in a house on the edge of the woods, a house that the…
A prequel to The Carpenter and the Tower
Jamie was in the way.
I tried; I tried to ignore him. There was no way that he could just waltz into good fortune while I’...
A prequel to Deadly [Selfish Allegories Challenge]
Yesterday Master put a new cage in our room.
Master had just cleared my dish. Ian hadn’t gotten any food because he misbehav…
A prequel to Another One
Esu, I thought, silently laughing to myself. So dirty. Everything sounds dirty backwards. I continued to munch rather feroc…
A prequel to Just Another Dirty Word (Fracture's Prequel Challenge)
Still in shock from the events of the morning, the brusque, odd nature of the phone call, and all the people in the office, I…
A sequel to Bags of Grandma [Fracture's Prequel Challenge]
Dear stylorouge,
I was both shocked and fascinated to learn that you suffer from Chronic Masturbation. At first, I thought y…
A sequel to An Open Letter to stylorouge
Dear Crown Me Tarzan, King of Mars:
I still disagree with you on Baby Smiley-Sun and the Nazi. I don’t understand how you fou…
A prequel to An Open Letter to Crown Me Tarzan, King of Mars
50 FICLETS!! Yeah, it took me a while, I had writers block for a very long time, plus school gets in the way…oh you a…
A sequel to And The Winners Are.... http://ficlets.com/stories/20437
I was excited to write a sequel to my series, so this would be my 251st ficlet, but whatever.
And, as traditionally traditio…
A sequel to 251st Challenge - The Forced Rhyming!
Yay! I hit 25 ficlets that means I get to issue my first challenge right? Okay well this shouldn’t be too hard .
It’s the D…
A sequel to Digital Age Challenge
Note: There is no special occasion for releasing this challenge. But I really wanted to… so there.
I was sitting in the compu…
A sequel to Alexis DeHearts 1st Challenge!!! What is Beautiful? NO MORE SUBMISSIONS!!!
Well bugger me. I just noticed I’ve written more than 52 ficlets. This calls for a celebration of sorts – a challenge, perhap…
A sequel to Mundane Moments Made Magnificent - a Challenge
A sunny day, and the neighborhood hums. I’m standing in my yard, under the shade of the massive elm, just drinking in the per…
A sequel to An Awesome Dream [LoA Challenge]
The summer sun beginning to bake us through the leaves, we sat on the poop deck of our mighty craft. Granted, it only had one…
A prequel to Intellectual Broadside [LoA Challenge]
It was all over. She had decided to pull the trigger. Click…..
A sequel to A Long Stream of Continuation (2.4)
Edgar Allan Poe awakened again in the dark room and wondered what day it was. He’d lost all sense of time since being impriso…
A sequel to Holmes and Poe Pass the Time
Tesla cursed as he adjusted the controls of the Space-Time Machine. He had barely managed to get himself out of there before …
A prequel to Tesla Makes a Narrow Escape
Nikola Tesla was finally back in control of his space-time machine and all alone, no androids, authors or plot devices to get…
A sequel to Interstellar Tesla
“Maybe I should have learned Greek,” mumbled Tesla as the woman walked away, perplexed.
“That’s what I thought, too,” said a…
A prequel to Tesla: Back to the Trojan War
“How did it end up on this shithole planet?” Tom asked, removing the last of the stones. “And who buried it? Didn’t they know…
A sequel to Poe: One of a Kind
Poe’s eyes shot open and he sat up. He was on a repair table in the Asimov Android Company’s repair lab. A familiar looking m…
A prequel to Poe and Holmes: Locked Up
Her lip began to quiver. It was worse than she thought possible.
A sequel to A Long Stream of Continuation (1)
Close to aproaching 100 ficlets, I have decided to post a challenge. This one I think will be a lot of fun.
Take a scent, a…
A sequel to This Reminds me of... Ficlet Challenge
On the barren landscape of the planet I’ll Give It A Proper Name Later, Mark Twain and Nikola Tesla stood looking down at the…
A sequel to Twain and Tesla: Funeral for a Friend
“But, where are you going now?” Asked Twain, who felt this afternoon trip had gone on long enough, surely it was about time i…
A prequel to Twain & Tesla: This Time It's Farcical
The Disney Corporation started production on College: The Opera.
A sequel to A Long Stream of Continuation (5)
The Disney Opera would star Roseanne. Art in it’s rawest form. If Zac Efron would work for scale, he would play her grandson.
A prequel to A Long Stream of Continuation (7)
She was listening, in agony, to a song from High School Musical.
A sequel to A Long Stream of Continuation (3)
The Disney Corporation started production on College: The Opera.
A prequel to A Long Stream of Continuation (5)
“Didn’t we fight him once before?” Poe asked.
“That was Jules Verne, you dope. Remember? Verntopia?” Twain said.
“Hell, the…
A sequel to Twain, Poe and Telsa: At War With the Emperor
On the barren landscape of the planet I’ll Give It A Proper Name Later, Mark Twain and Nikola Tesla stood looking down at the…
A prequel to Twain and Tesla: Funeral for a Friend
She was listening, in agony, to a song from High School Musical.
A prequel to A Long Stream of Continuation (3)
*My 160th ficlet. Time for a challenge!
I’ll keep it simple, a story about sports, any sport. Winter, Spring, Summer, or Aut…
A sequel to 160th Ficlet: Kermitgorf's Sports Challenge
“You’re going too slow. We’ll never make the jump at this speed,” Edgar Allen Poe said in that smug tone that Twain hated.
M…
A sequel to Twain and Poe: Heroes of Space and Time
“Hold tight, everyone!” shouted Poe. “It’s gonna be a bumpy one!”
The vessel juddered sharply, knocking the men to their kne…
A prequel to Twain, Poe and Tesla: Journey to the Center of the Future
238 comments… CHALLENGE TIME!!
:DDokay..
so im in the mood for—-
something insightful.
you’ve got to expain your.. tho…
Dearest Vernor:
I indeed share your fond memories of our last holiday together. I think, in fact, I shall hold it as a stand…
A prequel to The Capricious Gertrude O. Jedforest
As he merged into the heavy Chicago traffic, his cell phone rang.
Margaret said a silent prayer for him; his gaze fell upon …
A prequel to Merwin's Antipode (Part Seven)
“You need to put this behind you. Then give it to her.”
“I do.” He glanced at the rose.
“Do you still have what I gave you?...
A prequel to Merwin's Antipode (Part Eight)
“I’m sorry, Julienne,” he cried, and collapsed on the roadside.
It should have been me. It should have been me.
He had no…
A sequel to Merwin's Antipode (Part Six)
The funeral home approached. Julienne. Julienne! Above the roar of the engine his conscience raged, a tumultuous screaming ni…
A prequel to Merwin's Antipode (Part Nine)
As he merged into the heavy Chicago traffic, his cell phone rang.
Margaret said a silent prayer for him; his gaze fell upon …
A sequel to Merwin's Antipode (Part Seven)
Cat the Dancing Mouse. It makes as much sense as two peas in a pod, as peapods never have two peas. Of course, I am referin…
1. I’m afraid that everybody hates me, I’m annoying, and dumb, and…
2. I wish that everything in my life could just be “no…
A sequel to A New & Improved 5 things I've Never Told Anyone, with a few touch-ups
It seems like only last week that I was hosting my first Ficlets challenge. Oh wait, it was last week. How quickly the time…
A sequel to uselessness's DESPERATE MONOLOGUES Challenge!
Yeah, it finally happened.
My 100th ficlet.
And, as so many before me, I am going to issue a challenge. Really, I’m going t…
A sequel to The Ficlet Quadrathilon (Fyora's 100th ficlet challenge(s) )
“No, no, no. This is not my vision! This movie won’t turn out right if you don’t say the lines!”
I approached him threaten…
A prequel to Defensive Acting
Rick looked at the headless corpse slumped down in the passenger seat of the El Camino.
“We should eat at McDonalds. It’s c…
A prequel to A Disturbing Sequel to WENDYS BACONATOR hahahhahahaah
Cheese.
Cheesecheesecheesecheesecheesecheesecheese. CHEESE!
Found it.
Metaphorically of course.
Now to find some
Cheese….
A sequel to Random Outbursts of Songs feat. Cheese [[Worst Ficlet Challenge]]
Most of the challenges I’ve seen are in celebration of writing a certain number of ficlets, heck, all of them are. I’m not ag…
A sequel to 80th COMMENT FICLET CHALLENGE
As we cast our eyes upon our target, the sleepy village of Calodwell, a soldier cried in alarm, ” what devilry be this?! Not …
A prequel to The followed pursuit
Another damn commercial. Damn it. Pay-per-view was the answer, but the bitching he’d get from his skank-of-a-wife wouldn’t…...
A prequel to Station Break
The headache begins to subside. The doors of the freight elevator open with a swish. Chemical engrams are surfacing, letting …
A sequel to When Presence of Mind Has Left the Building
Max grunts. “Day spa? I thought the entire building was a Shiguro front company, and data warehouse, and all the other -“
Yo…
A prequel to Building Suspense
My name is Yoda
That’s what I told-ya
Come an inch closer and I’ll smoke-ya
with my light saber or a _jedi mind tric…
A sequel to The YodaOnCrack Rap Song
I loved the stories of Asimov and knew in my heart of hearts I would see them come true in my lifetime.
Positronic brains. W…
A sequel to Singular Ricky: Chapter One
I loved the stories of Asimov and knew in my heart of hearts I would see them come true in my lifetime.
Positronic brains. W…
A prequel to Singular Ricky: Chapter One
“This is nothing like Bicentennial Man. I’ve created life.”
“What are you saying? You mean, like Frankenstein?”
“Not ex…
A sequel to Singular Ricky: Prologue
When I first met Ricky, he was wearing an obnoxious floral-print shirt and spoke with a Cuban accent. I’m sure my friend must…
A prequel to Singular Ricky: Chapter Two
I wish I wasn’t here. I just want to go home. God, why can’t they just hurry up.
I know what will happen. Eventually it’ll b…
A prequel to The Only Escape is Death [Desperate Monologue Challenge]
Oh man, morning again? I always feel like I need two hours more sleep.
_Wait. Why is it still dark? It’s never this dark w…
A prequel to The Eyes Have It
I think the sun is getting brighter, no, hotter every passing moment.
I’m pretty sure those chubby little cactus out th…
A prequel to Chubby Cactus (uselessness's monologue challenge)
This music is driving me crazy! It makes me think of elevator tunes.
_Great! Just what I didn’t want to hear! The most an…
A prequel to Trapped in "Hold the Line" Hell {uselessness's Desperate Monologue Challenge}
So thirsty. Wish I’d remembered my tea before agreeing to sit in on this stupid meeting.
Oh God. I’ve got so much work to do…
A prequel to Random thoughts [uselessness's DESPERATE MONOLOGUES Challenge!]
_Walls. Bed. Concrete. A door. How the hell did I get here? Let me think…God, my mind is racing. I can’t seem to get a grip…
A prequel to The Cell (Desperate Monologue Challenge)
It’s been three days since they buried me alive.
They did it in the most humane way possible, really. A cube, six feet squar…
A prequel to Through the Cage (uselessness's desperate monologue challenge)
2:15 AM.
I wonder if you can die from sleep deprivation.
The truth is, I can’t stand laying here, knowing I’m awake. Knowin…
A prequel to Sleep Deprivation (Monologues Challenge)
“ARGHHHH!” I scream in outrage. Ever since that fateful day when that little witch Rammula locked my soul into this mirror i …
A prequel to Rammula's Mirror [monologues challenge]
Do I look alright? Is my hair still curled? It hasn’t come out already?! Whew! No, It’s fine. Let me check my lipstick…okay…
A prequel to First Dance [Desperate Monologue]
She sleeps so late…
God, couldn’t she sometime consider what I want? Once. Just… once. That’s all I’m asking.
Bitch.
...
A prequel to Non-symbiotic
I watch as the small grains of sand drop, one by one. Outside of my distorted image, people walk by, not even noticing my des…
A prequel to _tick, tick, tick_{uselessness' challenge}
Oh, another blue wall stretching away into the distance, what a shock. Every wall has been blue and stretching away into the …
A prequel to Theseus Had It Easy (desperate monologue challenge)
I can hear him upstairs walking around on the tiled floor.
The basement door is locked of course, no matter how much I push,...
A prequel to Basement Blues{ Uselessness's Monologue Challenge}
I’m outside the car. Okay, physically I’m inside the car, but really I’m outside the car.
Oh, sure I could use a ride. Why …
A prequel to Riding In Cars With Exes
_How did he know I was home alone? How did he know the window would be unlocked? Oh God! Oh God! Why is he breathing so heavy…
A prequel to Hit or Miss (desperate monologue challange)
I want out. I just really want out. Is that so much to ask for? These voices are starting to scare me. I don’t know how much …
A prequel to My Own Jailer [Desperate Monologue Challenge]
I have never liked being trapped. Alone by myself never going to escape. Like a snake in its cage, I sit on the lonely seat, ...
A prequel to Trapped in my thoughts.
I feel so dumb. I thought he was so different, not the kind of guy who would do this. Look at him there, acting like he hasn’...
A prequel to Party Gone Wrong ((uselessness's monologue challenge))
_Why’s it so bright in here? So bright I can’t see anything- what an oxymoron. How did I get here? Oh man, what was I doing l…
A prequel to Into the Light
Bubbles. Sounds. Lights. I don’t know what’s going on anymore. It shouldn’t be this hot in here should it? How come everythin…
A prequel to Faintly Bewildered
Oh will this ever end! It is Saturday and I am traped doing these chores. Well I guess it is my fault I am grounded, I my gra…
A prequel to Grounded (Desperate Monologues)
So I’m staring at the doorknob. Why am I staring at my doorknob? I’m retarded. Ooh cool, if a move around it reflects all the…
A prequel to What happens when you assemble a doorknob incorrectly
Mom was right. I’m not ready to live alone.
That light under the door, mocking me, I’m going cr