Ficlets

The Challenge [LoA 2075 or Beyond Challenge]

He tapped the desk, waiting for the homepage to appear. It was sluggish today for some reason.

“Is there a problem, H-547?” the teacher asked, standing expectantly over his shoulder. He hated when she hung over him like that. He had the impression of a dark vulture perched on a branch above him, waiting to pounce.

“No, ma’am,” he mumbled and pressed the reload button again, trying to get the Ficlets homepage to load faster, wondering what today’s challenge would be.

Ever since the League of Awesomeness had made challenges compulsory for students, students and teachers alike had felt it was a burden. They would never voice this complaint, of course, because to do so would be to leave yourself open to the vitriol of the LoA.

H-547 was perhaps the only one alive who relished the challenges, seeing each one as a chance to mark his individuality and set himself apart from the norm.

Finally, the screen began to flash with words, informing him of the latest challenge. He rubbed his hands together and smiled.

Comments

Average Reader Rating:

The Challenge [LoA 2075 or Beyond Challenge]
Ana Cristina
Posted 2 months ago

I can’t even imagine people not liking challenges, as they’re so successful on this site, but I imagine that, like anything you make compulsory, it would become less popular if it were made mandatory.
The Challenge [LoA 2075 or Beyond Challenge]
Browncoatben
Posted 2 months ago

Your thoughts are evil, Ana!
To think that my creative, free outlet would become the control mechanism of a totalitarian government and education system is the devil in pants.

Nicely written though!

;)
The Challenge [LoA 2075 or Beyond Challenge]
penguincaptain18
Posted 2 months ago

“He had the impression of a dark vulture perched on a branch above him, waiting to pounce.” I love that line! I agree, if you made ficlets mandatory, I doubt people would be able to enjoy it as much.
The Challenge [LoA 2075 or Beyond Challenge]
thebetweenspace
Posted 2 months ago

Oh, I don’t like your version of the future at all. A very dark and bleak future, it is. Mandatory ficlets would erase all my fun… But, I enjoyed the story (just so long as it doesn’t come true). ;)
The Challenge [LoA 2075 or Beyond Challenge]
Mighty-Joe Young
Posted 2 months ago

i like it anna but i hope that is not the way the future goes, unless of course it is a ficlet to the death type mandatory scenario i like that.
The Challenge [LoA 2075 or Beyond Challenge]
invisibility_disability
Posted 2 months ago

bleak outlook… but good ficlet!
The Challenge [LoA 2075 or Beyond Challenge]
.:band baby:.
Posted 2 months ago

i must agree with Madatory Ficleting would just become a pain..
The Challenge [LoA 2075 or Beyond Challenge]
Krulltar
Posted 2 months ago

I love the way you present the mandatory ficleting as the lesser of two evils, when compared to mass conformity and loss of individualism.
I’m not sure how the LoA is involved with your story, unless the LoA is responsible for mandatory ficleting. I think your ficlet dovetails well with THX ’s Dark League version to this challenge.
The Challenge [LoA 2075 or Beyond Challenge]
paper flowers
Posted 2 months ago

A great ficlet, but I’m not liking the idea of it being compulsory,...we rebels don’t do manditory. :)
The Challenge [LoA 2075 or Beyond Challenge]
Ana Cristina
Posted 2 months ago

Amen, sister/brother. ;)
The Challenge [LoA 2075 or Beyond Challenge]
Mistress Elsha Hawk
Posted 2 months ago

I like the idea of ficlets used in the classroom, but I suppose not everyone would enjoy writing them as much as we do!
The Challenge [LoA 2075 or Beyond Challenge]
g2 (la pianista irlandesa)
Posted about 1 month ago

If someone forces another (usually younger, often between the ages 14-18) person to do something, the activity instantly loses its charm and sheen.
But, beautiful portrayal of something potentially bleak