A Mastodon writing prompt story. These are science fiction short stories (usually 480 characters or less), based on an image generated by EW Doc Parris using MidJourney.
There we were, loaded for bear. But like all things military, it was now hurry up and wait. And wait. And wait.
We wanted to go. But we didn’t want to go. There was still the question of whether this fight was worth it. And standing around without more orders would lead to the worst thing before combat: time to think.
A Mastodon writing prompt story. These are science fiction short stories (usually 480 characters or less), based on an image generated by EW Doc Parris using MidJourney.
“Cable 5527 goes spinward, cable 4376 goes antispinward, and 1008 crosses midspin. And Pat, why are you even here? That’s for the next one over. Are you trying to get us all killed?”
“But Kim said…”
“Why are you listening to Kim?”
“Um…”
“Yeah, um. Pat, reel yours in and get out of here. You three, pull back, try again, and get it right.”
A Mastodon writing prompt story. These are science fiction short stories (usually 480 characters or less), based on an image generated by EW Doc Parris using MidJourney.
The suit fits well. Their tech did a great job, even if they got a bit handsy making the adjustments. And the rep said the colour was a limited edition. I bet that was just sales patter. It does match the bike, or at least its close.
I might need to get the cooling system adjusted, though, because it’s actually a little on the chilly side. Too bad I’m probably going to scrape it up in about 4 hours. I’m not losing another race to the prygs.
A Mastodon writing prompt story. These are science fiction short stories (usually 480 characters or less), based on an image generated by EW Doc Parris using MidJourney.
Wow! My first sunset on another world! Today was busy, settling in, so I didn’t get out of the new base much. I finally got a chance to just be, and it is amazing.
Of course, it turns out almost all of this beauty is lethal to us. Those plants will do a real number on your digestive system. And the “water”? Well, let’s just say it’s best not to dip a toe, or any part of your body you actually care about in it.
A collection of Mastodon writing prompt stories. These are science fiction short stories (usually 480 characters or less), based on an image generated by EW Doc Parris using MidJourney.
In this instance, I came up with three stories for the single prompt. They were originally published April 23, 2023.
Story 1: The Conference
Why did I choose the in-person attendance option for this conference? It was being dimensionally hypercast across the quadrant for half-the price. Sure, seeing the in-person demos of the updated matter transport was cool. But that talk on cross-eco-regulations? Probably should have read the description better.
But now I’ve go to return some guy’s weapon to lost and found, and then find the Arcturus Room. There had better be snacks waiting when I get there.
Story 2: The Escape
Okay, I’m out of that compartment, but I don’t recognize the corridor. I should have been paying more attention when I arrived, but who would have expected that I was going to be forced to be a “guest”? Fortunately, their hatch locks are junk.
Should I try for the bridge, or just look for an escape pod? Maybe they have a long-range shuttle on board. The bridge could mean a shot at an emergency broadcast message.
I liberated a weapon, now I have to liberate myself.
Story 3: The Intense Model
“Okay, perfect, now hold…”
Toni heard the camera shutter click several times.
“Delicious! Now, same pose, but look straight at the camera, luv.”
“I told you to not call me that” Toni growled.
“What?”
“No luv, dear, hun, babe.” Her eyes were ice.
“It’s just…” the photographer looked hurt, then began to sweat as the selector switch move from off to power-up. An indicator light went from red to amber to green.
“I dare you to say ‘luv’ one. More. Time” Toni said.
A Mastodon writing prompt story. These are science fiction short stories (usually 480 characters or less), based on an image generated by EW Doc Parris using MidJourney.
Kort stood, marvelling at the sight. They were still trying to wrap their head around the physics that would produce those rings when their radio crackled to life.
“You done? What did you find?”
“Yup. Snow” Kort replied.
“And?”
“And snow.”
“Nothing else?”
“Packed snow. Some rocks.”
“Well let’s get moving then. Skipper says it’s time to go. We got 3 more of these to survey.”
A Mastodon writing prompt story. These are science fiction short stories (usually 480 characters or less), based on an image generated by EW Doc Parris using MidJourney.
I think it’s broken. It doesn’t fit right, the software keeps glitching, and the connectors are wonky. If I can’t get this working, I’m going to be stuck here. Forever.
He said all the parts I would need are here. He didn’t explain whatever his system was for organizing them. It probably makes sense to him. It make no sense to me. It look like an electronics store blew up.
I’ll have to figure something out. And fast. Time is running out. They’re almost here.
A Mastodon writing prompt story. These are science fiction short stories (usually 480 characters or less), based on an image generated by EW Doc Parris using MidJourney.
The Planner nodded. “Looks like. You ready for this? There’s probably no coming back.”
I nodded in return. “A ship needs her captain. I’ll get no rest, but my passengers will be sleeping for a long, long time. I just need to last the duration, enough for them to see landfall. And their new home.”
“And the boredom?”
“The shoulder patches. They’ll take care of that for me.”
Warning, this contains spoilers for Season 3 of The Mandalorian. Continue reading at your risk.
That’s it? All that build up to end in Mando and Grogu hanging out in a cabin in the countryside? Seriously? The ending of this season was entirely underwhelming. It’s hard to know where to begin on this mess.
Too Many Loose Threads
Nothing got resolved about the Mythosaur, it’s as if it was never part of the story. IG-11 is “miraculously” put back together to be the new Marshall. The Darksabre is destroyed, which implies it was never that important. Who the hell knows what’s happening back on Coruscant, even though it was important enough to dedicate 1/8th of the season’s story to it (seriously, it could have been a 10-second sequence). Oh, and what ever happened to those giant chicks they got? Did they become dinner in some subsequent episode? And where’s the pirate gone? Is Moff Gideon really ash, or did his super-duper armour protect him?
Yeah, yeah, stuff for Season 4. If there is one. If Disney decides to end it here, I’d be fine with that. The only good season was the first. The second was okay, although the “let’s set up another spinoff” thing was getting a bit wearisome. This third season was a pointless mess.
It all wraps up so Mando and Grogu can go off on new adventures. Yeah, this is such a satisfying end (spoiler alert: it isn’t).
All Filler, Little Content
There was, at best, 2-3 hours of actual story in this season, and 5-6 hours of useless filler. All the stupid side quests did nothing to advance the overall plot, and weren’t a way to introduce any new meaningful characters. As cool as it was to see Uppa back in his X-Wing, and as amusing as it was to see him show just how incompetent the New Republic is, again, it added nothing overall. This whole season could have been a movie, and then it might have been more satisfying.
If there is a Season 4, maybe getting back to a more episodic form might be better. Although a different title might be in order (maybe The New Adventures of Mando and Grogu?). It might be entertaining. But part of Star Wars is that there is a grand arc, a bigger story that the stuff we watch (or read) is part of. The entire franchise is premised around it. And as bad as Lucas might have been at dialog, he had a knack for telling stories within stories. Season One of The Mandalorian fit within that. The next two started to drift somewhat.
All I can say now is thank goodness for Andor and The Bad Batch. Maybe we can get some stories about the Adelphi Rangers?
A Mastodon writing prompt story. These are science fiction short stories (usually 480 characters or less), based on an image generated by EW Doc Parris using MidJourney.
“C’mon Jake, really? Be more careful with your coffee.”
“Sorry Maneet, I tripped. The room is a bit of a mess.” Glances over her shoulder. “Will that even work?”
“Well, it’s better than the armor we’re using now, should be lighter, and easier to repair. And the advanced myomers will provide some extra strength.”
“Where’s the power?”
“On the back. It’s not done.”
“Not sure about the design in the crotch area, though. That looks a bit uncomfortable.”
