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Category: Genre

The different genres of story telling. A story may fall into more than one genre.

Racy Racer

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 stories are originally posted on Mastodon via my personal account.

Originally published April 19, 2023.

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.

Wonder On A New World

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 stories are originally posted on Mastodon via my personal account.

Originally published April 20, 2023.

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.

I’m not sure I want to encounter the wildlife.

One Prompt, Three Stories

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.

The stories are originally posted on Mastodon via my personal account.

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.

Rings and Snow

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 stories are originally posted on Mastodon via my personal account.

Originally published April 18, 2023.

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.”

“More snow?” Kort asked.

“One with liquid methane.”

“Good there’s some variety.”

The Escape Route

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 stories are originally posted on Mastodon via my personal account.

Originally published April 17, 2023.

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.

The Enhanced Man

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 stories are originally posted on Mastodon via my personal account.

Originally published April 14, 2023.

“Looks like it all checks out” I said.

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.”

We embraced.

“Best suit up then. Ship’s waiting.”

The Design

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 stories are originally posted on Mastodon via my personal account.

Originally published April 15, 2023.

“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.”

“Not for the eunuchs.”

The Knockout Blow

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 stories are originally posted on Mastodon via my personal account.

Originally published April 13, 2023.

Sara could feel the numbness quickly spread as the stunstars hit. She tried to get to her knees, to reduce the pain of hitting the ground. But she was only partway when they took full effect. Sara toppled, hit, and the pain was the only thing she could feel.

She was still conscious, aware of everything. A silver/gray face loomed over her.

“Your aunt says it’s time to come home” the deep metallic bass intoned as she was lifted from the ground.

The Next Mission

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 stories are originally posted on Mastodon via my personal account.

Originally published April 12, 2023.

“Well?” he asked.

“Well what?” I responded.

“That’s our home and we intend to take it back. Are you just going to stand there gawking, or are you going to help?”

I paused, thinking, starting to question why I came in the first place. I suppose I could back out now. But, I did kinda promise, and Marti was going to pay well for my services.

I adjusted my gear, powered up my weapon, then nodded.

“Let’s do it.”

Tears on Silent Stone

A man stands silently. Wind ruffles thin and greying hair. 

He thinks about the arguments, disagreements about arming, appeasement. The yelling. The elder wants to arm. The younger wants peace.

Then the first annexation. The first invasion.

Disagreement turns, becomes less vehement.

Another annexation, invasion under pretence.

The middle ground transforms to agreement, then passion, commitment.

Commitment followed by enlistment. Departures, see you soon.

The rain when the telegram arrives. Deeply regret to inform you… The tears. Sadness. 

The Portland Stone monument. The name, the dates. June 6, 1944.

“I said I would see you again” spoken to empty air.