Genre: Apocalyptic (103 words)
Dancing Orbs
The observatories lined the hillside like a strand of shining bulbs on a Christmas tree. Their orchestral mirrors probed the skies to deliver bewildering images beyond explanation. Certainly they must have answers about the icy dust covering the planet.
The two dotted figures slogged through the snow, dragging their icicle brick feet up the mountain. They plunged ahead, transfixed by the glow of dancing orbs.
They were greeted with smiles and then doors slammed behind them.
“Our volunteers have arrived,” a man whisked them down a hallway.
“Wait. No.”
“Congratulations. You’ve been selected to save the human race.”
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This prompt was for the Friday Fictioneers weekly challenge, where a group of writers across the globe write a 100-word story based on a photo.
I apologize for my lateness, but I will admit that this prompt really stumped me. I gave it a go anyway! I’m not that pleased with my story, but here it is.
All are welcome to participate. If you are interested, join in!
Thank you to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting and to Doug MacIlroy for this amazing photo.
Click here for more stories from the Fictioneers.
AmyReeseWrites 
Well I like it! No reason to not be pleased at all!
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Really? Thanks, Dale. I had a hard time making a story stick together. I like to at least write something!
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Sometimes I think some of my stories suck and I then get good feedback – go figure!
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You just never know, huh? It could really speak to someone. This is why I always give it a go! Thanks for all your encouragement, Dale.
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I agree with Dale. Your story makes an enjoyable read and I love the description of the observatories “like bulbs on a Christmas tree”. Dancing orbs is also a very fitting title. “Icicle brick feet” … another good description. 🙂 I’m intrigued by that last line, too. I can’t help wondering what they’re supposed to save the human race from…
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Thanks, Millie. Maybe what I lack in story I’ve made up with description. Well, the icy dust, of course. But how is a mystery…I think they will be going on a rather long journey. 🙂
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Save the human race–now there’s a lofty goal. Would make for a great longer story, too.
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Thank you, Carrie. I suppose we can’t have too many saving the human race stories. We need so much help.
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Oh oh, great work!
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Thanks so much!
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Terrific little story. Terrific photo prompt this week. Where are those observatories?
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Thanks so much, Stephen. I’m glad you liked it. Isn’t it a great prompt? This is the Keck Observatory, on the summit of Mauna Kea, Island of Hawaii. Here’s some info: http://www.keckobservatory.org/
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Aha
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“…two dotted figures slogged through the snow…”
Sounds like the making of a film, with some real-time shots. In the distance, two dotted figures…
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Or a news recap. Thanks, Adam. I wanted to give the impression that they were being watched from afar.
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There is that, yes. I guess I just play more to the thematic…atmospheric…
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I like the atmospheric if I can manage it.
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Sounds like a case of mistaken identity. Nicely done.
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Could be, could. be. Thank you.
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Dear Amy,
Surprising ending…for the two weary travelers, that is. I love the vision of the dancing orbs. You’ve nothing to be worried about. It works.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle, I’m so happy to hear it works! You’re so kind. I think you can relate with your unstory story, although you have a really good excuse. Thank you.
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Amy, I’m glad you joined me and Doug in the triple digits this week. And here I thought I’d be dead last. 🙂 I like this story for its mixture of impending doom and hopefulness. I get the feeling that the “volunteers” didn’t know what they were getting into.
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Just for you I wrote this, see? Ha ha. I must be last! Thanks. You’re always so encouraging. Yes, I don’t think they would have signed up. I have that feeling, too. 🙂
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I kind of feel like we’re the cool kids, hanging out in the back of the class. Not the teacher’s pets like Sandra and Rochelle, right at the front. 😉
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Ha ha! Yeah, that’s right. We’re cool. 😉
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It works! Great description here. I wonder what awaits the “volunteers.”
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Thanks, Amie. I think they’re about to find out how they will be helping.
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This photo clearly took several of us in this direction! Such a haunting image. Despite your challenge with it, I think you’ve done a really nice job capturing the story behind this photo prompt, Amy! Nice job!
I thought that in the first line/sentence, it would be stronger if it read lights ON a Christmas tree. Just a thought; the story is very good regardless. 😉
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Oh, thanks! My mind feels a bit strained lately, but I’m glad I tried something. Yes, I like that better, Dawn. Great suggestion. I’ll make the change when my child lets me have the computer back. 🙂
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I love the description of “icicle brick feet”. I wonder what they need to do, and if they really did “volunteer” 🙂
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Thanks, Ali. I don’t think this “volunteer” idea was explained very well. 🙂
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Oh no! This does not sound negotiable, does it? That’s some project ahead for them 😦
I think you’ve written a great piece, Amy…It’s difficult to judge our own work sometimes.
Ellespeth
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Right, Ellespeth. You got that right. This is not negotiable. Thanks. I agree, sometimes it’s better to not think too much and be too critical. People are very encouraging. 🙂
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I like it also, Amy… you always manage to get a good twist and a bigger tale within your hundred words!
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Thank you, Tom. That’s so very nice of you to say! Thanks for reading.
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They didn’t see that coming. Not a bad job though!
Rosey Pinkerton
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I think they had something else in mind. Thanks so much, Rosey.
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I loved it – wish it would have continued. You set up a very intriguing story that sparked my imagination about possible apocalyptic events. Perfect fit with the photo as well!
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Thanks so much, Kelly! I’m glad I could your spark your imagination. Thanks for your lovely comments. 🙂
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This worked for me. I am intrigued to find out more.
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Thank you, Michelle. Thinking about you. I hope you’re well.
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saved the human race? first, they must give them food. they must be real hungry. 🙂
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Right. They got to keep their priorities straight! 🙂
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Yikes! It definitely makes me want to hear more! Are they needed for procreation? Are they expected to have a plan?
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Excellent questions, Emily. There are many possibilities, as you suggest. I would say they have no plan, but they need one!
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Good thing they didn’t pick me. We’d all be doomed.
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I know. That’s a lot of pressure on those two!
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Good story, Amy. Nothing wrong with it. I don’t think it looks good for these volunteers. though. That door slamming behind them sounds kind of final. Perhaps “test subjects” might be a better name for them. Well done. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thanks, Suzanne. I can’t imagine slamming doors are good in any situation. Test subjects would definitely scare them even more. Thanks for reading.
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Amy, This was good. The word “volunteers” implies that saving mankind is not a very pleasant activity 🙂
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Thank you. That’s true. They should be so honored to save humanity, shouldn’t they?
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Great story & good job! I like the Christmas decorations! Nan
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Thank you, Nan. So glad you liked it. 🙂
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What do you mean stumped? That certainly worked! You’re a nut.
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Ha! No, you’re the nut. Thanks, Mark. I’m glad it worked for you.
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This is the start of a movie! 🙂
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Probably a bad one, Frank! Just kidding. Thank you.
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