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 Ficlet Prompt for July
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| M1795537OCVirn |
Posted on 05-07-2025 12:42
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 Admin  Posts: 14115 Joined: 14.01.22 |
With apologies for late arrival....Travisina sends us: Historical: July was named by the Roman Senate in honour of Roman general and statesman Julius Caesar in 44 B.C., being the month of his birth. Before then it was called Quintilis, being the fifth month of the calendar that started with March.[ As Blake's 7 is set in the 3rd Century of the 2nd Calendar, the months could have completely different names - what would they be called, and why? Is there a month named after Servalan, or the President? Do other planets / systems follow the same calendar? Fun: Early July is known as the Dog Days in the northern hemisphere. If each of the Liberator / Scorpio crew had a dog, what breed would they choose, and what would be its name? OK, folks, lots to thinks about (again). Thanks, Travisina! "You're not sulking, I hope?"
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| Cygnus Bazza |
Posted on 13-07-2025 14:27
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 Alpha Grade  Posts: 5419 Joined: 14.06.22 |
Caesar Salad “What.. Kill him? Completely?” “Such an ugly word, Vila. ‘Kill’. Kindly desist from using it. No class. ” “Ah, sorry, Avon. OK…how about…‘top’?” “I was thinking more…‘assassinate’. Sounds intrinsically public-spirited. Almost…selfless…” “Ah, I get it! A selfless, public-spirited topping. Can’t quite see how you fit in, Avon. But still. Yep. I can just about get behind that.” “You see, Vila, what a man of your risible mediocrity would simply never be able to fathom is that I’ve actually always had a keen sense of…duty. Yes, I’m a duty kinda guy. Whereas you…not so much. More of a… What’s the phrase I’m groping for?” “Duty-free?” “Precisely! Yes, Vila, you’re definitely more of a…duty-free kinda guy…” “That’s fair. Can’t argue with that. Always insist on getting my full allowance. You should have seen me last time. Two hundred Rothmans, four litres of still soma and managed to pick the lock in a display cabinet and nick a tester bottle of Chanel Number Four-and-a-bit for the special lady not in my life. Not forgetting a huge bottle of Brut and a pair of giant Toblerones. Yep, I ate two!” “Ate two?...Brut, eh?” “Words that may go down in history…” “I rather doubt it.” “Just remind me, though, Avon, why we should kill…I mean top…I mean assassinate Blake? What exactly’s on his rap sheet?” “Well… It’s just general, really…” “General what?” “Well, you know, just general…in general. General stuff. General general stuff. Generally. General generally general stuff.” “Well, I’m sorry, Avon, but if you’re seriously asking me to be bit of a dick and engage in something dastardly, I’ll need something just a bit more specific and just a little less…” “General? OK, let’s think… Blake… Blake… Yes, let’s start with his narcissistic personality disorder, manipulative psychopathy and overweening hubris.” “In English?” “Bossy git. And now that he’s unilaterally declared himself ‘dictator for life’ on the Liberator, in an unfortunate echo of the career of a certain Gaius Julius Caesar, he’ll soon have eyes on the one and only thing he truly covets.” “The lead role in Lear?” “No! A royal title!” “But you’ve been calling him ’king Blake for ages!” “Only behind his back, Vila. Never to his smug, self-satisfied, perm-topped mush… Yes, I see this as an act of…” “Regicide?” “Well, technically, no. He’s not king yet. No, he’s just a bloomin’ pest…” “OK…so we’re going to commit………pesticide!” “Precisely! And talking of pesticide, we’ll stick something in his lunchtime salad. Now he’s on the caveman diet it’ll be dead easy. He won’t have a carb or legume to hide behind… We’ll hollow out a radish...” “But Jenna might try to save him. Are you worried about that? Who’d stop her? And what would we do?” “Let me answer your three questions in strict order, Vila. Not un-duly. Us. Seize ’er...” |
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| Paula |
Posted on 13-07-2025 20:52
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 Moderator  Posts: 4961 Joined: 15.01.22 |
Oh, Cygnus, I don't know how I did it but I groaned and cheered all at once! Well done, loved it.
Resist the Host
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| BlueyH |
Posted on 14-07-2025 04:58
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 Gamma Grade  Posts: 272 Joined: 04.02.25 |
Getting the chop. "I don't know why he was allowed onto the ship in the first place" complained Avon. "He's dirty, smelly and useless. He eats all the food, poos in the teleport bay, won't fetch his ball back, and he put dribble stains all down my favourite lobster leathers" "I wondered why we hadn't seen you wear those recently." said Vila. "C'mon though, he's not too bad. When he looks up with those puppy-dog eyes, don't you just want to roll him over and tickle his big tummy" "That won't sway me. As soon as we're in teleport range of a habitable planet, I'm putting him off the ship." "What's going on?" asked Blake, strolling onto the flight deck. "Avon's had enough" replied Vila "It looks like the labrador puppy Gan brought onboard is for the chop" "Surely not" replied Blake, looking shocked. Avon turned to Vila. "What, no, I love Mr. Snuffly-Wuffly. He cuddles up to me at night. It's Gan I was talking about " "Oh, that's ok then" said Blake. ++CONFIRMED++ agreed Zen Edited by BlueyH on 14-07-2025 06:06 I look exactly as Avon reasoned I would.
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| M1795537OCVirn |
Posted on 14-07-2025 09:57
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Admin Posts: 14115 Joined: 14.01.22 |
Can I borrow 'risible mediocrity' please? I think it's going to come in useful. Great stuff, CB. Nice try, BlueyH, but now all the GanFans are going to come after you! "You're not sulking, I hope?"
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| Cygnus Bazza |
Posted on 15-07-2025 07:05
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Alpha Grade Posts: 5419 Joined: 14.06.22 |
TVM for that, Paula & M1! (Borrow away, M1. You can have it on indefinite loan.) Neat tale, BlueyH - I wonder whether he had all the requisite injections before they allowed him onboard. |
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| M1795537OCVirn |
Posted on 15-07-2025 10:00
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Admin Posts: 14115 Joined: 14.01.22 |
TVM for that, Paula & M1! (Borrow away, M1. You can have it on indefinite loan.) Neat tale, BlueyH - I wonder whether he had all the requisite injections before they allowed him onboard. It would be hard to get the stuff on the back of Gan's neck, too. "You're not sulking, I hope?"
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| littlesue |
Posted on 17-07-2025 09:29
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 Alpha Grade Posts: 3889 Joined: 17.01.22 |
Well here goes with one prompt. Now, we've had that rather nice computer expert chased by robots and apple picking machines...well. I couldn't help myself........ It’s a Dog’s Life “What’s that?” “That, Vila, is a dog,” Jenna replied. “What does it do?” Jenna sighed. Here they were walking around the spaceport looking for some more supplies for Avon’s still to be revealed secret project, and all Vila could do was point out a very nice long haired canine happily following its owner. “It doesn’t do anything. It’s just...oh I don’t know. Company I suppose.” “Can I have one?” “On the Liberator? I hardly think so. For one thing....” But Vila had gone. Off on hot pursuit of the happy dog and its owner. “Jenna, can you come here?” It was Vila, his voice hardly audible over the bracelet. “What now? We are supposed to be...” “I know. But its about that lovely dog. I’ve found out where she was taking it. And I don’t like it...and neither will you.” “A dog shelter?” Jenna asked. “Yes. She brought it here and then left...without it!” “So?” “Well, I went inside to find out what had happened to it...” “And?” “She left it here. Couldn’t be bothered with all the walkies and,...and other things. They said they couldn’t take it as they were shutting up shop and ...well, you’d better come and have a look.” Jenna looked aghast. “What? You said that we would take them? All of them? Where? How?...” “Well, if we don’t they will...” Jenna listened in horror, “Not on my watch!” Blake stared in abject disbelief as he saw exactly what had teleported up from the space port. “Dogs? But?” “But nothing,” Jenna declared, “They were going to...dispose of these lovely little creatures, ” she paused as the spaniel gazed up at her. She gently patted its head and continued, “What were Vila and I suppose to do?” “We can find them homes,” Gan said, gently stroking the St Bernard that was leaning against his leg. “You were correct to do so Jenna,” agreed Cally, her hand patting the Afghan hound which was looking up at her. “And I’m having this Jack Russell; small and fiery, like me,” said Vila, “well at least until we can find new homes. There must be loads of planets who’d love these dogs.” Blake still wasn’t convinced, even as the big eyed Welsh Terrier ran up to him. “Well, all right, but you will have to find them these homes, Vila, otherwise you are sorting out cleaning up after them... if you get my drift.” “I can help you Vila,” Gan smiled. “Oh good.” Just then, Avon appeared in the teleport section, coming to find out where his requested supplies were. For Vila, it was too late to keep his hand firmly grasped on the remaining dog which suddenly lurched across the deck straight towards the unsuspecting Avon. “What the....” but it was too late. The Great Dane landed on him with a thud. “Get this...thing of off me!” “I think he likes you,” giggled Jenna. “Well, there’s no accounting for taste!” Vila smiled, as everyone else tried, unsuccessfully, to stifle their laughs!!! Cold! You don't know the meaning of the word cold! Cold is when you have ice on the INSIDE of your window!! Sue's Book Shelf https://www.mediafire.com/folder/z1xg...Zine_Shelf Rebel Run Video https://youtu.be/8prqS-XZtLo |
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| BlueyH |
Posted on 18-07-2025 00:00
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Gamma Grade Posts: 272 Joined: 04.02.25 |
Great story Sue. Funnily enough, I was thinking Afghan Hound for Cally too! (...and a preening Poodle for Tarrant) Edited by BlueyH on 18-07-2025 00:11 I look exactly as Avon reasoned I would.
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| M1795537OCVirn |
Posted on 25-07-2025 00:15
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Admin Posts: 14115 Joined: 14.01.22 |
To address your enquiry re. names of the months, may I offer the following. The question below appeared in a recent Textalk, submitted by a Beta Grade Student (identity protected). The answer is adapted from ‘Third Calendar Customs and Traditions’; FedCom Statute 347.2913.45, (reproduced with permission). Q; Why do people still talk about days in space? And where did the Standard months get their names? A: The term ‘day’ has little tangible meaning in space flight, but most vessels operate on a 24-hour timetable, partly from habit, and partly because this regime fits well with human bodily needs. A Standard day is defined as an Earth day of 24 Standard hours (calibrated with reference to Standard minutes, Standard seconds and so on). With the expansion of the Federation, Terran Standards became the norm throughout Federation territory, with standardised units of days (24 hours), weeks*, months, (of which more later), and years, which since the Great Sol Reset (G-S-R), have almost exactly 360 days. For reasons of convenience, some non-federated worlds use these definitions alongside their own. The G-S-R, corrected Earth’s orbit and axial tilt, making its annual path around Sol slightly shorter, virtually circular, more predictable and therefore safer for navigation purposes. Small aberrations still occur, but these are controlled by the gravitons now operating throughout the Sol system, their purpose being to monitor for and correct such perturbations. Consequently, thanks to the foresight and courageous actions of the First President and his High Council, each month now consists of thirty days, avoiding the untidy confusion of previous calendars. Renaming the months was not without difficulties, since many cultures wished to retain at least some of their historic titles. Consensus was eventually achieved and the G-S-R Commission’s recommendations duly accepted as part of the treaty that established the Terran Administration as the sole ruling body of the Terran Federation. Names of the months. Cardinal number names were rejected as uninspiring, despite some Earth cultures having used them in the past. Equally, names related to aspects of the environment or to famous persons could not sufficiently reflect the variety of Federation experience. Names reflecting desirable character traits were approved by a majority vote of the High Council immediately prior to the adoption of the Third Calendar. Each month the names remind all citizens of their responsibility to embody these virtues, for the good of all. Local Administrations are further required to establish related traditions and celebrations that encourage their populations to greater awareness of the benefits of conformity. The months are: 1.Kindness, 2.Tolerance, 3.Honesty, 4.Curiosity, 5. Courage, 6.Compassion, 7.Generosity, 8.Fairness, 9. Loyalty, 10. Moderation, 11.Justice, 12. Peace. *Perhaps further explanation of a Standard week is in order: each month has three weeks of ten days, which are sub-divided into two five-day sections. each comprising four work days followed by one rest day. M179335537, Officer Commanding, Virn.
"You're not sulking, I hope?"
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| Cygnus Bazza |
Posted on 26-07-2025 07:23
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Alpha Grade Posts: 5419 Joined: 14.06.22 |
That's magnificent, M1! Got a real French Revolutionary Calendar vibe, which is perfect. Nice one, LittleSue. Trust you to come up with a shaggy dog story! |
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| Paula |
Posted on 26-07-2025 18:38
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Moderator Posts: 4961 Joined: 15.01.22 |
Excellent, Virn. We've had great ficlets this month.
Resist the Host
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| littlesue |
Posted on 28-07-2025 08:34
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Alpha Grade Posts: 3889 Joined: 17.01.22 |
Well here's the second prompt featuring the only person who would be brave enough to inform Servalan that renaming the months, in a certain way, would not be a good idea. Enter the man behind the red flower and with the longest, darkest eye lashes (ever) in Blake's 7... What’s in a Name? “Excuse me, Madame President, but there is a gentleman who wishes to see you.” The small, rotund man shuffled slightly then produced a red flower, “He asked, no, told me to present this to you, as his calling card, so to speak.” Servalan smiled, “By all means, please show this gentleman in and then leave us...” “But Madam...” “I do know the gentleman, so do not be alarmed.” The man bowed and hurriedly left. Carnell entered the room, his face a picture of innocence. “President Servalan. May I be allowed to congratulate you?” “You may, although by rights I should have you arrested and put into chains.” “That would be most unwise, Ma’am. This planet is neutral territory and they would not be pleased with that at all. I suppose you are still angry with me from last time?” Servalan smiled. It was difficult to be angry with Carnell. “Why do you want to see me?” “Well I should apologise for leaving you so unexpectedly over that weapon disaster, but I was not to blame for your peoples’ lack of information...” “Of course not...” “And then there was the matter of my fee...” “Carnell...” He sighed, “Do you mind if I sit?” “By all means.” “This planet is somewhat lacking in a proper transport system. All this walking about does take it out of one.” “Carnell...” “Of course. To the purpose of my visit. The outer Colonies are concerned about the Federation changing the names of months. They have only just adjusted to the new system since the Federation swept to power so many years ago.” “The old must make way for the new,” Servalan purred. “Indeed,” Carnell conceded, “But changing the names of the months, again, is, shall we say, perhaps one step to far.” “The names of the old Calendar months were an anachronism; shrouded in the mists of time.” “Oh I agree, Ma’am as does everyone. Changing those names was indeed a good thing, but the latest idea...” “And what is wrong with calling the months Servalan One, Servalan Two etc etc? Were not at least two of the old calender months named after great leaders of an ancient Empire?” “They were, but forgive me Ma’am; this is a delicate matter, I know. There may be people who find the names reprehensible. For example...Blake.” “You need not concern yourself with Blake. He no longer leads the Rebels. They are now led by the man called Avon who has displeased me.” “In what way, if I may be so bold to ask?” “I offered him the chance to rule with me and he was most robust in his refusal.” “I suspect that you have a plan?” “Indeed. It will take time, but when it does come to fruition he will regret that; it may even destroy him.” “They do say that Hell have no fury like a woman scorned.” “Oh indeed they do and I shall be the living embodiment of it....But now then, about these months....” Cold! You don't know the meaning of the word cold! Cold is when you have ice on the INSIDE of your window!! Sue's Book Shelf https://www.mediafire.com/folder/z1xg...Zine_Shelf Rebel Run Video https://youtu.be/8prqS-XZtLo |
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| M1795537OCVirn |
Posted on 28-07-2025 21:50
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Admin Posts: 14115 Joined: 14.01.22 |
Carnell, eh? I'm guessing this story is set before the events of 'Weapon', otherwise Mr Cool wouldn't make it through the door. Nice try Sue!
"You're not sulking, I hope?"
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| littlesue |
Posted on 29-07-2025 06:10
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Alpha Grade Posts: 3889 Joined: 17.01.22 |
Carnell, eh? I'm guessing this story is set before the events of 'Weapon', otherwise Mr Cool wouldn't make it through the door. Nice try Sue! No, it's set after Weapon and after Aftermath...and remember he's on a Neutral Planet...so Mr Smooth feels perfectly at ease and besides, he can talk his way out of ANY situation (at least that's what Lurena and I think, because we adore this character). Cold! You don't know the meaning of the word cold! Cold is when you have ice on the INSIDE of your window!! Sue's Book Shelf https://www.mediafire.com/folder/z1xg...Zine_Shelf Rebel Run Video https://youtu.be/8prqS-XZtLo |
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| M1795537OCVirn |
Posted on 29-07-2025 19:39
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Admin Posts: 14115 Joined: 14.01.22 |
Carnell, eh? I'm guessing this story is set before the events of 'Weapon', otherwise Mr Cool wouldn't make it through the door. Nice try Sue! No, it's set after Weapon and after Aftermath...and remember he's on a Neutral Planet...so Mr Smooth feels perfectly at ease and besides, he can talk his way out of ANY situation (at least that's what Lurena and I think, because we adore this character). What if Avon finds out?? By the way, thanks for the information: Federation Security is now searching all known neutral worlds.... "You're not sulking, I hope?"
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| littlesue |
Posted on 30-07-2025 08:24
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Alpha Grade Posts: 3889 Joined: 17.01.22 |
Avon already knows as both he and Mr Smooth have met in a previous story and ended up playing chess. And as for locating the gentleman himself...I don't even know which Neutral Planet he is on..... Cold! You don't know the meaning of the word cold! Cold is when you have ice on the INSIDE of your window!! Sue's Book Shelf https://www.mediafire.com/folder/z1xg...Zine_Shelf Rebel Run Video https://youtu.be/8prqS-XZtLo |
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