Steeltown Rules!

Tunnel

Photo: © Al Forbes 2014

Dear Cedar Thyme School for Boys,

So you have been around for a long time – since 1753, according to the plaque above your expensive-looking solid oak doors. Big deal! We at Steeltown Comprehensive (founded 2013) are here to stay. And we’ve got a nice new modern building with upvc double glazing!

Some of the lads at the school asked me to write this note as they think I’m one of the cleverer ones. They say I won’t just threaten you with violence – which, if I did, might be fun – but it would get our school closed down, or something.

We have the misfortune to share a boundary wall with you. But the way you toffs keep throwing bottles and stuff at us has got to stop. After complaints from parents, the council put up some sort of metal tunnel to protect us as we enter and leave. But there are huge gaps in it, so we’re still getting hit.

Don’t forget, throwing missiles – it’s not big or clever. It’s probably illegal too.

Some of our teachers have written to your school, to ask them to put a stop to it. They said they’d look into it. But it was all written off as ‘high jinks’ and a bit of boisterous boys’ behaviour. In short, nothing much happened.

So we’ve decided to take matters into our own hands. My dad is a builder, and over the holidays, he and his mates are going to tear down that flimsy tunnel, and build a proper solid one. They’ve recently taken down an old railway bridge and they’ve got all this spare stone. Funny how things work out, if you follow my train of thought…

stone tunnel

So, when you come back in the New Year, expect us to be fully protected. But not only that, they’re going to put ‘firing slots’ in the stone. You won’t hit us, but we could hit you!!

I’m not saying we will (for legal reasons, ok).

Now we’re playing by Steeltown Rules! It’s payback, Thyme!

Yours sincerely,

B. Thomas

“Brainy” Brian Thomas,
Head Teacher,
Steeltown Comprehensive School.

This story was prompted by Sunday Photo Fiction, November 30th 2014, hosted by Al Forbes.

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spf

 To view other entries in this challenge, click the link here.

The story and photos are also entered for the Pixel Prose Challenge, hosted by Amanda Lakey at UniqueArt Chic.com.

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To view other entries in this challenge, click the link.

Old World Relics

Globes

Photo and Fiction © Steve Lakey 2014

I am Gabriel. Until today I was the Curator of Antiquities at the Pyramid of Praise. The High Priest Council decided it was time for me to take retirement. I would have liked to stay longer, but they have someone more suitable in mind for the job. Someone a little more ‘trustworthy’, no doubt.

I’ll keep this brief as there isn’t much time. I have copied this document on a printing press machine. A piece of technology our world has not seen for centuries.

Look at the globes in this picture – hidden in a secret gallery – forbidden to ordinary eyes. THIS IS OUR WORLD, I ASSURE YOU. IT IS NOT FLAT!

Know this, the Old Race of man that made those globes had technologies that would stagger your mind. I have only seen a fraction of what they created. But I have discovered more…

The Old Race took control of the skies, and headed for the stars. That’s when things changed. There was a landing on the Red Planet, and much later they formed a colony. Eventually some of those people returned to Earth.

But they were not alone! People who look like us, but with stronger minds, came here not to assimilate, but to control.

Using Science disguised as magic, the ‘High Priests’, as they named themselves, quickly gained absolute control of this planet. Gradually they rolled back our knowledge, and forbade its use. To this day, they remain cowled and hidden in their pyramids. Yet they rule without dissent.

I know my retirement will be brief, and I will not be seen again. I have given copies of this document to trusted friends. Please read this and pass it on. Make and distribute copies if you can.

Remember, Knowledge is power!

Good luck to you all.

Gabriel

The photo and story were prompted by Pixel Prose Challenge, November 23rd 2014, hosted by Amanda Lakey at UniqueArtChic.comClick the logo for more details.

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To view other posts in this challenge, click the link.

Artist’s Impression

IMG_0452

Photo and Fiction © Steve Lakey 2014

 

I’m a Seafront Artist. Like a piece of smooth wood on the beach, I sort of drifted into it: the business was handed down from father to son. But of course, I’ve taken it to the next level.

I found creating the artwork a bit of a bind in the early days. But – needs must, and all that. Good job I’m a bit of a genius with modern technology.

You probably know the drill: I take a few photos of you, and when you return, 30 minutes later, there you are – in a cartoon style, or looking like a Hollywood star. I’m nothing if not versatile.
If you like what you see, you might want to look at my watercolours, or oils.

I’m always one for making a good impression, wearing my traditional beret, pencil moustache and artist’s smock. A half-completed masterpiece on the easel…

During the summer season, I spend my days in my brightly coloured beach hut, which doubles as an artist’s studio. But, with me, I’m afraid not everything is as it seems.

My hut isn’t wood. Too high-maintenance. It’s made from brightly covered materials that will still look good in fifty years time. Much like myself, I suppose!

Don’t ask where I get the feed for my wi-fi and satellite TV. I’m not telling about either.

So, what will your picture be mate, humorous or classic?

What! You’re a copper? Got to be kidding me. So, okay, I use computer software to make pictures. I never actually say that I paint ‘em myself. Not illegal is it? Don’t you put those cuffs on me! I’ve got a reputation to think about.

I’ve been framed!

 

The photo and story were prompted by Pixel Prose Challenge, November 16th 2014, hosted by Amanda Lakey at UniqueArtChic.comClick the logo for more details.

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To view other posts in this challenge, click here.