Intervention
He should have kept his distance. Objectivity was vital and here he was crying like a fool.
It had started so well. He was certain they’d realise what was happening and self-correct; surely the survival instinct was enough. He’d based the whole project on that one assumption.
“It’ll never work,” the naysayers predicted. “Trust us; we’ve been there.”
He took a moment to absorb the colours, the textures, the surge of the waves, the birdcalls, then tapped a code onto his screen.
24 hours to vacate. Then start again. Next time he’d intervene before they stood on two legs.
*****
This is my story for this week’s Friday Fictioneers, hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields.
Onto the page 
Oh my! Great take on the photo…..
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Thank you DB. I seem to be in a pessimistic phase – not sure why 🤔.
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Joe sounds an awful lot like someone I know. Excellent writing.
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Thank you for your encouraging comment, Jade. I’m wondering who it is Joe reminds you of.
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You are welcome, Margaret. God/Gaia
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Good. I thought that might have been who you meant.
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No warning plagues of locusts this time? No tablets?
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Oh yes. there were warnings – but nobody believed them. ‘Nah, just part of the natural order of things,’ they said. “Ain’t Earth clever to correct itself so often?’
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A full reboot, just what’s needed, let’s do this! Oh, hang on, I live here…
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Me too. I hope Joe has a change of heart and gives us another chance to ‘self-correct’. I wonder if we ever could.
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Such a clever take on the photo prompt! Well done.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Thank you, Susan. It’s a great photo.
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Wouldn’t it be loverly—–just do a full reboot. Brilliant.
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Thank you, Linda.
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Dear Joe, maybe you can save our spirits on an external harddrive before you reboot? That was great, Margaret, such a twist, made me laugh out loud.
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That’s great, Gabriele. I’m glad you enjoyed it. And Joe’s considering your suggestion, although he suspects that ‘s where the glitch might be. I don’t think he’d risk another failure.
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Clever portrait of a higher power clearly dissatisfied with how the project turned out. Nice way of bringing the tension between mankind’s and Divine/Nature’s will into our technological present, in a way we all can all understand. Wonder if He had a laptop back in Noah’s time?
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Thank you for such a lovely comment. I’m pondering the idea of a divine laptop back in Noah’s time – who knows? Could be another story there.
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Dear Margaret,
A higher power named Joe. Hmmm. Clever story. Wonderfully written.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I know – Joe was the first name that popped into my head and once he was called Joe I couldn’t imagine him with any other name. What do you call a divinity with technology???
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Such a subtle and inventive take on the photo, and thought provoking. Well written.
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Thank you for your encouraging comment.
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When we started to walk on two legs and hunt more efficiently the trouble began. Now we’re killing everything including the planet. The planet will reset in time but we won’t. Good story and well written, Margaret. —- Suzanne
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So true. We’re a dangerous species. Thank you, Suzanne.
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Maybe just a reboot is needed.
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That sounds like a good idea. Thanks for reading, Tracey.
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I bet he would like the chance to do a bit of a final edit…
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Ah yes. That last little bit of tweaking before it goes off to be published.🙃
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Such a great take!
— “Trust us; we’ve been there.” — That’s a prompt all on its own ^^
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Thank you, Enkin. And yes, I suppose that line could take off in various directions.
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I didn’t pick up on the Voice until I’d read some of the other comments.
His code book must be interesting.
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I imagine there’d be a few two-legged creatures who’d like to get their hands on it. Thank goodness it’s well guarded.
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I’ve been saying this earth has been working its way up to a reboot… I just hope I’m gone by the time it happens!
Good one, Margaret.
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Me too, but the way things seem to be progressing, I’m not so confident about that. Thanks, Dale.
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Wow…that last line really made my eyebrow shoot up! lol
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You have to watch those eyebrows. Thanks for your great comment, Dawn.
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Lol oh well done. What a great concept. Turn it off and on again !
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Something like that. It sounds painless, but I wonder … Thanks for your lovely comment, Laurie.
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Really sharp writing this week, Margaret. The story telling is suspenseful and smart, the dialogue excellent. Great story!
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I’m so pleased it worked. I really appreciate your encouraging feedback, Dawn. Many thanks.
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i guess he should wait until he fixes the bug in his code. 🙂
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Oh, so that was the problem – glad I finally understand. Thanks for commenting, Plaridel.
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there’s nothing like starting over with a clean slate. Entertaining tale, Margaret.
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Thank you, Russell.
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Too bad they did not self correct and Joe did not intervene on time.
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You’d think they’d realise, wouldn’t you?
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From ape to man, back to a primate?
Interesting take!
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Thanks, Tannille. Yes – back for another try.
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Unique take on the prompt, Margaret. As someone said, a reboot is long overdue. Good one.
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And isn’t that a shame – it’s such a lovely planet. Thank you for your feedback, Sandra.
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