Written for Thursday Inspiration
Kudos to Fandango for taking over the reins of Thursday Inspiration for Jim Adams. Fan, Jim left his mark and you’ve got some pretty big shoes to fill. Best of luck!
Today, Fandango asks us to respond to the challenge by writing a story or a poem or just offering our raw reaction as inspired by the AI-created image seen below.
OK, kids; here goes!
Courtesy Fandango @ Thursday Inspiration
Sugar Time
The neon-blue lights of the automaton whirred softly as it poured another amber measure of rye. Silas stared at the mechanical barkeep, its chrome chassis a stark contrast against the weathered pine of the frontier saloon. Outside, the dual suns of Cydonia were finally dipping below the canyon ridge.
“You look a long way from home, stranger,” the barkeep synthesized, its voice an eerie imitation of a human drawl. “Perhaps you require some premier galactic hospitality?”
Before Silas could answer, the robot tapped its chrome chassis. A glitching, neon hologram sputtered to life on the bar counter. “This is Sugar …. sweetest little gal in the galaxy!” announced the bartender.
Sugar sported a towering cyber-beehive hairdo, a glowing digital diamond beauty mark, and a metallic corset that looked like it could do some serious damage; she reminded Silas of a saloon girl from one of those primitive television westerns from the 20th Century.
“Well, howdy, handsome!” she static-hissed, winking with a pixelated eye. “Ready for some deluxe relaxation …. Sugar style …. or is your battery drained?”
Silas nearly choked on his whiskey. “I may be low, Sugar, but I sure ain’t empty.”
NAR©2026
This is “Running On Empty” by Jackson Browne
Welcome once again to Fandango as our new host and many thanks to Jim Adams for all his work on Thursday Inspiration. Please be sure to check out Fan’s site.
Thanks to you all for stopping by for a look and a listen.
That’s all she wrote, kids.
See you on the flip side. 😎
Everything on The Elephant’s Trunk was created by me, unless otherwise indicated, and may not be used without permission. Thanks for your consideration. NAR©2017-present.
Another wonderful write, Nancy. And a great song that I have not heard in ages.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So pleased to know you enjoyed both the song and my story, Mark. It was a fun write. Thanks very much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are very welcome
LikeLike
This is great Nancy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Di. It was a fun write.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I imagine there are not many real girls on Cydonia, but Sugar with those gadgets on her corset and those wires in her hair dew will probably do a good job keeping Silas entertained. Nice story, Nancy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah …. a futuristic Miss Kitty from ‘Gunsmoke’. She and Matt Dillon had a steamy affair going on but we never saw anything risqué on the screen …. not like today where everything’s hanging out. 😲 Thanks, Jim.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sex sells is the principle of using sexual or highly attractive imagery to grab attention and promote a product or service, even if the item being sold has nothing to do with sex.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And that is nothing new!
LikeLike
Yee Haw! Loved your tale of future meets the old west. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Barbara! So glad you enjoyed this one. It was fun to write! 🤠
LikeLike
Oh, I love that last line! I ain’t dead yet!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hehehe! Thanks, Lois! 😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
that is good Nance well done on a great write! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you enjoyed it, CA. Thanks so much! 🥰
LikeLike
That’s great! I love it. I’m working on a story too 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Paula. Looking forward to reading your story
LikeLiked by 1 person