Finalist
Science Fiction Short StoryAn Indies Unlimited Flash Fiction Challenge entry about an autonomous drone failing to secure a military contract, asking the question what other interest there might be in such a device. My answer of reality TV seemed pretty obvious to me. Having recently learned a very good friend of mine worked on the German version of American Idol by then might have played a role in that train of thought.
Two other ideas developed from that. One made it into the opening sentence, showcasing the strange ways people start behaving in such unusual circumstances as being on TV, especially in such an extreme case when it is about life and death in addition to mere riches and fame. The umbrellas came from thinking of something that could be used to draw the attention of an aerial killer robot.
The other one is more or less a classic flash fiction ending. Doomed by failing to realize the effects an action might have on oneself. Embedded in the cynical ultra-capitalist world of many such shows (Big Brother far more than American Idol, though) providing the finishing line.
Also titled “Super Bee” for the title of the original challenge. It was a finalist in the challenge, reaching second place. The finalist marker fit the story so well, I decided to make this its official title.
March 2015
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How to Sing Butterflies
