Tenterhooks


They looked out across the empty void in silent anticipation.

The beacon still sent its warning signal, even though the people the warning was intended for had all scattered, dispersed among the collection of safe colonies and habitats in the sector. The view ahead looked extremely peaceful.

They were taught early on that appearances are deceptive, even more so here in the fifth quadrant. Nothing gives any indication action is required until the last moment.

All they could do is wait, ready, alert, for anything that may kick off around them.

Posted for Six Sentence Stories. Denise’s prompt word this week is kick.

19 responses to “Tenterhooks”

  1. Sue Dreamwalker avatar

    Those star beings are everywhere Tom.. Watching and waiting xx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom avatar

      They are, Sue… and not interfering unless it’s absolutely necessary.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Chris Hall avatar

    Sound a bit like Star Trek, don’t you think?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom avatar

      Kind of, Chris. A little trekky…

      Like

  3. Frank Hubeny avatar

    Except for the warning signal “Nothing gives any indication action is required until the last moment.” The situation reminds me of the time before Noah’s flood..

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom avatar

      I can see that analogy, Frank.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. clark avatar

    Dude! You and Anne totally get the ‘Oh yeah?!! You want the Power of Simple? Read this.

    lol
    excellent Sixifying

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom avatar

      Thanks, Clark.
      Between you and me, I didn’t have a lot of time to write this one! 🤭😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. clark avatar

        (What say we keep this phenomenon* between the two of us.)

        lol

        can’t count how many Sixes and 250s I’ve had to scramble to complete on time only to have more people like it than the painstakingly crafted ones

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Tom avatar

          Sometimes, writing on the fly generates just what is needed in the moment. When we overthink, we overwrite… sometimes!

          Like

  5. messymimi's meanderings avatar

    Living on that edge can wear on the nerves after a while.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom avatar

      It can indeed!
      Best advice… go and chill out, and handle things as and when.

      Like

  6. GirlieOnTheEdge avatar

    91 words and a final sentence that totally embodies the title. Loved it, Tom.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom avatar

      Thanks, Denise. 😊
      A quick one this week! 🤭

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Liz H-H avatar

    Loving the uncertainty and build of anticipation in this one. So well-crafted!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom avatar

      Thanks, Liz. Yes, it kind of doesn’t cover the if, when, why, what? either.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Liz H-H avatar

        Just as it should be!

        Liked by 1 person

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