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101 Word Short Stories

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Chemical Warfare

January 13, 2023 13 Comments

By Elizabeth Spencer Spragins

“Your Majesty, I am the sole survivor. They deployed neurotoxins.” The wing commander staggered, shuddered, and collapsed. Six of the queen’s attendants rushed forward and dragged their sister’s lifeless body from the chamber.

The queen’s barbed voice stilled her agitated subjects. “You have all heard the casualty reports. These losses are not sustainable. We must embrace a new strategy. Henceforth, no workers shall go forth to pollinate. We shall remain within the hive, living on our food reserves.”

“But there will be no crops!” gasped the nearest honeybee.

“Then the humans will starve. We shall not.”

The court buzzed with approval.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Meghashri Dalvi says

    January 13, 2023 at 8:18 am

    Loved it!

    Reply
  2. Patricia Stott-Prince says

    January 13, 2023 at 10:02 am

    thank a bee today… loved it!

    Reply
  3. Cathryn says

    January 13, 2023 at 12:03 pm

    Hello Elizabeth,

    Excellent! Every precise word and succinct sentence lead to the inevitable, satisfying ending.
    Reminds me of Sara Teasdale’s poem . . .”and neither bird nor tree will mind if mankind perishes utterly…”

    Reply
  4. Coco says

    January 13, 2023 at 1:16 pm

    Nicely done!
    ?

    Reply
  5. Bob says

    January 14, 2023 at 9:53 am

    Excellent!

    Reply
  6. Valli says

    January 14, 2023 at 11:28 am

    Chapeau…

    Reply
  7. Pamela Cartlidge says

    January 18, 2023 at 7:17 am

    Good!

    Reply
  8. Doug Jacquier says

    January 18, 2023 at 6:20 pm

    Beelicious.

    Reply
  9. Chetana Vaishnavi says

    January 19, 2023 at 5:28 am

    Very thought provoking.
    Yes we must save the bees to save ourselves.
    Congratulations ?

    Reply
  10. Shona says

    January 19, 2023 at 7:41 am

    Great story!

    Reply
  11. Marie says

    January 19, 2023 at 10:49 pm

    Great!

    Reply
  12. Sandra says

    January 22, 2023 at 6:07 pm

    Distinct and real

    Reply
  13. Rachel says

    January 25, 2023 at 12:40 pm

    Love this story. Nature doesn’t need humans to survive. Very well written. Enjoyed every line, every word.

    Reply

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