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Monday, December 10, 2012

AlexFest

What does Alex look like?
No corporeal description applies to Alex. He's the disembodied spirit of aid and support.

Who could play Alex in a documentary?
Cross Leonard Nimoy and Sean Connery for a start.

Who does Alex remind you of?
Speedy Gonzales with the stamina of the Energizer Bunny.

For my Flash:
Captain Vickers laughed at the yeoman. "Who ever heard tell of a ninja playing a guitar while flying a Cosbolt? That's some imagination you got there, Jones."

The petty officer kept his voice level. "I have, sir."

"You have, have you? Who?"

"Captain Cavanaugh, sir."

"Cavanaugh's a myth, boy. Ain't a soul ever seen him."

"That's why they call him the Ninja, sir."

Captain Vickers chuckled. "What the devil they been feeding you in the galley? You lookin' for a section 8, boy?"

Yeoman Jones lifted his chin. "He leads the IWSG."

Vickers' chuckle became a glare. "What do you know about IWSG?"

"Everybody knows about the Interstellar Wing's Stealth Guard, sir."

"Talk like that will land you in the brig. Best you attend your duties. And turn your mouth off when your imagination's on.  Got that?"

Yeoman Jones snapped to attention.  "Aye sir."  Jones went about his business, but turned and added, "Sir, I hear he's married.  His wife should know how much we appreciate everything he does."

"Dismissed, yeoman."

Jones nodded.  He knew Cavanaugh was real and out there protecting us.  Somewhere.


Hosted by Mark Koopmans, Morgan Shamy, David Powers King and Stephen Tremp, the BlogFest runs from December 10 - 12.

Join me in thanking Alex for being abundantly more supportive than anyone could have asked. It's our pleasure--and duty--to make sure those invisible cheeks redden... at least a little.





The Linky is here and will be open until Dec. 12, 2012.

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80 comments:

  1. Yolanda RenéeDecember 10, 2012 at 12:08 AM

    I think you've captured him very well. The energizer bunny -- no denying that one!

    Love the flash!

    ReplyDelete
  2. L.G. KeltnerDecember 10, 2012 at 12:21 AM

    The flash fiction is great! Loved it!

    ReplyDelete
  3. MorganDecember 10, 2012 at 12:59 AM

    "Somewhere." LOL!

    Jeff, you nailed this. I LOVED the flash. Love where you took it--really clever. And totally believable dialogue. Alex will love this!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jeff HargettDecember 10, 2012 at 7:21 PM

      Thanks, Morgan. Had to make it special for Alex.

      Delete
  4. Tammy TheriaultDecember 10, 2012 at 1:32 AM

    he is definitely the energizer bunny getting around the blogger world!! don't take out those batteries!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jeff HargettDecember 10, 2012 at 7:22 PM

      If I had a tenth of the "going and going" Alex has, I'd be happy.

      Delete
  5. Kyra LennonDecember 10, 2012 at 2:52 AM

    Great stuff! I loved your flash fiction!

    ReplyDelete
  6. TrishaDecember 10, 2012 at 3:08 AM

    Your flash fiction is fabulous! WOAH alliteration overload. Well done :) and in other news, you won one of my prizes, check out this post: http://thefarseas.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/cheers-cavanaugh-and-my-blogiversary.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jeff HargettDecember 10, 2012 at 7:23 PM

      Cool! I like winning things. Be over there shortly! And thanks for the compliments. (I liked your alliteration overload.)

      Delete
  7. YVONNE'S POETRY CORNERDecember 10, 2012 at 6:53 AM

    Excellent post most enjoyable flash fiction.

    Yvonne.

    ReplyDelete
  8. S.P. BowersDecember 10, 2012 at 7:07 AM

    Loved the flash fiction and the thought of crossing Leonard Nimoy and Sean Connery made me laugh. Great image.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jeff HargettDecember 10, 2012 at 7:25 PM

      Yeah, that crossing could carry us down Horror Avenue in a heartbeat. But they are so well respected and appreciated.

      Delete
  9. AnonymousDecember 10, 2012 at 8:08 AM

    Ha-- I had Sean Connery too, because he's the ultimate in cool, suave and mysterious. I almost put in Nemoy but wondered if the pointy ears would be a sensitive subject.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Jeff HargettDecember 10, 2012 at 7:26 PM

      Yes, but the mullet, Julie. Can't you see Connery with the mullet? Look! That's Alex! ;-)

      Delete
  10. Elise FallsonDecember 10, 2012 at 8:13 AM

    Oh the Energizer bunny image made me laugh! There has to be the spirit of the bunny in Alex because he never seems to run out of energy. I really enjoyed your flash too, nicely done. (:

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jeff HargettDecember 10, 2012 at 7:27 PM

      Thanks, Elise. Alex does keep going and going and going...

      Delete
  11. Alex J. CavanaughDecember 10, 2012 at 8:31 AM

    The flash piece is awesome, Jeff! And Speedy Gonzales - if only I could really type that fast.
    Thank you SO much - you rock!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jeff HargettDecember 10, 2012 at 7:28 PM

      Thanks, Alex, but it's all about YOU today. You're what's awesome around here. And we know YOU rock!

      We appreciate you, Alex. We really do.

      Delete
  12. Al DiazDecember 10, 2012 at 8:53 AM

    I feel like I might be the only creature on this writers blog world that doesn't know Alex, hahahaha. But this blog tour will certainly clear all my doubts. Nice story. Speedy Gonzalez, uh? He'll need a Mexican hat. That can be my contribution to this tour. ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jeff HargettDecember 10, 2012 at 7:31 PM

      Alex is definitely worth getting to know, Al. Let me know if he accepts the hat. ;-)

      Delete
  13. Sheena-kay GrahamDecember 10, 2012 at 12:22 PM

    Alex Cavanaugh is real, Captain. Oh and you forgot to thank Mrs. Cavanaugh.

    No corporeal description applies to Alex. He's the disembodied spirit of aid and support. - Such a sweet deep description Jeff. Nice work.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Jeff HargettDecember 10, 2012 at 7:32 PM

      Yes, very real, and very appreciated. He's a top-notch dude.

      Delete
  14. Michael Offutt, Phantom ReaderDecember 10, 2012 at 12:34 PM

    Oooh...is your flash an ode to Prometheus!? I love it.

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    1. Jeff HargettDecember 10, 2012 at 7:33 PM

      LOL, probably more influences in that flash than I'd care to admit, Michael. LOL Glad you liked it!

      Delete
  15. UnknownDecember 10, 2012 at 3:34 PM

    Wonderful flash, Jeff! And a disembodied entity is correct. I couldn't put a flesh and bone persona on Alex...it was beyond my imagination! :o)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Jeff HargettDecember 10, 2012 at 7:34 PM

      Thanks, Mike. Well, Alex is beyond most people's imaginations and expectations. Just works out that way when people are awesome, I guess.

      Delete
  16. Suzanne FurnessDecember 10, 2012 at 4:15 PM

    Great job, Jeff, enjoyed your flash fiction piece :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Shell FlowerDecember 10, 2012 at 4:22 PM

    Your flash piece is awesome. I like how you worked in the thanks to Mrs. C! And yes, Alex does seem more like the ghost in the machine than a real man.
    Great post,
    Shell
    Proud member of the Interstellar Wing's Stealth Guard :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jeff HargettDecember 10, 2012 at 7:36 PM

      Hey, Shell! I was wondering if anyone would catch that. :) Thanks for the compliment. You proudly revealing classified information, soldier? ;-)

      Delete
  18. cleemckenzieDecember 10, 2012 at 4:24 PM

    Amazing Flash Fiction and The Energizer Bunny is the best!

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    1. Jeff HargettDecember 10, 2012 at 7:37 PM

      Thanks, Lee! I appreciate the compliment. And yes, I could think of nothing else that suited him better.

      Delete
  19. Gwen GardnerDecember 10, 2012 at 5:21 PM

    Hah! Alex is a phantom - probably the best description of the day, because how can "Alex" really exist? It's just not possible!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Jeff HargettDecember 10, 2012 at 7:40 PM

      He's one of the seven wonders of the information age. Some things we corporeal mortals aren't meant to understand, merely appreciate. :)

      Delete
  20. Michael Di GesuDecember 11, 2012 at 1:02 AM

    Very nicely done, Jeff.

    I liked the fact that you fed into Alex's mystery. A wonderfully imaginative Flash Fiction! I really enjoyed it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jeff HargettDecember 11, 2012 at 7:50 AM

      Thanks, Michael. It was lots of fun exploring the mystery that is Alex. ;-)

      Delete
  21. Empty Nest InsiderDecember 11, 2012 at 1:06 AM

    This was such a fantastic story! From the Energizer Bunny to the new take on the IWSG, every detail was cleverly written. I especially enjoyed the way you slipped in the thank you to Mrs. Cavanaugh without skipping a beat. Julie

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    1. Jeff HargettDecember 11, 2012 at 7:53 AM

      Had to get the thanks in there. I appreciate the compliments! He goes on and on just like that Energizer Bunny, doesn't he?

      Delete
  22. dolorahDecember 11, 2012 at 1:41 AM

    "And turn your mouth off when your imagination's on." This line was fabulous. I need to use it on my kids when they're being stupid :)

    Loved the myth story, totally rocks.

    .......dhole

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Jeff HargettDecember 11, 2012 at 7:55 AM

      Thanks, Donna. I honestly don't know where that line came from. One of those out of the blue moments, I guess. The myth story seemed appropriate somehow. :)

      Delete
  23. Donna K. WeaverDecember 11, 2012 at 7:27 AM

    Love it. Connery snd Nimoy. And that flas fic is awesome.

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    1. Jeff HargettDecember 11, 2012 at 7:56 AM

      I appreciate it, Donna. I saw a couple other Connerys out there, but don't think I've encountered a Nimoy yet.

      Delete
  24. Jennie BennettDecember 11, 2012 at 7:46 AM

    Haha he does seem like a myth, too good to e true, doesn't he. Great flash fic :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. L. Diane WolfeDecember 11, 2012 at 7:54 AM

    The man, the myth, the legend...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jeff HargettDecember 11, 2012 at 7:59 AM

      And the world is better for it. (Or at least Bloggyville is. LOL)

      Delete
  26. Emily R. KingDecember 11, 2012 at 10:39 AM

    Energizer bunny. Ha! Perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  27. David P. KingDecember 11, 2012 at 11:06 AM

    That was hilarious, Jeff. Loved your flash, and thank you for participating in the roasting, err, tribute of our ninja captain! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jeff HargettDecember 11, 2012 at 9:18 PM

      Everybody likes a little roast, right? Thanks, DPK. You guys did a great job with this!

      Delete
  28. Tyrean MartinsonDecember 11, 2012 at 11:40 AM

    Loved your flash story! Section 8 was a nice touch!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jeff HargettDecember 11, 2012 at 9:19 PM

      Thanks! I had to throw in the section 8. Couldn't help it. :)

      Delete
  29. AnonymousDecember 11, 2012 at 12:32 PM

    Hey Jeff, this was definitley one of the better flash fictions i read. Making Alex a myth that some believe in and some do not. Classic!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Jeff HargettDecember 11, 2012 at 9:20 PM

      Thank you, sir! Some prefer the man. Some prefer the myth. ;-)

      Delete
  30. kjmckendryDecember 11, 2012 at 3:12 PM

    "Cavanaugh's a myth boy"...love that line. You really captured his essence!

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    1. Jeff HargettDecember 11, 2012 at 9:21 PM

      I appreciate that. I think I could take this Captain Vickers places if I chose to do a little Sci Fi. But alas, I must finish my epic fantasy first.

      Delete
  31. michelleDecember 11, 2012 at 4:21 PM

    Your first answer was spot on!
    Loved the Energizer bunny image... really apt description!
    Popping in from Alexfest.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jeff HargettDecember 11, 2012 at 9:23 PM

      I think the two may really be one in the same. I'm trying to picture Alex with big, fluffy ears now...

      Delete
  32. Joylene Nowell ButlerDecember 11, 2012 at 5:02 PM

    I think you've got it right, Jeff. Alex could definitely fly a ship and play the guitar at the same time. Oh, yeah!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jeff HargettDecember 11, 2012 at 9:25 PM

      Yeah, there's a lot of talent in those fingers, strumming, writing, flying interstellar missions...

      Delete
  33. Cherie ReichDecember 11, 2012 at 7:35 PM

    Love the idea of a cross between Leonard Nimoy and Sean Connery.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Carrie ButlerDecember 11, 2012 at 9:00 PM

    You should take that flash fiction concept and run with it. I'd read it! :)

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    1. Jeff HargettDecember 11, 2012 at 9:36 PM

      LOL Thanks! I should really mind my word count though. I broke the 100 word limit. Haven't managed flash in under a hundred words yet. Came close a couple times, so I still need to practice. Perhaps one day I'll see if I can't find out how much Captain Vickers really knows. :)

      Delete
  35. Kimberly GabrielDecember 11, 2012 at 10:06 PM

    I loved this FF piece! I'd believe it if Alex turned out to be a myth - like the Shakespeare conspiracy theories. One man simple can't do it all! ;)

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    1. Jeff HargettDecember 11, 2012 at 10:12 PM

      There's something mythical about him, that's for sure. ;-) Thanks for the thumbs up on the FF!

      Delete
  36. Shannon LawrenceDecember 11, 2012 at 11:57 PM

    Ah yes, the spirit of blogging. Love the flash! The fabled and mysterious Ninja.

    Shannon at The Warrior Muse

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    1. Jeff HargettDecember 12, 2012 at 8:13 AM

      Mighty mysterious and amazingly awesome. Thanks, Shannon!

      Delete
  37. Tara TylerDecember 12, 2012 at 7:10 AM

    great flash and sean connery has it all!

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    1. Jeff HargettDecember 12, 2012 at 8:14 AM

      Thanks, Tara! Yeah, I still think Connery could do Alex justice.

      Delete
  38. Misha GerrickDecember 12, 2012 at 7:48 AM

    I love your answers and your flash is awesome. Leonard Nimoy and Sean Connery would make for a suitably Alex-like combination. ;-)

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    1. Jeff HargettDecember 12, 2012 at 8:15 AM

      I appreciate that, Misha! Funny how it takes merging two heroes to adequately describe true heroes like Alex, isn't it?

      Delete
  39. Laura EnoDecember 12, 2012 at 4:14 PM

    I came here by way of your Santa letter at Julie's blog, but all roads lead back to Alex, don't they?

    Love your flash and what the letters IWSG really stand for!

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    1. Jeff HargettDecember 12, 2012 at 7:24 PM

      Thanks, Laura! Yes, all roads lead to Alex, even cyberspace highways. :-) Thanks also for the compliments.

      Delete
  40. Ellie GarrattDecember 18, 2012 at 2:29 PM

    The Interstellar Wing's Stealth Guard. That made me chuckle. Brilliant!

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    1. Jeff HargettDecember 18, 2012 at 10:46 PM

      Thanks, Ellie! I had to come up with something fitting and that just seemed to fit somehow. ;-)

      Delete