Imaginary Conversations
You just never know who is conversing.18 total reviews
Comment from estory
This little conversation kind of epitomizes what people think of this odd relationship between a US president and the dictator of Russia. I don't really understand why we are alienating countries like Canada and shacking up with somebody like Putin. Trump portrays himself as the great negotiator, but he tipped his hand by basically coming out and saying he is willing to get a deal for a deal's sake. What does he think Putin will sign up for? He said Biden was played for a fiddle but he is being played the same way. More and more I am beginning to think we need a new political party in America, one more in between these two corrupt parties who are more or less in Wall Street's pocket. estory
reply by the author on 21-Mar-2025
  |
This little conversation kind of epitomizes what people think of this odd relationship between a US president and the dictator of Russia. I don't really understand why we are alienating countries like Canada and shacking up with somebody like Putin. Trump portrays himself as the great negotiator, but he tipped his hand by basically coming out and saying he is willing to get a deal for a deal's sake. What does he think Putin will sign up for? He said Biden was played for a fiddle but he is being played the same way. More and more I am beginning to think we need a new political party in America, one more in between these two corrupt parties who are more or less in Wall Street's pocket. estory
Comment Written 21-Mar-2025
reply by the author on 21-Mar-2025
-
Thanks for your review. Glad you enjoyed the read despite the topic not being the most pleasant. Many believe Trump is in the pocket of Putin. Hopefully not but the indications etc seem to suggest that is true. Anyway, you take care and have a wonderful day.
Regards
Barry Penfold.
Comment from Alexandra Trovato
Barry this is quite interesting poor flash fiction. However it's more like reality or nonfiction. Unfortunately, I feel this is happening
in real time. Good for you, using this topic for your theme. The more this kind of observation reaches minds, the less power they will have. We need to use their greed against them. There must be a way.
Best wishes,
Alex
reply by the author on 21-Mar-2025
|
Barry this is quite interesting poor flash fiction. However it's more like reality or nonfiction. Unfortunately, I feel this is happening
in real time. Good for you, using this topic for your theme. The more this kind of observation reaches minds, the less power they will have. We need to use their greed against them. There must be a way.
Best wishes,
Alex
Comment Written 20-Mar-2025
reply by the author on 21-Mar-2025
-
Alex,
Thanks so much for your review. Glad you enjoyed the read. Yes, they do not seem to ever be satisfied. We just have to keep chipping away.
Take care and have a wonderful day.
Regards
Barry
-
Yes.You're welcome, Barry!
Comment from Brenda Strauser
I really like this. You really laid it well. Trump will do anything Putin wants. This is creative and written well.
Good imagination. Great job.
reply by the author on 21-Mar-2025
|
I really like this. You really laid it well. Trump will do anything Putin wants. This is creative and written well.
Good imagination. Great job.
Comment Written 20-Mar-2025
reply by the author on 21-Mar-2025
-
Brenda,
Thanks for your review. Glad you enjoyed the read. Yes, Trump is a puppet to Putin and the moment. You take care and despite what is happening in the world, have a good day.
Regards
Barry
Comment from jacquelyn popp
Some stories entertain, some enlighten, and then there are those that send shivers down your spine, leaving you with a deep sense of unease. This story falls into the latter category, offering a gripping and unsettling glimpse into the murky world of power, deception, and war. Written with razor-sharp dialogue and an undercurrent of chilling realism, it reads like a secret conversation that was never meant to be heard-an illicit exchange between two figures who hold the fate of nations in their hands.
From the very first line-"Is that you, Vladimir?"-the reader is drawn into an atmosphere of secrecy and intrigue. There is something deeply ominous about the absence of an immediate response, as if the weight of what is about to be discussed must be carefully measured before even acknowledging the call. The delay only heightens the tension, setting the stage for a dialogue that feels like it should be classified, locked away in the vaults of history's darkest dealings.
The exchange between Vladimir and Donald is masterfully constructed, revealing layers of manipulation, calculated strategy, and ruthless ambition. "Do not ring me here, Donald. It is not a secure line." This line alone speaks volumes-it hints at an ongoing, covert relationship, one where even the most powerful must tread carefully in the realm of secrets. But what follows is even more disturbing.
Donald's enthusiasm is almost childlike in its excitement, making his role in this conspiracy all the more unsettling. "But I was so excited thinking about how I could help you. How did you like the security blackout?" The casual nature of his tone, juxtaposed with the gravity of what he's discussing-a blackout that aids in missile strikes-creates a striking contrast between greed-fueled opportunism and cold-blooded warfare.
Vladimir's response is equally chilling. "Good one. I can now step up the missile attacks. Keep them thinking I want to seek a peace settlement." Here lies the core of the deception-violence masquerading as diplomacy, a calculated game where suffering and destruction are mere strategies on a chessboard. The way he effortlessly balances military aggression with the illusion of peacemaking speaks to a mind that operates beyond conventional morality, one that thrives on deception and control.
The most unsettling moment in this exchange comes with Vladimir's statement: "We need to write the history. Then we will own it." This single line encapsulates the ultimate ambition of those in power-not just to influence events, but to dictate how they are remembered, shaping narratives to suit their legacy. History is not merely written by the victors in this world; it is rewritten by those who manipulate the present.
Donald's closing remark, "So wise, so wise," is both sycophantic and chilling, underscoring his willingness to enable and profit from the destruction being orchestrated. The laughter exchanged between the two men-"Ha, Ha, Vladimir."-is perhaps the most haunting moment of all, as it strips away any remaining illusion of morality. This is not just a conversation about war and politics; it is a conversation about power without conscience, about leaders who see entire populations as pawns in their personal games.
The strength of this story lies not just in its gripping dialogue, but in the terrifying plausibility of it all. The clipped, almost transactional nature of the conversation makes it feel all the more real-there are no grand monologues or dramatic flourishes, just cold, strategic planning delivered in a way that feels eerily familiar.
For those who enjoy politically charged thrillers that explore the dark underbelly of global power struggles, this is an exceptional read. It invites the reader to peer behind the curtain, to listen in on a conversation that feels forbidden, and to contemplate the disturbing reality of how decisions that shape the world may truly be made. This is not just fiction-it is a mirror held up to power, reflecting a world where history is not just written, but rewritten, by those who hold the pen.
reply by the author on 21-Mar-2025
|
Some stories entertain, some enlighten, and then there are those that send shivers down your spine, leaving you with a deep sense of unease. This story falls into the latter category, offering a gripping and unsettling glimpse into the murky world of power, deception, and war. Written with razor-sharp dialogue and an undercurrent of chilling realism, it reads like a secret conversation that was never meant to be heard-an illicit exchange between two figures who hold the fate of nations in their hands.
From the very first line-"Is that you, Vladimir?"-the reader is drawn into an atmosphere of secrecy and intrigue. There is something deeply ominous about the absence of an immediate response, as if the weight of what is about to be discussed must be carefully measured before even acknowledging the call. The delay only heightens the tension, setting the stage for a dialogue that feels like it should be classified, locked away in the vaults of history's darkest dealings.
The exchange between Vladimir and Donald is masterfully constructed, revealing layers of manipulation, calculated strategy, and ruthless ambition. "Do not ring me here, Donald. It is not a secure line." This line alone speaks volumes-it hints at an ongoing, covert relationship, one where even the most powerful must tread carefully in the realm of secrets. But what follows is even more disturbing.
Donald's enthusiasm is almost childlike in its excitement, making his role in this conspiracy all the more unsettling. "But I was so excited thinking about how I could help you. How did you like the security blackout?" The casual nature of his tone, juxtaposed with the gravity of what he's discussing-a blackout that aids in missile strikes-creates a striking contrast between greed-fueled opportunism and cold-blooded warfare.
Vladimir's response is equally chilling. "Good one. I can now step up the missile attacks. Keep them thinking I want to seek a peace settlement." Here lies the core of the deception-violence masquerading as diplomacy, a calculated game where suffering and destruction are mere strategies on a chessboard. The way he effortlessly balances military aggression with the illusion of peacemaking speaks to a mind that operates beyond conventional morality, one that thrives on deception and control.
The most unsettling moment in this exchange comes with Vladimir's statement: "We need to write the history. Then we will own it." This single line encapsulates the ultimate ambition of those in power-not just to influence events, but to dictate how they are remembered, shaping narratives to suit their legacy. History is not merely written by the victors in this world; it is rewritten by those who manipulate the present.
Donald's closing remark, "So wise, so wise," is both sycophantic and chilling, underscoring his willingness to enable and profit from the destruction being orchestrated. The laughter exchanged between the two men-"Ha, Ha, Vladimir."-is perhaps the most haunting moment of all, as it strips away any remaining illusion of morality. This is not just a conversation about war and politics; it is a conversation about power without conscience, about leaders who see entire populations as pawns in their personal games.
The strength of this story lies not just in its gripping dialogue, but in the terrifying plausibility of it all. The clipped, almost transactional nature of the conversation makes it feel all the more real-there are no grand monologues or dramatic flourishes, just cold, strategic planning delivered in a way that feels eerily familiar.
For those who enjoy politically charged thrillers that explore the dark underbelly of global power struggles, this is an exceptional read. It invites the reader to peer behind the curtain, to listen in on a conversation that feels forbidden, and to contemplate the disturbing reality of how decisions that shape the world may truly be made. This is not just fiction-it is a mirror held up to power, reflecting a world where history is not just written, but rewritten, by those who hold the pen.
Comment Written 20-Mar-2025
reply by the author on 21-Mar-2025
-
Jacquelyn,
Thanks so much for your most comprehensive review. I am over the moon about your comments. A flash fiction with some punch was my aim. It has been well received.
Many thanks and take care. Have a wonderful day.
Regards
Barry Penfold.
Comment from sandragee
Imaginary conversation? I don't know. It's almost like you eavesdropped on a conversation between Vladimir and Donald. This conversation is believable, especially the line, 'I have plenty of Executive Orders left on my desk to distract them.'
Telling the story with just dialogue was a great idea.
reply by the author on 20-Mar-2025
|
Imaginary conversation? I don't know. It's almost like you eavesdropped on a conversation between Vladimir and Donald. This conversation is believable, especially the line, 'I have plenty of Executive Orders left on my desk to distract them.'
Telling the story with just dialogue was a great idea.
Comment Written 20-Mar-2025
reply by the author on 20-Mar-2025
-
Thanks for the review. Glad you enjoyed the read. See how it goes in the competition.
Cheers
-
You're welcome.
Comment from BethShelby
I could believe this is not so far off base as to be fiction. You've pretty much nailed how I would expect the conversation to go. Nicely written. I think you're thinking like a never Trumper.
reply by the author on 20-Mar-2025
|
I could believe this is not so far off base as to be fiction. You've pretty much nailed how I would expect the conversation to go. Nicely written. I think you're thinking like a never Trumper.
Comment Written 20-Mar-2025
reply by the author on 20-Mar-2025
-
Beth,
Thanks for the great review. A never Trumper for sure. Have a great day.
Regards
Barry.
Comment from Bill Schott
This flash fiction story, Imaginary Conversations, has the proper formatting and seems to follow the sad logic of these "secret" communications between the world's buttholes.
reply by the author on 20-Mar-2025
|
This flash fiction story, Imaginary Conversations, has the proper formatting and seems to follow the sad logic of these "secret" communications between the world's buttholes.
Comment Written 20-Mar-2025
reply by the author on 20-Mar-2025
-
Bill,
Thanks for the review. I agree that they are both buttholes. Unfortunately, there are many who listen to them.
Cheers
Barry Penfold.
Comment from Kirsten Shonle
I loved how the story revolved only around dialogue. Dialogue really shows the characters personality. IT is hard to write a story in such few words. You definitely accomplished that.
reply by the author on 19-Mar-2025
|
I loved how the story revolved only around dialogue. Dialogue really shows the characters personality. IT is hard to write a story in such few words. You definitely accomplished that.
Comment Written 19-Mar-2025
reply by the author on 19-Mar-2025
-
Kirsten,
Thanks so much for your great review. Glad you enjoyed it. Take care and keep writing.
Regards
Barry Penfold.
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Thank you for sharing this contest entry with us. I enjoyed reading and to wish you luck with the contest.
Â
"Do not ring me here Donald. It is not a secure line". ( here, Donald & line.")
Each person's dialogue gets it's own paragraph.
You are good at changing maps Donald." (maps, Donald.")
reply by the author on 19-Mar-2025
|
Thank you for sharing this contest entry with us. I enjoyed reading and to wish you luck with the contest.
Â
"Do not ring me here Donald. It is not a secure line". ( here, Donald & line.")
Each person's dialogue gets it's own paragraph.
You are good at changing maps Donald." (maps, Donald.")
Comment Written 19-Mar-2025
reply by the author on 19-Mar-2025
-
Barbara,
Thanks for the review and the helpful hints as to improvement. Take care and have a great day.
Regards
Barry Penfold.
Comment from Wayne Fowler
Only one suggestion - change the heading to non-fiction. It reads close enough to the truth and the character to be true. I still want toi know what was said/given away in the Putin.Trump meeting where no American was allowed and trump even took the Russian translator's notes.
thanks for posting and good luck in the contest.
reply by the author on 19-Mar-2025
|
Only one suggestion - change the heading to non-fiction. It reads close enough to the truth and the character to be true. I still want toi know what was said/given away in the Putin.Trump meeting where no American was allowed and trump even took the Russian translator's notes.
thanks for posting and good luck in the contest.
Comment Written 19-Mar-2025
reply by the author on 19-Mar-2025
-
Wayne,
Thanks for your review and hint as to the change of name to non-fiction. A lot of stuff remains unanswered about the meeting. Troubling times. Take care.
Regards
Barry
