What on Earth is that?
The guy called it a “Herble” and hinted it’s not from Earth.
Ha ha. “Herble?” So it’s alive, like a plant? It looks like a colorful LCD toy.
Yeah, though maybe closer to an animal. Here, hold it.
It’s so soft! And it purrs….
And coos. Its super cute…
Adorable. I could hold it all day….
Me too.
**
How many Herbles did you get?
Just two.
Two? Look out the window….
**
Our invasion of Earth went better than expected. They were completely inundated.
Sir, now what do we do with the Horrible Herbles?
****
word count = 100
Friday Fictioneers is hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. This week’s prompt is here and uses a photo © David Stewart . Read more or join in by following the InLinkz “linky“.
**
OK, I’ll admit it, I was thinking The Trouble with Tribbles. ;)
Trent's World (the Blog) 
Do you feed them after midnight?
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I personally didn’t, but can’t say if anyone else did. On the other hand, look at that photo – they are all in water! Maybe that is why there are so many of them that they can take over the world….
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I see now! We’ll just have to move to Mars but stay away from the ice caps.
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I think so. At least if you nee to avoid water. Still have to worry about feeding after midnight.
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🤔
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I can think of worse invasions. Fun!
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Much, much worse!
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At least they’re appealing? Whoa. :-)
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If there is to be an invasion, I guess it is better to be smothered in cuteness than overrun with terror ;)
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I like this Trent it’s fun 💜🌈
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The funnest invasion of Earth we’ve seen in a while… Thanks, Willow :)
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Yes indeed 💜
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I want one… oh wait… 😀
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Maybe one would be safe… Though I think they are born pregnant, so there may be no such thing as one…
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Invasions are supposed to be scary, but this one has me laughing. Herbles, indeed :)
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Sometimes I think we are being smothered in false cuteness, so I wouldn’t be surprised if there was some seriousness will behind it, like an alien invasion ;) Thanks.
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The Herbles are a good diversion for an alien takeover. Most humans are suckers for soft and snugly. Fun story!
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These aliens knew their target well! Thanks.
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Love this! Hahaha, invasion of the herbles!
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Thanks! :)
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I never trust anything that looks cute, feels soft and purrs any more – I learned that from my first girlfriend!
My story!
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lol, I’m sure a lesson well learned!
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I want one but just one, haha. Not sure what the wildlife would think if I floated it in the dam. Funny great writing.
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Be sure it is JUST one and not pregnant ;) Yeah, the current wildlife would think it a bit funny as it floated around like that…. Thanks.
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Nice take on the prompt. It was definitely a picture calling for a sci-fi story, wasn’t it?
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It did have that sci-fi vibe, and it was a lot of fun takign it this direction. Thanks.
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Never trust a horrible herble! Especially the cute horrible herbles! (I really like those words!) And I really enjoyed your story.
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I’ve always been suspicious of anything too cute, and an overly adorable horrible herble is something to avoid! lol, Thanks,.
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It’s always cute when there are one or two…
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They are super cute, but try to stick with one – if there are two, there are bound to be more. And more…..
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Eek cute and horrible can be quite a dangerous combination~
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Thinks that try too hard to be cute are usually best avoided (I write as I pat my cat who is trying her hardest to be adorable so I will pet her….)
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Yes Trying too hard, in any way, is always an unfavorable sign
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It is usually a sign that someone wants something. usually people looking for your dollars, but in this case, creatures looking for our planet…
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I admit that I belong to the tribble crowd, too. :) We’re in trouble.
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Well, you thought those Tribbles were a lot of trouble, you haven’t seen anything yet – these Herbles are quite horrible! I’m sure there are quite a few Trek fans out there…
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I’m sure you’re right. ‘Tribbles’ was my first thought as I read your story.
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If you are going to steal, steal from the best ;)
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Yep, the cooing and purring works every time. Fun story!
(Tribbles? Were they those things that looked like a cross between King Charles Cavalier Spaniels and a hamster?)
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Tribbles is what I thought too reading it! Good grief, they’re in for a bad surprise, aren’t they with the Horrible Herbles!!!!!! 🤣😂🤣😂 Loved it!
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And they though that Tribbles were a lot of trouble, they hadn’t seen anything yet…
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😱😱😱😱😱🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😉
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Tribbles! YAY! :)
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Only these are even more trouble than Tribbles ;)
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Oh, nooooo! Another cousin to the infamous Tribble… Where’s Harry Mudd? He’s gotta lot of explaining to do this time, for sure. HARCORT FENTON MUDD! I SEE YOU. YOU BETTER COME HERE RIGHT THIS INSTANT. HARCORT… FENTON… MUDD! Great story, reminds of one of the most beloved and mixed up character in Star Trek!
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I think Harry Mudd must have been the one who sold the first one down to Earth, though he was not aware of the alien’s plans… He was such an interesting character. Thanks.
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Herbles is a good name for them – they do look like something that would become a ‘must-have’ fad.
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They are the next “must have” fad, unfortunately very soon everyone will have them, like it or not. And everyone means -everyone-….
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Dear Trent,
Adele beat me to the Tribbles punch. Fun story. Unless of course, you’re the one inundated with Horrible Herbies. ;)
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yep, Herbles are related to Tribbles. Sort of. Though they are also related to cats, or at least to Hairballs… Thanks.
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haha! Attack of the glowing Herbies, Love it!
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Glowing hairballs, erm, I mean Herbles aren’t as harmless as they might seem… Thanks
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Indeed, beware of those harmless looking dangerous things!
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I know some people that meet that description ;)
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We are in deep trouble, aren’t we? First we have to eliminate the invisible virus and now the very visible Herbles. Great take, Trent!
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We are in trouble because nobody can resist their cuteness! Thanks.
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For some reason, I thought of “The Trouble with Tribbles” they were cute until there were too many of them. Nice take on the prompt, Trent. Very Sci-Fi :)
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The first thing I thought of when I saw the photo was “Tribble”. I’m not sure why, but this is the outcome… Thanks :)
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