The volcanolgists, wearing kevlar heat protective suits, abseiled into the crater, nearer the vents than any who’d gone before. Many locals gathered at the edge, some watching, some controlling the lines that would return the men to the crater’s rim.
Word was sent “Okay. We’re ready. Pull us up.”
Word was sent down “You haven’t paid us enough. We want another ten thousand dollars. Then we’ll pull you up. “
The volcano rumbled its anger as those inside its fiery walls rumbled theirs. “They’ve got us. We have to pay. Say okay. Once we’re over the edge, that’s another story.”
<p><a href=”https://vimeo.com/105192180″>Diving into an Active Volcano</a> from <a href=”https://vimeo.com/user19639704″>Sam Cossman</a> on <a href=”https://vimeo.com”>Vimeo</a>.</p>
In response to Charli’s 99 word flash fiction prompt where she asks:
January 25, 2018, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that goes to the edge. Consider what the edge might be and how it informs the story. Go where the prompt leads.
Respond by January 30, 2018, to be included in the compilation (published January 31). Rules are here. All writers are welcome!
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
lol they’ve really got them over the edge … can feel the tension, well done!
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Thanks.
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What an awesome video and your words were perfect.
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Thanks Miriam. I think you’d have to be mad to do it but it certainly makes good viewing.
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Oh, most definitely. I’ll stick to being a spectator as well.
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That’s right!
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Yes it is.
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Not the simple village folk that we’ve been reading about, are they?
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Yes and no.
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Ouch. Hot negotiations!
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Absolutely.
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Makes me reconsider what is really worth paying for. Another of your taut stories, Irene, and well told.
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Thanks Sharon. Yes you have to wonder but you’d probably consider your life was one of them.
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Now that I’ve watched the video – I think they’re a bit crazy.
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Absolutely. They can have it on their own.
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Never mess with a volcanologist! Once they return to solid ground, I feel sorry for the locals who kept them hanging on the edge.
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They may have got to the edge but they had to get off the island…… Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
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Wow! Viewing the edge right here at home is close enough for me. Thanks for sharing.
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You’re welcome. It is an experience you never forget standing at the rim – I’m with you – I’ll watch from home those prepared to go inside one.
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This is very realistic, Irene. I can just picture this happening here in Africa.
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I imagine that there are parts of Africa that would be very similar Robbie.
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You had me at “vulcanologists,” Irene, and followed through with your signature dark human. Yes, I can see the multiple edges — scientists defying the environment they study; locals taking advantage of an outside world that often takes advantage of them; the literal edge of the rim. And, wow, that video! I love the vulcanologist’s body language as he faces the eye of molten creation. It’s probably the most alive he’s felt and yet he’s so close to death.
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They were dark humans Charli but I think your machine was supposed to write humour. LOL Those vulcanologists must need that adrenaline rush to live – it isn’t a career you’d choose otherwise. Standing on the edge was too close for my liking.
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Just shows how greedy people are and how they don’t mean what they say. Great depiction of the flaws of human nature.
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Thank you.Yes they are flaws in human nature.
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That’s a story to fire up the sense, Irene. Well done. I love the last line.
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Thanks Norah.
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Nice work! Check out my blog
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