The mechanic removed the back plate and inhaled through pursed lips. "Who did this?"

"I did," the robot said.

"How?"

"I took one arm off, put in a wireless interface so I could still use it, and put it in a vice, then turned-"

"OK. Why?"

"I needed fixing."

"You are allowed to ask for help."

#MicroFiction #TootFic #SmallStories

I heard stories of people who've fed crows, and been given gifts in return. It sounded charming, so I began doing that.

Then, one night, there was a rapping on my bedroom window. I stumbled up and opened.

A crow flew in and spoke: "They're coming for you. You must flee."

I only just made it out.

#TootFic #SmallStories #MicroFiction

"Will there be treasure in this dungeon?"

"I'm sure there are some silver candlesticks, but we're after the library."

"Books again? Last time we almost died just so you could read the final volume in the Nightraid Saga."

"This is the library and archive of the Dungeon Builder's Guild."

"Oh? Oh!"

#MicroFiction #TootFic #SmallStories

It is hard to admit ignorance, so when one of the new recruits to the Pangalactic Bureaucracy raised a tentacle with a question, Xtrrt let them ask.

"What is 'fafo quotient'?"

"A Human term. Fuckaroundment over Findoutability. We stay over 2.718. Humans..." Xtrrt paused. "... hope for over 1."

#MicroFiction #TootFic

"I see you have a new sword," the swordmaster said. "May I have a look?"

"No," said the student. "It is a cursed blade. I would only draw this in dire need."

"What kind of curse? Must draw blood, or will betray you?"

"It will speak, and tell an embarrassing truth about both wielder and opponent."

#MicroFiction #TootFic #SmallStories

"I have questions about this interstellar travel form," the human said. "What should I put at 'Rose'?"

"The star system you are traveling from," xFfy said.

"I see. And at 'Violet'?"

"The one you're traveling to."

"Ah. Who translated this form?"

"Our best poets, well versed in human poetry."

#MicroFiction #TootFic #SmallStories

The alien ambassador sidled through the museum in awe.

"You Humans have so much art! Do you have machines to make all paintings, poems, stories and songs?"

"We experimented with that, briefly," the guide said. "But humans are both cheaper and more creative. And, well, we will make art regardless."

#MicroFiction #TootFic #SmallStories