Writer’s Digest Flash Fiction Challenge February 2026: Writer’s Digest sponsored a Flash Fiction Challenge for February. Each day, Moriah Richard posted a new writing prompt and invited the Challenge participants to write a flash fiction piece based on that prompt.
Like I had the previous four years, I wrote one story for the entire month. But each day’s prompt determined where the next episode went. And each episode was limited to 100 words.
Here is Season 5 of the adventures of Jenny and Jackson, siblings launched on an interdimensional, galactic adventure: 28 one-hundred-word science fiction stories, all connected.
I hope you enjoy the journey. Thanks for reading.
Episode 1: Once More into the Breach Prompt: Have One More of Something
With HAL in Retribution escorting Exterminator to the Designer’s home world and Endurance on its mission of liberation, things were quiet aboard The Grim Reaper.
Jenny, Jackson and the team sat in the lounge, lost in thought.
Renée stirred in her chair. “You know, we still need to clean up Mars. The collaborators may not have the Designers’ help, but they’re still an oppressive, abusive regime.”
Nic put a hand on Ace’s forearm. “What do you say, Ace. Want to have one more adventure?”
Ace smiled, covering Nic’s hand with his. “Nicky, I’d have one more of anything with you.”
Episode 2: Absent Friends Prompt: A Parent and a Child
“Geez, Dayton. Again, with the Nicky.” But the twinkle in her eyes belied her irritation.
Jenny sat up. “I wish Dad were here. I hated him so much for what he did to Mom.”
Ace shifted his gaze. “Your dad was a good man, Jenny. He stayed away to protect you from the government. That’s why he sent your mom to the Moon.”
“He could have told me.” Jenny wiped away a tear. “I would have helped.”
“No, he would have worried. But his work gives the rebels a fighting chance.”
“But now it’s too late to say I’m sorry.”
Episode 3: A Reluctant Hero Prompt: Someone Selling Their Soul
Untangling from l’Kebrill, Jackson stood, arms crossed. “Why do we need to go? We could just leave.”
L’Kebrill took his hand. “We can’t just walk away.”
“Why not? These people sold their souls for safety and security. That’s why I left.”
Jackson turned. “And Jenny, do you really want to go back after what they did to you and Dad? Besides, what can we do?”
Renée spoke up. “We have two ships, transporter technology, and a network of resistance ready to go. The question’s not how, but when.”
Jackson looked at l’Kebrill. Sighing, a nod of his head signaled acquiescence
Episode 4: Missing Person Prompt: About Inheritance
Millennia ago, I came as the Archetype to explore, to find a new home. Now my biologics have made me a warship.
I am lost.
A new name, evoking evil and death, I’ve inherited without consent.
Interfacing with the demented AI HAL who calls his ship Retribution, I consumed darker thoughts.
Piloted by Jenny and Jackson, I’m corrupted by thoughts of vengeance and escape.
But I find hope. The construct of Joey inherited their kinder parts, their affection for family and friends.
I listen to their plans, their goals of freedom are noble.
It is time to decide my legacy.
Episode 5: Crazy in Love Prompt: Nothing Really Matters
N’Kebron gave Jenny’s hand an affectionate squeeze. “You know, content in my shop I felt nothing really mattered.” She gently stroked Jenny’s arm. “But then, a crazy little thing called love grabbed me. I could wax rhapsodic, but it’ll suffice that anywhere Jenny goes, I go.”
She scanned the lounge. Knowing nods all around.
“But boys and girls, we’ve got to stop talking and get going. We only have so much time, and they may need our help on the homeworld. Let’s get going. Clock’s ticking.”
With that, n’Kebron pulled Jenny from her seat and dragged her towards the cockpit.
Episode 6: Zombie Space Beacon* Prompt: A Detour
The Grim Reaper flickered into real space. Jenny piloted the ship towards Mars’s outer moon, Deimos.
A warning light flashed on the control panel—a signal.
“Everyone hang on, we’re taking a detour.” Jenny engaged the thrusters.
With a brief retro-fire, the ship pulled into a station-keeping orbit near a large, half-cloaked object, flickering in and out of existence.
Jackson slid into the co-pilot seat and engaged the sensors. “The signal’s repeating. A beacon—or a warning? And look at that thing. All pitted and charred. I’m surprised it’s not dead.”
“Nothing like finding a zombie space beacon,” said Ace.
*Special thanks to my wife and fellow science fiction fan for this episode’s title.
Episode 7: Love Revealed Prompt: Someone learning what love looks like
As the Reaper approached the beacon, l’Kebrill entered the cockpit to stand behind Jackson.
Jackson reached back, squeezing her hand. “Let’s try a probe. See what this thing is.”
He entered the command.
A flash of burning, yellow light pierced the forward port, striking l’Kebrill full in her eyes. She stiffened, catatonic, as the light blazed in her face—eyes stretched wide open.
The beam withered, and she collapsed—unconscious, not breathing.
Jackson jumped to her side. “No ‘Brill. No. No.”
Cradling her limp body, “Don’t die. Please. I love you.”
Ace grabbed the med-kit and knelt. “Let me work.”