Photo by: Al Forbes
Vikings were used to being misunderstood. Widely characterized as mindless raging barbaric berserkers, it’s less known that they established one of the first international trade routes. They traded from Scandinavia to the Middle-east. At each new society they were looked upon as being backwards, barbaric people. Ironically these alleged barbarians established a style of trade that modern civilized societies depend upon.
So when an apparent viking longboat and vikings arrived in modern Portland Maine, the reception was chilly. “Trade?” chortled Mayor Sanderson. “What could barbarians possibly trade that we want?”
“Same-ole, same-ole,” muttered viking first mate Evaard.
“But this will make your ships faster!” explained Captain Uther. He held out a curious metal construction.
“We have enough modern art,” chuckled Sanderson. And the Board of Trade members guffawed loudly.
Evaard took Uther’s arm and led him away. “I told you Earth wasn’t ready for our return,” he whispered. “We can sell these warp drives for a good price on Vega VII!”
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Written for Sunday Photo Fiction: https://sundayphotofictioner.wordpress.com/2017/04/09/sunday-photo-fiction-april-9th-2017/
EagleAye
Momus News 
Ah, Mayor Sanderson the Ignorant, who doesn’t get what he doesn’t deserve. I’m glad the Vikings have other, more enlightened options for trading partners!
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No kidding. He could’ve at least heard them out. Imagine how sheepish he felt when the long boat rose up on counter-gravity fields, then streaked into orbit at hypersonic speeds. You can be sure the Department of Defense would have some unkind words for the mayor. 😉 Thanks Joy! 🙂
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I can picture him now, waving his hands in front of the video screen showing the take-off. “Nothing to see here, folks.”
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Haha! It would be funny to see him confronted by an army of Trekkers wielding wooden phasers and with hands poised to strike with Vulcan neck pinches.
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Earth’s always been a bit backward.
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Yep. We seriously need to step up our game. Perhaps a manned mission to Mars would improve our rep a bit. 😉
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Love it. Nice twist at the end. Very Stargatish.
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Thank you! I’m glad the twist appealed. 🙂
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Enjoyed your interesting little tale. Too bad the Mayor of Portland wasn’t on the ball; we could have checked out Pluto already. 🙂
Perhaps the Vikings came to be thought of as barbarians when Ragnar Shaggy-pants was king? A son of Horsehair Shaggy-pants, if I recall correctly. A name like that on a calling card could leave the wrong impression. And I’ve been deceived into believing that myth about their “trade” being the “slash, grab, and run” variety, so you’ve enlightened me.
I do know that they left quite a few of their genetics in the north islands of Scotland and also over a lot of Friesland — so it wasn’t that they gave nothing in return. 😉
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Yep. The Vikings left their impression on much of the world. I’ve got Viking that in my blood. Shaggy-pants is certainly not an awe-inspiring name, though it’s hardly worse than King Edward Longshanks. I guess folks could be especially informal back then. 😉 Glad you enjoyed the story. Thanks so much, Christine. 🙂
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And then there’s Vlad the Impaler. Some rulers just weren’t into free trade agreements.
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That’s a very good “point.” Some rulers kill Free Trade Agreements as soon as they assume power.
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Same ole’ thang… lol! well done! 🙂
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Hehe. Some things never change. 😉 Thanks Courtney! 🙂
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Ahhh I see now. They are not “vikings” their name is Roman numerals. They are VI kings. Or from Vega I. V 1 Kings.
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Hehe. It’s more readable than “We III Kings.” 😉
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Hahaha
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Appearances can be deceiving. Gunn-Sar, War Lord of the all male race of Homics did particularly nice embroidery 😀
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Haha. True. Hermann Goering, the head of Nazi Germany’s vaunted Luftwaffe, had excellent taste in dresses. 😉
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I wonder if he and Hoover ever exchanged fashion ideas 😀 😉
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Haha! One wonders! 🙂
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I’m sure that Vikings’s going berserk was just a negotiating tactic.
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Very true. It’s a time honored tactic. Although, I doubt anyone sets their hair on fire in business meetings anymore.
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Thanks for the book, EA! I just checked your title on Kobo and found your book is free today. I almost feel guilty. Shall I mail you a dollar?
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Oh you’re welcome! Nah, just read and enjoy. That’s all I ask. I hope you like it. 🙂
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I think we Earthlings need to hire a good PR firm to deal with the ‘advanced’ vikings.Wonderful story.
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Yeah, I think word will get around fast. Next time Vikings show up, it’s time to roll out the red carpet. 😉 Thanks much!
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You mean the monotheists painted polytheists as barbaric heathens? 😉 Studied Vikings for Year 2 of my Undergrad. My lecturer argued this very point. Thank you for posting.
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I might have seen a documentary your lecturer participated in. It’s all true. I’ve found this info from multiple sources. Glad you enjoyed this. Thanks! 🙂
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