By Nicholas Woods IT WAS FIVE DAYS BEFORE THE ACCIDENT, and Alexander could recall a menacing feeling in his gut that later he deduced as a warning. Whether from his body, or God, or an otherworldly cautioning, something was trying to tell him that where he was headed was not where he should be. But,…
Read moreDead Man’s Lake
By J.B. Polk Denis Burbank checked and rechecked his canvas rucksack decorated with what seemed like a zillion pockets and zippers to ensure he had everything he’d need during the trip. The rock hammer. The reactive strips to measure the levels of salinity in the lake. The Ziploc bags and glass tubes to put samples…
Read moreA Situation in the Relda System
by Paul Stansbury “Ludlow, I have a situation in the Relda system—something requiring your talents… and discretion to resolve.” “Nice to see you again, sir,” Ludlow said, eyeing his old boss on the wall screen. He ran his hand through his black wavy hair as he studied the face of the former Chief of Security…
Read moreThe Visitor
by Bela Seitz What makes you human? I ask everyone that when I first meet them down here. I’ve heard so many different answers at this point. Perhaps it is our mastery of technologythat sets us apart, the great cities that we have built which invade clouds and continue to expandoutwards and up. As a…
Read moreCold Comfort
by Carol Willis Summer barked and scratched at the back door. The dog’s woofs rattled the windows in their little farmhouse. Maia glanced at Dan, still asleep next to her, his breathing even and regular. She reluctantly peeled the covers off and set her feet down on the cold hardwood floor, wrapping a robe across…
Read moreThe Haunting of Piedras Blancas
by DC Diamondopolous There is no end to my love for Jemjasee. I pace the ragged cliffs, searching the sea for her ship. My longing will not cease until I am entwined in her marble wash of lavender and green arms. It’s dawn. The sunlight’s red varnish stretches across the Santa Lucia Mountains. The mist…
Read moreOne Last Thing Before I Go
by Eva Schultz Dear Charlie, I need to say a few things before I go. Captain Mayfield says it’s best to put our affairs in order before a trip like this. I haven’t said anything to you, because I didn’t want to upset you needlessly. But now that it’s time to leave, I realize that…
Read moreCrossing the Barrens
by Paul Stansbury Will was searching the skies over the Barrens. “Will, stop daydreaming,” Ryan called. He stood up, stretching his aching back. “If you want any supper tonight, we need to finish digging the blueroot before nightfall.” “I wasn’t daydreaming, I was looking for it.” “You won’t see it.” “Why?” “Because it landed last…
Read moreThe Greatest Emptiness
by James Moran “Good, I caught your attention.” “Here at the center of the galaxy, you stick out.” “And why’s that?” “The standard of cleanliness you observe surpasses that of the outlaws and murdererssheltering in these parts. Who referred you to me?” “No one. That’s how I was able to find you.” “Explain yourself.” “I…
Read moreFlight of the Rainbow Dragon
by Christina Moore The attack was over in seconds. But even a half a second would have been enough to destroy my entire investment. The fuel it took to get here, the food, the rum, every credit I paid my squad of hired goons– each burning bottled atmosphere at the rate of two tanks per…
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