By Paul Stansbury “Captain McKennon, why don’t we land in the canyon?” Colvig asked. He looked at the science tech, Palmer, hoping to get her support. She shrugged, remaining silent. “Sure would save Palmer and me a lot of time and effort. I don’t look forward to lowering the equipment down the cliff walls.” Captain…
Read moreA Daughter’s Choice
By J.F. Sebastian Trigger Warning: Suicide is discussed. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, help is out there. You can call, chat, or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Nathan watched his daughter as she trotted towards a river that spurted from a crack…
Read moreTake My Place
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…
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