Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 41 (March 2004). Illustration: “Ghosts” by Romeo Esparrago A stranger dressed in furs and denim had entered the store, a string of gutted rabbits tossed over his shoulder. A young boy dressed only in furs was in step behind him. "Hello," Marcus Halloran offered. There were only half a … Continue reading The Ghosts of Tedjai, by Tamara Wilhite
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 41 (March 2004). Illustration: “Accident” by Romeo Esparrago I stared at the swollen dossier in my in-tray with utter dismay. It took ten minutes and two cups of nerve-jangling espresso before I had the guts to even open it. And, when I finally did, I saw to my horror … Continue reading Accidental Cover, by Sheryl K. Lindsay
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 41 (March 2004). Illustration by Leo/GaiaGear (This is another of a series of Professor Paula J. Lynch stories. The previous tale in this series, "Field Trip", appeared in issue 37 of Planet Magazine.) AMANDA (Antarctic Muon and Neutrino Detection Array), a hunter of ghostly particles, is ready to go … Continue reading Amanda, by E.S. Strout
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 40 (December 2003). Illustration: “Warrioress” by Romeo Esparrago "Do you rememberthe yearwe fought the revenant godson Syrtis Major IV?"The old man's infrascanleaked a dripa tricklea single dropdown his lined cheek,passing overthe ancient marks of plasta-sculp.He tilted back the steinand glugged.His after-smackwas plaintive."Those days, they were the ghosts."He turned to … Continue reading Memory Lane, by Nancy Wilcox
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 40 (December 2003). Illustration: “Spiral Universe” by Romeo Esparrago They were all wrong. We were all wrong. We are the same now. Elected and pushed by memory of simple eyes looking into the darkness of space. New cognitives. Creativity. Nothing can be proved in a dark Universe. All the … Continue reading The Wall, by Von Kraemer
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 40 (December 2003). (From the continuing Langford Joh Saga) Illustration: “July” by Ray Dangel Langford seldom ate. The fabulous Prail throne sustained his bodily requirements without limit. On those occasions when he did want something to nosh, it was more out of habit than need. After indulging himself, the … Continue reading Three Destinies, by William Alan Rieser
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 40 (December 2003). Illustration: “Ladies Bug” by Romeo Esparrago Waves of a turquoise gold bulge flatly, gently upon the surface. The sea is flat, calm, breathing. The expanse is windless. As the sun sets, the sky turns a brilliant saffron-pink that sprinkles the water with particles of sparkling light. … Continue reading Until Another Emerges, by Gregory Paul Mineeff
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 40 (December 2003). Illustration: “Moonless” by Patrick Stacy Although their suburban home was empty except for themselves, Mark and Paula Mansfield spoke in confidential tones. While Mark was telling Paula how rich they would become, she rose to gaze out through partially open drapes on the French doors. "No … Continue reading One Moonless Night, by Joe Vadalma
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 40 (December 2003). Illustration: “Woops” by Romeo Esparrago Debbie blew her whistle and stopped the practice game. "Don't shoot every time, Tara, just pass the damn ball," she scolded. Tara's face welled up with tears, "Sorry, coach, I thought I'd make the shot." "We're a team, Tara. A lot … Continue reading The No Name Abduction, by William W. Brownson
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 40 (December 2003). Illustration: “Penumbra” by Andy McCann I was launched a long time ago. I was not intelligent then. Some of the contacts I encountered on my travels have been helpful, especially the non-biological civilizations. They showed me how to update my components, alone. I was able to … Continue reading Monument, by Tony Thorne
