Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 40 (December 2003). Illustration: “The Archetypal Mosaic” by Ehrad The scream splashed across my mind like clear mountain water. Distant. Cold. Sweet. I could sense the subsonic undertones of the attack striving desperately to gain a foothold in and shred my sanity. Fear. Terror. Excitement. Distant. Unreal. With all … Continue reading Monster, by Michael Hanson
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 40 (December 2003). (From the continuing Langford Joh Saga) Illustration: “Ice Spider” by Zackary Lowing "Iron Feather!" said Langford Joh in a disturbed mood as he demanded his son's attention. "I want you to read this sensor log I am sending you. When you are finished and completely understand … Continue reading Just In Case, by William Alan Rieser
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 40 (December 2003). The following is an excerpt from William Alan Rieser's new book, "Nadir": Chapter 1: A Surprising QuestBy William Alan Rieser Ancient Prail who prided they knewAll of mystery and puzzles askewAdmit one omission in the halls of heirsAnd taxed poor Langford to make it theirs Langford … Continue reading Excerpt from “Nadir”, by William Alan Rieser
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 40 (December 2003). Illustration: “Ibex 239” by Zackary Lowing "I want to see a copy of this book," Villsomo the general barked into the field receiver on his Mechano Boot-Suit. "If it has his work in it I want to see it and take down every detail. I can … Continue reading Battle Book, by Neil Burlington
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 40 (December 2003). Illustration: “"m1024"” by Alain Valet An intriguing puzzle arises when we consider that the laws of physics treat matter and antimatter almost symmetrically. Why is it that the stars, dust, and everything else we observe are made of matter? If the cosmos began with equal amounts … Continue reading Barrier, by E.S. Strout
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Illustration: “"Bugman"” by Patrick Stacy Chitinous mandibles chitteringall six black eyes glitteringhe scuttled into the dingy barand set the she-bugs a-twittering. With pheromones enticinghe looked to them like icing,amazing how your life can changeafter a little gene splicing! At the genetic forge of Duon IIIDNA is … Continue reading Ladies’ Bug, by Robert Cameron Hazelton
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Illustration: “"The Prayer"” by Ehrad 1.1 sailinglightsails blooming brightcatching the sun leaving homeahead be dragons1.2 visitorsfar side of the moona footprint splayed in the dustsix toes and no shoe1.3 meetingtime shattered not bentmeeting yourself on the wayMerging to nothing1.4 bewareyears of starflightingthe end of the universe … Continue reading Four Poems, by Fraser Butterworth
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Illustration: “"In Darkness Light"” by Greg Martin The boyexamines the cube of granitewhich is his world.The boy, the cubeand the great black void around him.He sits on its surfaceand swings his hammer.He starts at the corners,making them less sharp,making them pleasantly rounded.He chisels the edges smooth.The … Continue reading Boy and His Hammer, by Dave Nordling
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Illustration: “"Spacecab"” by Andy McCann Tonight I'm celebrating and finally typing these notes to go with my technical design data and the working drawings! Right at the beginning I recall considering this proposition. Take that bottle of Scotch I have on the table. Suppose I leave … Continue reading Yesterday the World, by Tony Thorne
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Illustration: “"Botox Man"” by Romeo Esparrago Time slows to a screeching halt when there's a gun pressed against your head. Andrew suddenly remembered something that someone once told him right after the first "incident." It was his uncle. Uncle Lou. He had said, "Boy, you always … Continue reading Trump, by Danny McCaslin
