Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Illustration: “"Proto Petit"” by Robert Sorensen Five minutes later, and ten seconds older, Dr. Insanium stepped out of his time machine and shook hands with himself. "Hello," he said, smiling. "Hello," said Dr. Insanium. "Well, I'd better get back to five minutes ago. It was a … Continue reading Dr. Insanium’s New Friend, by Glen Thompson
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Ole Man Goober emerges from Handyman's Hardware into the New Mexico heat with a length of copper tubing in one calloused hand, and a paper bag full of adjustable water-heater clamps in the other. He stops in the middle of a pothole-littered parking lot next to … Continue reading The Dirt Patch Watering Hole, by Keith Crews
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Illustration: “"Circuit Box"” by Ehrad Looking upwards from the rooftop into low, heavy clouds, Joseph watched the torrential rain descend in sparkling streams, reflecting the myriad of lights from the city streets below, refracting the spotlights that swept through the evening sky. Beautiful, he thought. Water … Continue reading Death on the Wire, by Graham Adair
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Illustration by Alan Rabinowitz / RABZ Illustration The pounding of the grey mares' hooves on beaten earth, I hardly heard. Eight sinuous and grime-smeared legs had hammered on at length, pulling my carriage to the muffling cover of a wooded dell -- then out from the … Continue reading Carrick Castle, by John Bailey
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). (A Langford Joh Story) Illustration: “"Incubation Layer"” by Ehrad "Nadirian, what brings you to Manic?" "Have you already forgotten your mentor?" "Certainly not. But I am totally self-sufficient here, and there are no problems extant that have presented themselves to me." "Aside from myself, the Prail … Continue reading The Calydo Factor, by William Alan Rieser
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). (A Langford Joh Story) Illustration: “"Choices"” by Alain Valet One of the most startling discoveries by the Confederation's League of Sentients was the existence of Enclat, a system in the center of the galaxy that took them by complete surprise. It had been used as a … Continue reading A Slight Case of Indulgence, by William Alan Rieser
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Illustration: “"Nebulonic Reflection"” by Ehrad I just came off three days liberty at Choalalampur, one of the few ports that still serves alcohol. After such a liberty a man should be allowed three days shipboard recovery, but that's my opinion. Naturally, the people in charge don't … Continue reading Another Day, Another Voyage, by Nancy Wilcox
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Illustration: “"Tristan und Isolde"” by Mike Finucane The only light in the room was the shuffling glow from the fireplace. Prince Devian's shadow lay over most of the room, waving with the fire's rumbling and snapping. Such a vile image his shadow was. Stretched and mangled, … Continue reading A Careful Plan, by Christian R. Bonawandt
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 38 (June 2003). Illustration: “We Are Upset” by Andy McCann Great. Just great. Now you've really gone and done it. We told you not to click on that link. And by doing so, you caused this page to have been created by us. Until you clicked on it and … Continue reading Do NOT Click on This Link
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 38 (June 2003). Illustration: “Mechanic” by Robert Castillo Big Tim is a quantum mechanic,he works in that new shop downtown.You don’t have to stall, go on, give him a callif your universe ever breaks down. His gravity’s well and housebroken,no messing with rubbery sheets.His fusion’s red hot -- there’s … Continue reading Quantum Mechanics, by Nancy Wilcox
