Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 37 (March 2003). Illustration: “Roller” by Patrick Stacy Even on a Wednesday afternoon, the giant triangle arch entrance to Future Zone Park was crowded with visitors, though not as jammed as it would be on a weekend. It was a sunny day in mid-July, school was out, and throngs … Continue reading The Ride, by William Wilde
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 37 (March 2003). Illustration: “Lagranderrota” by Juan Rodrigo Piedrahita Escobar “Good evening, sports fans. Welcome to Gagetown, New Brunswick, Canada, and another edition of Monday Night Infantry. I’m Frank Henwood.” “And I’m Mike Purcell.” “Tonight promises to be another four solid hours of blood, sweat, toil and tears. Two … Continue reading Monday Night Infantry, by Dave Whittier
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 37 (March 2003). Illustration: “Coming Home” by Ehrad "We have come to visit you in peace -- and with good will."Klaatu addresses the people of Earth and gets shot for his effort-"The Day The Earth Stood Still" (1951) . . . And so when the end finally did come, … Continue reading The Last Great Hope, by Ken Goldman
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 37 (March 2003). Illustration: “Lizards” by Von Kraemer Morning Tears had fallen in rivers, when she had raised her hand to his. All that Mrs. Ulma Tremmalow could say was, "I'm so...so sorry." She reached out to shake Jesse's welcoming palm. That's when Ulma's hand fell off onto the … Continue reading Lachesis and Lizards, by Von Kraemer
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 37 (March 2003). Illustration: “John Stellt” by Von Kraemer One"The Drive" I was lying under sheets when the connections were made. Damaged. I'd been driving with Johnny out in the dessert, the wind in our hair, the radio on… "Something happened to me James, after my last fall." It … Continue reading John Stellt, by Von Kraemer
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 37 (March 2003). (A Langford Joh story) Illustration: “Luke's Ghost” by Ehrad Among the private files of Ambassador Langford Joh were many in which he played a decisive and important role, a factor that contributed to his legend and legacy. But interspersed within the glorified accounts were a few … Continue reading Iron Feather, by William Alan Rieser
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 37 (March 2003). They were no sooner in the air when Harry was told, "Commander, I recommend you try and get some sleep. Here's a sleeping pill to help you. There is a sleeping berth in the aft section for your use." Harry replied, "I should get some sleep … Continue reading Harry’s New Toy, by Charles Kaluza
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 37 (March 2003). Illustration: “Equation X” by Ehrad BOSON: Any of a class of subatomic particles such as the photon, pion or graviton that have no detectable mass and obey statistical rules permitting any number of identical particles to occupy the same quantum state. - Satyenda Nath Bose God … Continue reading Field Trip, by E.S. Strout
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 37 (March 2003). Illustration: “Hell Tunnel” by Ehrad Let's see now -- what's it like to be one of the people who proved conclusively that humanity's not alone in the universe? Where the hell do you people get these questions, anyway? Wait, wait. I'm sorry. I'll tell you. The … Continue reading Cargo, by Floyd Largent
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 37 (March 2003). Lately she’d been counting things, incessant things like how many cigarettes she smoked and how many diet cokes she drank. She lingered in her a car a moment before pulling the key from the ignition, soaking in the daylight that warmed the chill she’d been feeling … Continue reading Aurora, by Marilyn V. Brock
