Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 35 (September 2002). Illustration: “Nu Werld” by Eric Seaholm Now Ingle-9 was as hellish a world as any than man had come to inhabit in the area of the galaxy near Sol. A permanent band of thick acidic cloud wrapped around the rocky planet and more or less completely … Continue reading Sweet-Pea, by Greg Guerin
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 35 (September 2002). Illustration: “Graveyard” by Georgi Ostashov I. Looking upwards into the sky,one might have wondered,at the long jagged streakswhich like greedy fingers reachedto touch upon the sleeping earthand bring forth the kisses of death. Once, my greatest aspiration had been to become a published poet, but that … Continue reading The Streaks in the Sky, by Raymond Towers
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 35 (September 2002). Illustration: “Gargoyle” by Jon Eke Tap . . . tap . . . tap . . . I have heard that peculiar, cursed sound on three separate occasions during my lifetime. The first when I was a mere boy. A small boy in what seemed like … Continue reading The Staff of J’leyth, by Brian C. Fadrosh
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 35 (September 2002). Illustration: “Powerful” by Romeo Esparrago Brad Lawson realized the whole experience wasn't a dream when the UFO that kidnapped him landed on the White House lawn. It had all begun during his Saturday night fishing trip to a canal near his home. He was dateless for … Continue reading Power, by Mark Stanley
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 35 (September 2002). Illustration: “Star Seed” by Ehrad There was major shuffling in the Luna City Confederation conference room as the examiners assembled and sat down to query their witness. That man let out a sigh, sitting nervously before them, his fingers drumming the chair rhythmically as he failed … Continue reading The Needs of the Many, by William Alan Rieser
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 35 (September 2002). Illustration: “Night Hunting” by Georgi Ostashov Today I turned 93. Choice adjectives I've overheard describing me in flippant remarks made by my grandnieces include "spry," "nimble," and my least favorite, "alert". All told, I don't have much to grouse about -- the usual aches and maladies. … Continue reading Houdini’s Locksmith, by Edward C. Lynskey
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 35 (September 2002). Illustration: “Trainman” by Patrick Stacy The light from the street lamps was half dimmed by fog, the noise from the train station half hushed, on a Sunday evening as I stepped from the curbside carriage and paid the driver, and then strode through the great oaken … Continue reading Forever and Ever…, by Christopher Clagg
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 35 (September 2002). Illustration: “Pathway” by Senthil GK "Not too bad out today," Randy told Tommy. "Cloudy, but it looks OK." Randy looked up at the dark clouds that seemed to be rolling in unusually fast. Being a pilot, Randy religiously watched the Weather Channel and read the forecast … Continue reading Flyers, by Nick Trejo
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 35 (September 2002). Illustration: “Denver2002” by Robert Sorensen It was from fire that our dreams were born. On nights such as this one, when my burdened heart is chilled by the winds of a distant storm, I remember the fire. It was the dancing flame of sin that gave … Continue reading Flames of Felidon, by Richard Larson
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 35 (September 2002). Illustration by Romeo Esparrago "There’s an incoming transmission on channel 1138, Captain!" I announced. "Put it on the main screen," the Captain replied. We were on the bridge of the starship Kedgeree, our mission to search out interesting life-forms, take pictures, bring them back home, and … Continue reading Ducks, Herrings, and Paper Hats, by Spencer Bagley
