Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 32 (December 2001). Illustration: “Circle Flame” by Carl Goodman The strongest source of cosmic x-ray and gamma radiation from the center of the Milky Way Galaxy is the environs of the constellation Sagittarius. Observations suggest that the galactic nucleus contains collapsed neutron stars, hydrogen gas and dark matter in … Continue reading Family Ties, by E.S. Strout
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 32 (December 2001). Illustration: “Dungeon Dweller” by Jon Eke A spot of light appeared on the scruffy rug, which covered the bare rock of the cave floor. Jacsson swivelled the torch around the chamber: There was no one there, but he’d found what he was after. He spoke quietly … Continue reading Duel With A Devil, by Sean K. Twyford
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 32 (December 2001). Illustration: “Panthress” by Romeo Esparrago William Thir wrote in his journal, late at night, while the glow of the computer screen -- the only light in the room -- made his pale face seem translucent and sickly. He wrote, for the first time in more than … Continue reading A Panther Inside, by Mike Velichansky
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 32 (December 2001). Illustration by Matt Morrow The silence felt deafening. The peoples of Earth were accustomed to the earsplitting detonations of Humanity’s space vehicles, whether Mars-bound colony vessels or simple, orbital drones. But the silver orb before them descended silently, as though it were attached to a magician's … Continue reading Alien Utopia, by Pat Hartsfield
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 31 (September 2001). Illustration by Patrick Stacy you have to wonder about the glitchthat sent 20 tons of plywoodon a flatbed truckto a pointin the Nevada desertwhere there are no peoplewithin 100 milesno development contractsno plans to build anythingjust a humorous glitchan anecdote in the long historyof computer screwupsor … Continue reading Shipment to Nowhere, by s.c. virtes
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 31 (September 2001). (for Hugo Gernsback) Illustration by Matt Morrow monocled eyeball staringat radio waves crossingthe manhattan skylinedreamed a treasure troveof gadgets and inventionswith goodly trowel in handtrailing wires across new yorknightline, television imagesechoing in the aether;gathered into his foldthe lost children of literaturethe Scientifiction crewwith their youthful experienceand … Continue reading No One’s Future, by Richard Behrens
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 31 (September 2001). EXCLUSIVE RESORT SciFaiku Artwork by Romeo Esparrago PHILANTHROPYDonations to poorhe used to do that for funnow he gives to space MIDDLE CLASSMoney makes missionis that all it takes to fly?gotta buy Lotto! POVERTYI can only dreamfor now I scrounge, beg, or robEarthbound forever Haiku & artwork … Continue reading International Space Station, by Romeo Esparrago
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 31 (September 2001). Illustration by Rononymous This job sucks! Sure I've always known that but, sometimes, I think I'll quit. But, I never do. The truth is there's nothing else I can do, so here I stay, late at night, busting my ass in a decrepit old bar, with … Continue reading Weird World: Bats of a Fur, by Marcelo Hipolito & Marcelo Machado
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 31 (September 2001). Illustration by Jon Eke The first thing to break the surface is a crocodile snout, grinning and toothy. It is upright, jaws slightly apart as if to swallow the midnight moon, and there is a mildly malevolent sense of humor about it. It is old, old, … Continue reading Uncharted Waters, by Julian Maven
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 31 (September 2001). (from ":MegaFusion: LifeFiction:") Illustration: “:Megafusion: LifeFiction:” by Sven Kloepping Imagine a city with 2,000-yard-high skyscrapers that stretches its arms over the largest oceans and the highest mountains on Earth. A place where "Cyborg Killers" or "Licensing Agents" fight for their daily survival in a brutal, life-absorbing … Continue reading Speedway to Hell, by Sven Kloepping
