Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 31 (September 2001). Illustration: “The Tug of War” by Romeo Esparrago "It is well that war is so terrible, or we should grow too fond of it." -- Robert E. Lee Introduction: A Quick and Painless History Lesson Anyone who tells you that "the only constant in the Universe … Continue reading Soldiers of Misfortune, by Tim Dykema
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 31 (September 2001). Illustration: “Humiliation and Pride” by Romeo Esparrago "It is written: 'We, Humans, are made in the image of God.'" Enon's body tensed as he finished speaking. The Qarzaak's horny mandibles began to open and close. Dancing reflections from the artificial lights of the cavern ceiling played … Continue reading Qarzaak, by Tony Chandler
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 31 (September 2001). Illustration by Matt Morrow The staccato bleat, bleat, bleat of the duck's slug rifle breaks the silence we had been suspended in only a moment before. I'm watching the duck move forward, spraying gunfire at anything that moves. The mouse is behind me and to my … Continue reading Kandy: Everyone Wants Some, by John Devlin
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 31 (September 2001). Illustration: “Escape” by Cynthia Frederick "All right, children," Mrs. Patterson said as she got up from her desk. "It is time to hand in your short-story assignment." The classroom was filled with the sound of paper being torn from notebooks or removed from folders as the … Continue reading Excuse, by Justin R. Lawfer
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 31 (September 2001). Or, How I Invented BPC79 and Lost My Hand in the Process Illustration by Matt Morrow "Grandpa, tell me again what happened to your hand." My grandson Timmy poked at the place where my fake appendage connects to the stub of real forearm below my elbow. … Continue reading Evil Djinn from the Thirteenth-Dimension, by Hathno Paige
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 31 (September 2001). Illustration: “duality 01” by John Vega Detective Superintendent Charles Davies watched the solar clipper round Saturn and reel in its cosmic sails as it approached. It was not the fastest means of space travel but it was the most reliable, the cheapest and, thought Charles, the … Continue reading Carnaby Street Station, by David Gill
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 30 (June 2001). Good job! You found this secret SciFaiku page! Artwork: “Lickable” by Romeo Esparrago 'cuz it's X-ratedit can make love to Windowspronounced oh yes sex Haiku and artwork titled "Lickable" copyright 2001 by Romeo Esparrago ← Back to Planet Magazine No. 30 (contents)
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 30 (June 2001). Illustration: “High Brain” by Jon Eke On the end of the southernmostEdge of Borneo,Near the river Barito,In a remote pool,A new kind of creature was found. A chieftain,Of the Punan tribe,A race of cannibalsWho hold the color blueTo be sacred,And tattoo their skinTo resembleThe flesh of … Continue reading Volus Nocturnus, by James Livingston
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 30 (June 2001). Illustration: “Bones of the stars, dancing” by Andy Miller sphere of dust or stellar motiongas-illumined point dynamic it is a living thingof birth and death composed. a living thing disposed to dreamand dreaming turns it down in the curvature of space. Poems and illustrations copyright 2001 … Continue reading Star That Lives, by Andy Miller
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 30 (June 2001). The Birth of an Alien Artwork by Romeo Esparrago SciFaiku by Romeo Esparrago MOTHER'S REFLECTIONSNine stellar cyclesCase hardened exo-bellyWhen's my baby due?!? GOOD NEWSEverything there?Yes, It's got blue skin, three eyes,ten twingers, ten froes. LACK THEREOFzap my energiescelestial infant's crieszero-level sleep DIAPER CHANGEGreenish Betelgeuse!Nebulous supernovasplashes my … Continue reading Love’s Labour & Deliverance, by Romeo Esparrago
