Stories, poems and art reprinted from the classic Planet Magazine back issues (1994–2004).
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 36 (December 2002). Illustration: “Streaks” by Carl Goodman Korsakoff in orbitsaid the earth lay down thereas a robin's egg in a nest of coal,a fragile thing; it had no clouds. The weather being shorn awaywith each continent, and life--the shell is smooth, with not a rippleto disturb the oceans … Continue reading Pacific, by Andy Miller
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 36 (December 2002). Tasca the Hunter moved on all fours, in the way of the People. His lean, smoke-gray body blended well with the predawn grayness. Today Tasca hunted not for food, but for something far more important-knowledge. Knowledge to weld his solitary kind into something greater than nomadic … Continue reading People?, by Edward McKeown
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 36 (December 2002). Illustration: “Reactor” by Carl Goodman Quantum physics. There’s a thing.I’ve heard of nothing stranger.You fancy juggling atoms? WellBe mindful of the danger.For thoughts of protons, quarks and muons:Such exotic matter,Are apt to tie your brain in knots,Your sleepful nights to shatter. The Big Bang. Sheesh! Well … Continue reading Quantum Physics: There’s a Thing, by Graham Adair
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 36 (December 2002). Illustration: “Grim Reaper” by Samuel Delgado You might be surprised by the amount of paper work needed to run the universe, especially when everything must be filled out in triplicate, which is why Dale exists. As for where Dale exists, for want of a better set … Continue reading The Administrator, by Chris M. Webb
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 36 (December 2002). Illustration: “Land of My Paradise” by Matt Gaser Red clay. Did the whole planet have to disintegrate into red clay when its young rocks were pulverised? Red clay permanently embossed in sticky clumps to the underside of stained leather boots. Red clay fouling up the works … Continue reading Redemption on a Red Plain, by Greg Guerin
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 36 (December 2002). Illustration: “Twins” by Senthil GK lust and much angerbecause only one of themcan obtain her love double betrayalwater and sweat are indeedmuch thicker than blood upsetthat her perfect Mr. Rightwas actually twin clones her quick departurethrough the falling snow --two hearts broken suicide or murder:each clone's … Continue reading Twin Clones Haiku, by Francis W. Alexander
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 36 (December 2002). (A Langford Joh story) Illustration: “Rainbowrun2” by Ehrad When the sleek, silver craft eased into the landing bed of the Aegis transport platform, Bolee was there and waiting for its arrival. Aside from butloids and other computerized life forms, he was the only human present on … Continue reading The Aegis Crop, by William Alan Rieser
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 36 (December 2002). Excuse me, sir, may I take a look at that magazine? I just can't seem to get to sleep. Too excited, I guess. I probably should have brought a book, but I left in sort of a hurry. No, I've never been to Hawaii before. It'll … Continue reading Shoveling Snow, by Andrew Darling
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 36 (December 2002). Make sure to visit every decade! Saturday, November 30, 2002Posted on 11:17 PM[What's on your mind?] [Let's see what's on CNN] lunch... it's so very far away now. i miss it. Sunday, December 1, 2002Posted on 0:05 AM[What's that behind you?] [Internet Movie Database is nice] … Continue reading Planet Magazine’s Blog
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 36 (December 2002). Illustration: “Ignition” by Georgi Ostashov "It was working!" The reporter looked skeptical, "Only in one small region, professor." "Ah, yes," said the professor, raising a finger to punctuate his remark, "but the first success breeds others. They might have spread. They did travel a little, but … Continue reading At the Mercy of the Budget, by Richard W. Novy
