Stories, poems and art reprinted from the classic Planet Magazine back issues (1994–2004).
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. 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: “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: “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: “Sliding” by Georgi Ostashov "Angels with dragonfly wings, Fly up to heaven with me," throbbed the tenor voice of Celestino, from speakers held in the hands of stylized divinities. A massive Buddha held a large one in his lap, and across from him Christ's nails … Continue reading Angels at Penumbra, by Mark R. Yohalem
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: “Sestus Probes” by Ehrad Mahogany or acrylic pemmican. Those were the unsavory colors behind his throbbing eyes and the texture of his numbed thoughts as Engineer Jahn Tonelle lowered his beleaguered, migrained head to the plastic kitchen table. He ignored his wife's breakfast of simulated … Continue reading The Blue Cabukhy, by William Alan Rieser
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: “Stoned Planet” by Carl Goodman One!See the teacher, sweepin' up the floor. Two!Shut the windows, Three!lock the doors. Four!See the blind man, can't find the way. Five!Count the lights, Six!the devils counts the days. -- Nursery rhyme of Midas Colony, unknown date of origin The … Continue reading A Bouquet of Demons for Diane, by Michael Liska
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
