Stories, poems and art reprinted from the classic Planet Magazine back issues (1994–2004).
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Illustration: “"The Pilot"” by Anselmo Alliegro The Winston Churchill was still a dozen kilometers away when Paul Reagan saw it for the first time. Through the port hole of the troop transport, the Churchill resembled a lumpy potato, except that the lumps were really gun turrets. … Continue reading Jump Ship, by George Condon
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). (A Langford Joh Story) Illustration: “"Incubation Layer"” by Ehrad "Nadirian, what brings you to Manic?" "Have you already forgotten your mentor?" "Certainly not. But I am totally self-sufficient here, and there are no problems extant that have presented themselves to me." "Aside from myself, the Prail … Continue reading The Calydo Factor, by William Alan Rieser
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Illustration: “"Repli-Girl"” by Romeo Esparrago Flushed with guilt, Julie laid Seth, her two-month-old boy, back in his crib when the nanny entered the nursery. Julie stepped away as the nanny reached into the crib with her forearms, bracing herself with her hind arms, and picked up … Continue reading Mother’s Milk, by Sean Hower
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Illustration by Alan Rabinowitz / RABZ Illustration The pounding of the grey mares' hooves on beaten earth, I hardly heard. Eight sinuous and grime-smeared legs had hammered on at length, pulling my carriage to the muffling cover of a wooded dell -- then out from the … Continue reading Carrick Castle, by John Bailey
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). The wind howls down the slope of the mountain, gaining in intensity as it cascades over rocks and fissures in its way. Winds that rush like the Dread Horde through skeletal pines and birches, lifting their petrified limbs to the sky in ancient supplication. Begging for … Continue reading One Hundred Twenty Three Degrees, by Jo A. North
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Illustration: “"Circuit Box"” by Ehrad Looking upwards from the rooftop into low, heavy clouds, Joseph watched the torrential rain descend in sparkling streams, reflecting the myriad of lights from the city streets below, refracting the spotlights that swept through the evening sky. Beautiful, he thought. Water … Continue reading Death on the Wire, by Graham Adair
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Illustration: “"Jacket"” by Rick Shelton George Slimey was somewhat daunted by Pricella Lucretia, vice-president of sales of the Pharmaceutical Institute Laboratories Ltd., his largest client. She had jet-black hair twisted into a complicated bun, a pinstriped power business suit over her overabundant curves, thick red lipstick … Continue reading Psychic Pop-Up, by Joe Vadalma
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Ole Man Goober emerges from Handyman's Hardware into the New Mexico heat with a length of copper tubing in one calloused hand, and a paper bag full of adjustable water-heater clamps in the other. He stops in the middle of a pothole-littered parking lot next to … Continue reading The Dirt Patch Watering Hole, by Keith Crews
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Illustration: “"Princess"” by Romeo Esparrago I had the windows of my Jeep rolled down, so I heard the shouts around the same time that I saw the crowd. I was driving west on Queen Street, near the the old Hudson's Bay Store. A crowd of teenagers … Continue reading Sometimes, I Dream of Roses, by George Condon
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Illustration: “"Proto Petit"” by Robert Sorensen Five minutes later, and ten seconds older, Dr. Insanium stepped out of his time machine and shook hands with himself. "Hello," he said, smiling. "Hello," said Dr. Insanium. "Well, I'd better get back to five minutes ago. It was a … Continue reading Dr. Insanium’s New Friend, by Glen Thompson
