Turka’s Tale, by Lee Allison

Digital painting of a magician in a white turban and red cloak holding a sword, standing in a burst of glowing purple-pink light, with a woman's face watching from the upper right

Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 21 (March 1999). Illustration: “The Magician” by Duncan Long The cool breeze rustled the grass on the hilltop overlooking the sandy beach. To the east the sun was starting its daily climb through the sky, rising over the hills; and to the west and south along the ridge, a … Continue reading Turka’s Tale, by Lee Allison →

Always Amber, by Staci Layne Wilson

Stark black-and-white illustration of a curled, mechanical creature with goggle eyes and a huge round eye or wheel at its center, set against a half-black, half-white background

Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 20 (December 1998). Illustration: “Bound for Round” by Eric Seaholm I drive women wild. Delirious with desire, palpitating with passion. You're probably picturing me in your mind right now. Am I tall and handsome, with piercing eyes and chiseled features? Is my hair honey blonde or inky black? Do … Continue reading Always Amber, by Staci Layne Wilson →

His Daughter’s Madness, by Wendy A. Simpson

Dreamlike collage of a blonde girl's upturned face with mouth open, a woman in a pink dress pouring blue drops, and a man fighting a creature inside a blue bubble

Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 20 (December 1998). Illustration: “Madness” by Romeo Esparrago Moira lifted the round, moist fruit to her lips and bit heavily into the soft skin. Blood-red juice ran through her fingers and down her arms as she ate. Her stomach convulsed as the sickeningly sweet liquid coursed down her throat. … Continue reading His Daughter’s Madness, by Wendy A. Simpson →

Two Heads, by Paul Lukasewych

Painting of a man's ghostly blue face in the sky above a wall of orange flames

Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 20 (December 1998). Illustration: “Born Innocent” by Billy Tackett The air was stale and silent in the dark passageway. Cale crept forward slowly, careful to avoid any traps the ancients may have left to greet intruders. The faint light given off by his torch illuminated the strange patterns and … Continue reading Two Heads, by Paul Lukasewych →

Fields of Broken Glass, by Richard Behrens

Pen-and-ink drawing of a heavyset, scarred man with a buzz cut and suspenders, eyes closed, curled inside an oval of maze patterns

Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 19 (September 1998). Illustration: “The Judge” by GAK i the master sits, reads the signs New York City, 1985. The Secret Chief's real name was Henry Barton and his identity in the mundane world was one of obscure wealth and power. This was not untypical of the great chiefs … Continue reading Fields of Broken Glass, by Richard Behrens →

Soul Tattooed, by Noel Ace

Black-and-white ink drawing of a barefoot young man in a loincloth stepping through swirling, curling organic shapes and tendrils

Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 19 (September 1998). Illustration: “Ahhh, Esho Funi” by Eric Seaholm The fog pulled in and Barry escaped. Out of his bathroom window he miraculously squeezed his 200-pound frame and dropped to the grass below his apartment. Only a two-story fall, Barry had made the jump without breaking any bones … Continue reading Soul Tattooed, by Noel Ace →

Made in the U.S.A., by H. Turnip Smith

Crayon-style drawing of a big red robot with a cone head and claw hands on a polka-dot wheeled base, standing on a patch of ground under a blue sky

Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 18 (June 1998). Illustration by Ray Dangel A baffled cat skulked across the street, wondering where the hell everybody was. First time in years the summer streets had been deserted. Up at Evans' Old Time Ice Cream Emporium Kerry Ann Hooper, the last Cooperstownian working, scraped the bottom of … Continue reading Made in the U.S.A., by H. Turnip Smith →

Shift, by Ray Dangel

Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 18 (June 1998). Illustration by Romeo Esparrago Wendell Kendall was always a loner. Even as a toddler he happily played by himself for hours, arranging and rearranging his blocks and other toys. When eventually he was bundled off to school, it shocked him to be forced to sit in … Continue reading Shift, by Ray Dangel →

Oren’s Orb, by Julie Swint

Drawing of an orange hand holding up a small glowing yellow orb between finger and thumb

Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 17 (March 1998). Illustration by Romeo Esparrago "I love you and I'll see you in a few hours," the little box on the computer blinked. "I can't wait," Yasmeen typed in response and whispered to herself, smiling as she revealed her beautiful white teeth. Her sister just stared at … Continue reading Oren’s Orb, by Julie Swint →

Fergus the Templar, by Frederick Rustam

Drawing of a pale towered castle on a hill with a sleek hover-vehicle parked in front and tall spires in the distance

Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 17 (March 1998). Illustration by Romeo Esparrago Part One: The Museum of Horrors The Initiate Grand Master Fulbak bon Jaldwin stood at the exact center of the mother Temple on Terranova. The dais on which he stood rotated slowly so that none of his circular audience would be favored. … Continue reading Fergus the Templar, by Frederick Rustam →