“What is it?” Over-General Ulat demanded, in tones of nitrogen with an overlay of imperious oxygen. “You’re ruining my contemplation of our glorious victory. ” He angled a stalked eye at the glowing remains of the humans’ small advance base on the horizon. The strange creatures with their superior technology had fallen to a surprise … Continue reading “Failure to Communicate” by Ed McKeown
Category: Science Fiction
“Memoirs of a Bounty Hunter” by Frederick G. Soper
I am a bounty hunter. I had never been and never wanted to be anything different, until now. I have chased Sally "Twinkle Toes" Barnett for over six months. She took me to Ganymede, Titan, and finally Moon Shadow, where I caught up with and arrested her. Sally got her nickname when she a little … Continue reading “Memoirs of a Bounty Hunter” by Frederick G. Soper
“Heads” by Brian Wright
If she’d sprouted a third head at that moment it would have been less of a shock. The two sets of yellow eyes were staring into mine. "I’m having a baby," her voices said in unison. I remember a shiver running through me and wondering what I’d got myself into. We were extremely fond … Continue reading “Heads” by Brian Wright
“The Third Law” by Keith P. Graham
"Emma!" Mike yelled. Emma's body spun slowly, with one hand stretched out as though reaching for something. The other hand clutched the node of controls at her chest. She did not answer. There were yellow lights blinking along the side of her pressure suit. The telltale on Mike's control panel blinked a failure light on … Continue reading “The Third Law” by Keith P. Graham
10 Years Ago in Planet… “Noses” by Thithp of Blipp
Metal cylinder burn through world. Fiery screams. Awe. Terror. Much death. Silence. The hot thing stand on The Under. Then. Open. Emerging, moving. New sounds: ". . . and remove your helmets. . . Wow, this is fantastic; get a few lungfuls of this atmosphere. . . Better than Earth’s. . . I could breathe … Continue reading 10 Years Ago in Planet… “Noses” by Thithp of Blipp
Commercialism, by Alissa Grosso
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 42 (August 2004). Illustration: “Commercialist” by Romeo Esparrago The holo-woman had bright red hair. She identified herself as Jane, a teacher and mother of two from Cleveland, Ohio. She looked completely at home in Catherine's kitchen. "Are your children grown?" Catherine asked as she fixed coffee. "Lisa is sixteen … Continue reading Commercialism, by Alissa Grosso
Fair Warning, by Scott Leslie
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 42 (August 2004). Illustration: “Gurn (detail)” by Gil Formosa It didn’t matter how many times Jobim had mapped out this day in his head. All he knew was it had come — there would be no turning back. He lowered the case carefully to the desk and slid his … Continue reading Fair Warning, by Scott Leslie
The Indescribable Alien Encounter, by Andrew G. McCann
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 42 (August 2004). Illustration: “Indescribable” by Andrew G. McCann Story © 2004 by Andrew G. McCann Illustration © 2004 by Andrew G. McCann ← Back to Planet Magazine No. 42 (contents)
Mother Perkins, by Arthur Sánchez
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 42 (August 2004). "Chang, you tell her," Maria said, her dark eyes flashing as her hand unconsciously tried to brush back a lock of auburn hair she no longer owned. She and Jonathan had shaved their heads earlier that morning in preparation for their long cryogenic voyage, and it … Continue reading Mother Perkins, by Arthur Sánchez
Ringside Seat, by E.S. Strout
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 42 (August 2004). Illustration: “Ringside” by Andrew G. McCann A sudden snow squall blinded the downhill skier. In the oblivion of whiteout he impacted the sturdy pine tree head-on at over twenty miles per hour. He was located ninety minutes later by the Aspen Ski Patrol, unconscious and bleeding … Continue reading Ringside Seat, by E.S. Strout
