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
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 41 (March 2004). I stared at the swollen dossier in my in-tray with utter dismay. It took ten minutes and two cups of nerve-jangling espresso before I had the guts to even open it. And, when I finally did, I saw to my horror the name of Peter Cuthbert. … Continue reading Accidental Cover, by Sheryl K. Lindsay
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 41 (March 2004). Illustration: “Glossolalia” by Senthil GK John Macmillan was waiting for me when I arrived at the Prince of Wales, a pint of Orkney Dark Island before him already half-finished. I waved at him that I was going to the bar, and he pointed at his glass … Continue reading Glossolalia, by Matthew Aitkenhead
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 41 (March 2004). Illustration: “Soldier” by Patrick Stacy Stendhal Macross hadn't worked in months. The monotony was driving nails into his skull. Not to mention, his money was dwindling. Not that Stendhal didn't have plenty of money to live on for several more months, but everything runs out eventually. … Continue reading Good Job, by Christian R. Bonawandt
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 41 (March 2004). Illustration by Leo/GaiaGear "Collin 3, this is Control. Come to a heading of 113 Mark 217 and prepare for Engagement." "Roger," I reply, executing the turn. "Now on-course. How many bogies, Control?" "Scope reads 27, Collin 3." The thought boggles my mind. "Uh, Control, that's a … Continue reading Karen’s Last Game, by Nathan J. Kailhofer
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 41 (March 2004). (Note: "The Larva at the End of a Barstool" is part of a larger story being written by R.A. St. Afarian called "The New Americana". A political and cultural satire that takes place in the near future, its aim is to approach issues of social debate … Continue reading The Larva at the End of a Barstool, by R.A. St. Afarian
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 41 (March 2004). Illustration: “Braehman” by Ehrad She was an elderly lady sitting behind the wheel of a parked car, by herself. Alone, as they always were. When she saw me approach, she drew back a little. Her eyes were apprehensive, but without much fear. And, I thought, a … Continue reading Last Hope, by Bob Wallace
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 41 (March 2004). Illustration: “Dune Circles” by Ehrad Dave stared idly at the stars. So small and insignificant. His outstretched pinky fingernail was able to cover several of those tiny, twinkling lights. Twinkle twinkle little starHow I wonder what you are... Dave didn't have to wonder. In his sixty-four … Continue reading The Planets I Have Visited, by Lee Beavington
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 41 (March 2004). Illustration: “2nd Chance” by Patrick Stacy Keith laid the newspaper down beside him on the back seat of the limo. It was the same as all the others. It had a full-page ad that simply said: Need a Second Chance?Want to Change the Past?1 Million Dollars.Satisfaction … Continue reading Second Chances, by Arthur Sánchez
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 41 (March 2004). Illustration: “Jardin des Dieux” by Robert Sorensen "Why do you have that curious look in your eyes, Lauren?" asked Lauren's dad. "Why do plants grow upwards?" Lauren replied. "Because Sky is the plant's father and the plant wants to be with its father." Unsure if he … Continue reading Why Do We Grow Up?, by Sasha Gorelik
