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. 40 (December 2003). (From the continuing Langford Joh Saga) Illustration: “July” by Ray Dangel Langford seldom ate. The fabulous Prail throne sustained his bodily requirements without limit. On those occasions when he did want something to nosh, it was more out of habit than need. After indulging himself, the … Continue reading Three Destinies, by William Alan Rieser
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 40 (December 2003). They were all wrong. We were all wrong. We are the same now. Elected and pushed by memory of simple eyes looking into the darkness of space. New cognitives. Creativity. Nothing can be proved in a dark Universe. All the matter that counts for the initial … Continue reading The Wall, by Von Kraemer
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 40 (December 2003). Illustration: “"m1024"” by Alain Valet An intriguing puzzle arises when we consider that the laws of physics treat matter and antimatter almost symmetrically. Why is it that the stars, dust, and everything else we observe are made of matter? If the cosmos began with equal amounts … Continue reading Barrier, by E.S. Strout
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 40 (December 2003). Illustration: “Ibex 239” by Zackary Lowing "I want to see a copy of this book," Villsomo the general barked into the field receiver on his Mechano Boot-Suit. "If it has his work in it I want to see it and take down every detail. I can … Continue reading Battle Book, by Neil Burlington
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 40 (December 2003). The following is an excerpt from William Alan Rieser's new book, "Nadir": Chapter 1: A Surprising QuestBy William Alan Rieser Ancient Prail who prided they knewAll of mystery and puzzles askewAdmit one omission in the halls of heirsAnd taxed poor Langford to make it theirs Langford … Continue reading Excerpt from “Nadir”, by William Alan Rieser
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 40 (December 2003). (From the continuing Langford Joh Saga) Illustration: “Ice Spider” by Zackary Lowing "Iron Feather!" said Langford Joh in a disturbed mood as he demanded his son's attention. "I want you to read this sensor log I am sending you. When you are finished and completely understand … Continue reading Just In Case, by William Alan Rieser
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 40 (December 2003). Illustration: “The Archetypal Mosaic” by Ehrad The scream splashed across my mind like clear mountain water. Distant. Cold. Sweet. I could sense the subsonic undertones of the attack striving desperately to gain a foothold in and shred my sanity. Fear. Terror. Excitement. Distant. Unreal. With all … Continue reading Monster, by Michael Hanson
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 40 (December 2003). Illustration: “Penumbra” by Andy McCann I was launched a long time ago. I was not intelligent then. Some of the contacts I encountered on my travels have been helpful, especially the non-biological civilizations. They showed me how to update my components, alone. I was able to … Continue reading Monument, by Tony Thorne
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 40 (December 2003). Debbie blew her whistle and stopped the practice game. "Don't shoot every time, Tara, just pass the damn ball," she scolded. Tara's face welled up with tears, "Sorry, coach, I thought I'd make the shot." "We're a team, Tara. A lot of times you do make … Continue reading The No Name Abduction, by William W. Brownson
