Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 40 (December 2003). Illustration: “Moonless” by Patrick Stacy Although their suburban home was empty except for themselves, Mark and Paula Mansfield spoke in confidential tones. While Mark was telling Paula how rich they would become, she rose to gaze out through partially open drapes on the French doors. "No … Continue reading One Moonless Night, by Joe Vadalma
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 40 (December 2003). Waves of a turquoise gold bulge flatly, gently upon the surface. The sea is flat, calm, breathing. The expanse is windless. As the sun sets, the sky turns a brilliant saffron-pink that sprinkles the water with particles of sparkling light. The sand sits dull and wet, … Continue reading Until Another Emerges, by Gregory Paul Mineeff
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Time slows to a screeching halt when there's a gun pressed against your head. Andrew suddenly remembered something that someone once told him right after the first "incident." It was his uncle. Uncle Lou. He had said, "Boy, you always have to ante up, and the … Continue reading Trump, by Danny McCaslin
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). (A Langford Joh Story) Illustration: “"Choices"” by Alain Valet One of the most startling discoveries by the Confederation's League of Sentients was the existence of Enclat, a system in the center of the galaxy that took them by complete surprise. It had been used as a … Continue reading A Slight Case of Indulgence, by William Alan Rieser
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Illustration: “"Spacecab"” by Andy McCann Tonight I'm celebrating and finally typing these notes to go with my technical design data and the working drawings! Right at the beginning I recall considering this proposition. Take that bottle of Scotch I have on the table. Suppose I leave … Continue reading Yesterday the World, by Tony Thorne
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). 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: “"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
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Illustration by Romeo Esparrago "The thymus gland's function is to activate the body's T-lymphocytes prior to puberty. These cells effect arousal of the dormant human immune system. They produce a hormonal substance which stimulates our immune response to overwhelm any threatening agency. They may serve additional … Continue reading Green T, by E.S. Strout
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 39 (September 2003). Illustration: “"Head"” by Matt Morrow A quintillion bytes and growing; roughly all the important data known to mankind by the year 2035, and it was just inside. The Technic Test Team had worked together successfully on several projects. But the prospect of testing Compendium was a … Continue reading It’s Inevitable, by Dan Heisman
