Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 35 (September 2002). "There’s an incoming transmission on channel 1138, Captain!" I announced. "Put it on the main screen," the Captain replied. We were on the bridge of the starship Kedgeree, our mission to search out interesting life-forms, take pictures, bring them back home, and laugh at how silly … Continue reading Ducks, Herrings, and Paper Hats, by Spencer Bagley
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 35 (September 2002). Illustration: “Night Hunting” by Georgi Ostashov Today I turned 93. Choice adjectives I've overheard describing me in flippant remarks made by my grandnieces include "spry," "nimble," and my least favorite, "alert". All told, I don't have much to grouse about -- the usual aches and maladies. … Continue reading Houdini’s Locksmith, by Edward C. Lynskey
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 35 (September 2002). Illustration: “Star Seed” by Ehrad There was major shuffling in the Luna City Confederation conference room as the examiners assembled and sat down to query their witness. That man let out a sigh, sitting nervously before them, his fingers drumming the chair rhythmically as he failed … Continue reading The Needs of the Many, by William Alan Rieser
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 34 (June 2002). Illustration: “Da-Net” by Rick Hudson 1. "Look at this, Marty." Julie Prentiss gulped black coffee from a Styrofoam cup, made a face, then tapped a fingernail on the real-time CRT image of a Hubble Telescope transmission. "Pretty exciting stuff on The Net from the Astronomy Division … Continue reading The Net, by E.S. Strout
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 34 (June 2002). Illustration by Jon Eke "All clear under here," Charlie's mom said as she got up from the floor. No monsters under the bed." "And the closet is clear, too," Charlie's dad said. "You won't need to worry about any beasties tonight." "Did you look outside the … Continue reading Nighttime Terrors, by Justin R. Lawfer
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 34 (June 2002). Illustration: “Cryostate” by Jon Eke Six months up we lost Rene, and the first of the two crawlers we had. Two months later in quick succession we lost Gerard, Clemmens the German, and Armstrong the first American. London Control of course got us within two hours … Continue reading Short Term, by Christopher Clagg
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 34 (June 2002). From "The Adventures of Drake Sutton, A Bachelor in Space" It was a thing from another world, and we're not talking about the blonde bombshell. This was a creature that could not be named. A horror that could not be explained. There was nothing left to … Continue reading Tall, Dark, and Gruesome, by Christian M. Chensvold
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 34 (June 2002). Illustration: “The Ark” by Ellie Hradsky I don’t know why I write this now. It is unlikely anyone will ever read these words. Being a killer is never easy for a sane mind, but for those of us who were torn away from our homes, our … Continue reading The Tomb in the Stars, by Eric S. Brown
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 34 (June 2002). Illustration: “Gargoyle” by Andy Miller On the barren surface of the newly discovered world, human and alien stood in the dry heat of twin suns, pointing guns at one another. The scene reminded Jason Ketrige of an old movie he had once seen in ancient Terran … Continue reading Circle in the Sand, by David Crane
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 34 (June 2002). Illustration: “Flame” by Carl Goodman 1. August 2004: Gage County Fair -- Beatrice, Nebraska First contact. No argument there. June Haverstock's home video made CNN within the hour. It's just that... it wasn't the most noble way we could have met extraterrestrials for the first time. … Continue reading Conspicuous Consumption, by Gary Piserchio and Frank Tagader
