Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 31 (September 2001). Illustration: “Humiliation and Pride” by Romeo Esparrago "It is written: 'We, Humans, are made in the image of God.'" Enon's body tensed as he finished speaking. The Qarzaak's horny mandibles began to open and close. Dancing reflections from the artificial lights of the cavern ceiling played … Continue reading Qarzaak, by Tony Chandler
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 29 (March 2001). Illustration by Carl Goodman Everything is not what you see -- the moon, the stars,the galaxies.Five percent of the universe is all we perceive,the rest of it -- Dark Matter, Dark Energy.But "all" will be seen with the eyes of Copernicus,if first we search with our … Continue reading Dark Energy, by Tony Chandler
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 24 (December 1999). Illustration: “Avrilita Blastitus” by Romeo Esparrago Nothing lasts forever... Turn your back and walk away;never to return.Deep inside your pounding hearta fire begins to burn. Orange sky, pastel moons and planets,above her where she stands.Only as a sweet, fleeting memory,will be her lost homeland. The path … Continue reading Nothing Lasts Forever, by Tony Chandler
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 23 (September 1999). The ostrich was nervous, and Buck Brannan couldn't blame him. Shoot, he was nervous too. But it was the big bird that had the Mark VI 'Ram-Jets' strapped snug around its feathered body. Still, the rocket pack would put them on an equal footing with the … Continue reading The Ostrich Race, by Tony Chandler
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 22 (June 1999). Illustration: “Ride the Wild Pony” by Romeo Esparrago Steel Stallions cross the sky,Black Death, fear on high.Locked talons, wings of strength,falling Circle Fury,echo of our screaming cry. Red-lined, and over the edge... Broadsides, guns to bear.Into Death we will stare.Stars will shudder, souls will shake.Flames light … Continue reading Steel Stallions, by Tony Chandler
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 21 (March 1999). Part I Illustration: “Kragon’s Reach for Chadras” by Romeo Esparrago I have created a monster. The crimson glistened in dripping gobs on the walls. And then, in crimson clarity, there was the distinct imprint of its huge hand etched in gory detail. Down the center of … Continue reading ThunderStar, by Tony Chandler
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 20 (December 1998). Illustration: “Blinded by the Night” by Romeo Esparrago Straight into the sun, I make my weary way.Blinded by the searing light, never could I stray.The farther that we go, the farther that we see,everywhere, everywhere... more galaxies.Where was the edge? Where is the edge?Little did we … Continue reading Into the Sun, by Tony Chandler
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 19 (September 1998). Illustration by Romeo Esparrago Ancient Seer speaks in my earNo more the shadow of your fearTwelve billion light year rideBlack Holes crash and collideFrame-dragging my mindall in a row Omega cure our only needTrick the final statusDiagnosis ever speedMagic bullet -- Rubber latticeAll your pain, I … Continue reading Your Fear, by Tony Chandler
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 18 (June 1998). Illustration by Romeo Esparrago The mountains are different on Olo'hyo,As different from Earth's as rain to snow.A fortress wall of peaks forty miles tall,Even from orbit you must gaze in awe. Upon their mighty shoulders gaze untrodden peaks,Feel the magic majesty, know that which you seek.Listen … Continue reading Mountains of Olo’hyo, by Tony Chandler
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 18 (June 1998). Illustration by Romeo Esparrago It was the greatest contribution known by the human race, the supreme epitome of human technology. The monument's fame had spread until it had even been added to that most prestigious of honors, ranked as one of the 'Wonders of the Known … Continue reading Ramaas, Planet of Adventure, by Tony Chandler
