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). (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). 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. 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). (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. 38 (June 2003). (A Langford Joh Story) Illustration: “Lah Shipyard” by ehrad This is kind of like one of those space opera telecasts that I generally despise, except that the story is personally very real to me. I can't help it if it reminds people of the Maltese Falcon … Continue reading Voiders, by William Alan Rieser
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 38 (June 2003). (A Langford Joh story) Illustration: “Appendage” by ehrad Ambassador Langford Joh tried to relax in his private quarters on Luna, smoking his favorite old-fashioned pipe stuffed with simulated apricot-flavored tobacco. He poured himself a glass of Lunaberry wine from the decanter on his end table as … Continue reading Chosen, by William Alan Rieser
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 37 (March 2003). (A Langford Joh story) Illustration: “HiRes” by Carl Goodman It was significant that the first Confederation hopefuls were Earthlings because the surface and texture of Robain had many similarities to their home planet. The gravity was nearly the same, the content of the air almost identical. … Continue reading The Robain Incident, by William Alan Rieser
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 37 (March 2003). (A Langford Joh story) Illustration: “Luke's Ghost” by Ehrad Among the private files of Ambassador Langford Joh were many in which he played a decisive and important role, a factor that contributed to his legend and legacy. But interspersed within the glorified accounts were a few … Continue reading Iron Feather, by William Alan Rieser
Originally published in Planet Magazine No. 36 (December 2002). (A Langford Joh story) Illustration: “Edge-Cutter” by Matt Newman As the Earth Ambassador to the Confederation, this is the only report I've done myself without the help of a team of re-writers. I am Langford Joh. When the Andromedans accidentally dropped in on us, it made … Continue reading Edge Cutter, by William Alan Rieser
