The Camel’s Eye was rumored to have been constructed by the mad pirate captain, Lauro Baliek, in the earliest days of the settlement. The story goes that he appropriated most of the resources that were meant to start the new colony on Absalom III to build the gate. Of course every new colony was supplied Continue
Category: Shorter Stories
The Switch (SF)
Fafila suppressed the urge to flinch as her husband slammed his crystal wine glass against the tabletop. If she could keep her expression and body language calm, this latest tantrum might blow over with her person unscathed. “You’re supposed to be so brilliant, Fafila. How is it that someone as smart as you’re supposed to Continue
A War in Heaven Pt. 2 (Fantasy)
Lindsey skidded to a halt next to him at the corner as they waited for the crosswalk light to change. “Saint Peter?” “Yeah. Every Wednesday, he tells us what the angels need us to do. Since you passed the test, you’re on the work crew now.” Miguel’s dark eyes widened and he went stiff. “Don’t Continue
A War in Heaven Pt. 1 (Fantasy)
“There was a war in heaven.” “You’re not telling it right.” “I am so. That’s the beginning, ain’t it?” Overhead, the evening traffic on the deck of the freeway had settled into the dull hum that followed the drive time frenzy. A big semi shook the bridge, temporarily silencing the argument. Lindsey flinched as a Continue
The Secret of Tanecha sy Tyrin Part 2 (SF)
Tanecha knew it was bad when Reston resorted to using her honorific instead of calling her Captain. She said nothing, choosing to wait, eyebrow lifted, until he continued. He led her to the tiny uplink station that served the Engineering deck and queued it on. “Authorities on Theta II are offering a 10,000 credit reward Continue
The Secret of Tanecha sy Tyrin Pt. 1 (SF)
Tanecha looked over at Reston as they waited by the airlock. Her first mate’s eyes flicked briefly in her direction and then returned to attention. It was the only concession of nerves that she’d get from him. Rock Solid Reston, the crew called him– for good reason. As Captain of the Megalyth, she could afford Continue
There is no Starlight Beyond that Door (Fantasy)
“I am ready.” The master seer’s eyes searched his. Tight lipped and blank faced, he waited. “I am!” Still no reply. Around them the afternoon breeze brought over dust motes from the apprentices’ sweeping of the temple floor. Mordacai had been an eager apprentice once. He also had swept with vigor and hope, wanting to Continue
The Lost Words (Fantasy)
The great-grandmother of our great-grandmother’s grandmother first taught the lost words. We do not remember her name. She is from the before times. No one knows what generation this grandmother was from. It happened so long ago that there is no one alive who remembers someone who knew someone who was alive when it happened. Continue
Maricella to the Rescue Pt. 2 (SF)
Previously: “Didn’t you cross-train on at least basic navigation?” Clovis’s voice held a hint of skepticism and impatience. “I’m sixteen, ma’am. I’m not old enough yet to sit for starship navigation certification.” “Understood, Forthright.” The chill left Clovis’s voice. “We will match your position shortly and render aid.” When Abarca arrived, instead of going to Continue
Maricella to the Rescue Pt. 1 (SF)
The com console was awash in blood. Maricela swallowed the frightened scream that threatened to erupt from her throat. Her EVA helmet slipped from her stuttering grasp and rolled across the command deck. Its final thump made her flinch again. “Mom? Dad? Aunt Hetty? Uncle Constantine?” The only sounds came from various systems rebooting. From Continue
