The view of Earth was breathtaking from the small window port. Brown, blue, green, and white, all swirling together in silent slow motion — the colors standing in lush contrast to the empty black of surrounding space. Thom took a… Continue Reading
“I said it was aliens from space what took her.” Detective Southby looked away as if I had said something really stupid. He stuck his spiral notebook and pen in his coat pocket. The blackened circle of grass centered in… Continue Reading
The gate to anywhere else but here pulses in syncopated rhythm. Male models in kilts and heavy boots stand on either side, enticing passersby. The gate beguiles Trina, whose unease with her life presents as clothing that does not fit,… Continue Reading
As Brian struggles with the condom, there’s a creaking outside the cabin. His hands freeze. He and Natalie lock eyes, their breath smoking. They listen for several seconds — wind scattering leaves across the wraparound porch, branches shivering. Brian slides… Continue Reading
The procedure would begin in three minutes. Edyth had already said her goodbyes — some touching, some tedious — to a throng of family members, old friends, and colleagues in the facility waiting room. The old woman chose to spend… Continue Reading
We are sitting on two iron chairs you pulled from the rubble, watching the dying, honey-coloured flames caress the remains of the smouldering café, the metal at our backs still warm. Dark smoke, filled with the sharp scent of burnt… Continue Reading
Dinosaurs are smarter than you might think. Too smart, maybe, for their own good. “I simply do not believe in time travel,” says the T-Rex. It roars emphatically, blood from its fresh kill still glistening on its angry fangs. “While… Continue Reading
Dillon grimaced as he gazed around his mini-fridge for the fifth time tonight; three Pop Cola cans, an old box of beef Lo Mein from Zhang’s corner stand, and a carton of Quik Fruit. Absentmindedly, he picked at the hives… Continue Reading
The xenobotanist doesn’t notice her ship leaving. She has no idea the commander and crew have already judged the planet to be uninhabitable and moved on. ‘Etowah’ soars off in a cloud of atomized fuel and its enlisted xenobotanist is… Continue Reading
A family of Bou Sain Guo floundered nearby, struggling in the thick mucus ooze of the swirling river. Somah hesitated, transfixed by the fires illuminating the boxy stick-like bodies, their rake-like hands outstretched and pleading. “Keep moving, kiddo.” Pavel pushed… Continue Reading