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Short Stories

Stopover at the Backworlds' Edge

A tale that unfolds an adventure on another planet in humankind’s far future. Humanity has spread out to other stars and planets in the galaxy. Pardeep Station is one of the Backworlds; one of the worlds far out there at the fringes of expansion. Little more than a way station, mostly folks are just passing through. Few people ever stay on Pardeep. Very few. People have been bioengineered to deal with different environments. “Stopover at the Backworlds’ Edge” has you sitting down at the bar with the other patrons as a subspecies of humanity thought to be extinct and the bartender banter and then negotiate a deal. She has a story to tell. She offers it in barter for another drink while waiting on her transport to elsewhere. Turns out the nefarious rumors about Water-breathers are true. "We don't need a lot of things we got."

Semper Audacia

War. Took everything she knew, leaving Leda alone on Baird Defense Station. The last defender of her world. After years of silence, the claxon blares. The enemy is coming. The ship is of an enemy design, but it answers with the proper codes. A mystery in its own right, but then the weapons start arming. She must figure out why. In the last antiquated flyer, she flies out to meet her world's fate. Trailer photo credits: Fantasy Stock, David Niblack, NASA / NSSDC. Links provided in 'Links'.

Aftermath

In another solar system, the end looms. Sudden tragedy brings absolute ruin to two alien races that live in harmony upon a peaceful planet, circling around a far star. Some images provided by NASA. Use of images does not imply endorsement by NASA / NSSDC.

Serenade of the Creeping Rose

Image of old, arched bridge provided by freeimages.uk.co Link provided in 'Links'. Classically Gothic, "Serenade of the Creeping Rose" touches on romance, forbidden love and throws in something a little dark.

Beacons

"Beacons" was entered in the 2009 Literary Harvest writing contest sponsored by Central Oregon Writers Guild. It placed 4th and has been published in the 2009 Literary Harvest chapbook. The mysterious lights are based on a real experience I had coming home from the observatory one night. I never did figure out what they were. They weren't really scary, just strange. Best of all, they are great inspiration. Hope to run into them again some time.

MZine

Small Graces

Freebies in 'Mzine' are here for your individual enjoyment. Anything beyond reading the piece is beyond the permission of the writer. Read May 9, 2010, Second Sunday, Bend Public Library. "I have to follow that?" [Excellent] I was also informed I have some fans to whom I should e-mail this to.

Plantgirl

Freebies in 'Mzine' are here for your individual enjoyment. Anything beyond reading the piece is beyond the permission of the writer. Read March 14, Second Sunday at the Bend Public Library. It was very well recieved. Photo of grass on 'cover' by David Niblack. http://imagebase.davidniblack.com

Translations

Freebies in 'Mzine' are here for your individual enjoyment. Anything beyond reading the piece is beyond the permission of the writer. Read February 14, 2010, Second Sunday, Bend Public Library. "Please come back in March." "Excellent writing." "Don't take no for an answer." "Reminds me of Henry James." A very positive experience for the author. Flash fiction written specifically for reading aloud at Second Sunday events. Picture of text used on cover by David Niblack. http://imagebase.davidniblack.com

DreamPlay

Freebies in 'Mzine' are here for your individual enjoyment. Anything beyond reading the piece is beyond the permission of the writer. Some images provided by freeimages.uk.co. Others provided by NASA / NSSDC. Links provided in 'Links'. Copyright Spring 1982. Yeah, a blast from the past. I wrote this poem inspired by a poster that used to hang in my room. It was one of those black velvet deals [hey, it was hip at the time] with Pegasus flying through space. I still think of that poster a lot, it inspired so much wonder. The poem is an inexact rhyme.