Quint tapped his solid metal ring against the control stick of the aged mining ship. The Ouroboros was part of the family. Quint glanced at a photo of his father sitting at the helm. In another photo, Quint’s grandfather stood in the vast cargo bay.
Read MoreDusk fell over the small town, and porch lights flared. She reached for the large, orange plastic bowl and set it on the kitchen counter. Above the refrigerator, she had stored a month's worth of fun-size candies.
Read MoreThe phrase "red sky at morning, sailor take warning" echoed through his mind as the sun rose on the horizon. The wide planks of the deck cooled his cheek. He flattened both palms against the ship and pressed hard.
Read MoreThe cool Fall breeze blew long strands of thin black hair back and forth across his face. As he entered the small village and neared the apogee of his twelve-day pilgrimage, he passed a small hut.
Read MoreBefore snow melt fled Olympus Mons, to water the jungles of Mariner Canyon, and fill the Chrysetic Sea, the face of Mars was harsh. She was not, however, unforgiving. Even early settlers knew Mars disguised treasures in turmoil.
Read More"Welcome to the Temple of Almukhut, the only known Egyptian-built structure to be found outside of the Nile delta." The tour guide waved his arm in a wide…
Read MoreCold penetrated her bones. Logic told her the room was chilled to prevent the spread of disease and to reduce strong odors. Her spirit cried out in protest that the cold was far more grave. The sagging skin on her flesh caught the chill and shook.
Read MoreAngelica LeMont peered out of the rover's view portal into the vast darkness. Six months on Phobos and she still couldn't get used to the nights. Each time the small moon slipped into the ink filled ocean behind Mars she was in awe. Utter and complete darkness for hours. Some nights she played. Some nights she rested. Tonight, she worked.
Read MoreHer fever broke, so she went back to the basement to continue the canning from the day before. Her brother had finished the remaining jars of crushed tomatoes and green beans they removed from the garden earlier that day. It appeared that he even picked up the workstation and cleaned the utensils. 'Where is Josiah,' she thought.
Read MoreThe bird fell from the branch and crushed a new daffodil. The boy bent at the waist, then knelt beside the small robin. He pushed aside bright green fronds and snapped another young flower off at the stem.
Read MoreAs the final minutes ticked toward midnight, his nerves became frazzled. He steeled himself with a strong shot from the bar, and a pep talk from him pal R.J. Tonight was the night. Alexa was the one. All the signs were there. It was time to take action!
Read MoreThe small fishing boat bobbed up and down in the gentle surf. In the world far below, fish darted to and fro seeking their next meal. And escaped from being one.
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