Crew

"Mary, go out there and ask them to quiet down. For goodness sake, some of us are trying to get work done."

AE JACKSONAndrew JacksonJuly 2, 2024Short Stories

In Pursuit of Xirth

On the main deck of the starship Galatron, Gerald Windsor peered into the swirling vortex. The visual display showed what the computer scanned and interpreted several parsecs in the distance. A plasma cloud rimmed black hole formation…

AE JACKSONAndrew JacksonJune 25, 2024Short Stories, Science Fiction

Jenny and Harold

He was a man with nothing left to lose. The car was repossessed last Thursday. The plant sent him home three weeks before that without a word on when he was needed back. The divorce papers were in his mailbox (no surprise there) when he got home from fishing last month. He was a man with nothing left to lose.

AE JACKSONAndrew JacksonJune 18, 2024Short Stories, Comedy

The Skeleton Key

Tony DeLorenta ran through the dark corridor in search of an exit. He stumbled up a flight of stairs. He fumbled with the handrail which was broken in several places. His foot crashed through the landing at the top of the staircase. All told, Tony was in a tough situation.

AE JACKSONAndrew JacksonJune 11, 2024Short Stories, Horror

Statuesque

"I don't stand at those disgusting things when I pee," Solomon Nguyen shouted over his shoulder. His friend Andy Smith approached the urinal on the wall to relieve himself. Water splashed and Solomon began his exposition on the cleanliness of public restroom facilities anew.

AE JACKSONAndrew JacksonJune 4, 2024Short Stories, Magical Surrealism

Up In Smoke

A lone wolf howled at the approaching night when Andrew noticed a strange log covered with a clear glistening film. The three hikers searched for firewood in the high alpine desert grove by Hellroaring Creek. The backcountry campsite was reserved for one night, the only time they had available for each other.

AE JACKSONAndrew JacksonMay 28, 2024Short Stories, Magical Surrealism, Western

Migraine

A strong wind blew through the open window, and toppled the dead potted plant. The rolling terra cotta pot knocked over a half empty bottle of beer. And the two went over the edge of the kitchen table with a crash. A lightning bolt tore through his brain without remorse or forgiveness.

AE JACKSONAndrew JacksonMay 21, 2024Short Stories, Magical Surrealism, Western

Elk Grove HOA

“I call this emergency meeting of the Elk Grove Homeowner’s Association to order.” Reginald Doll banged his gavel on the table set at the front of the room. A dozen couples, and a third as many single homeowners were in attendance.

AE JACKSONAndrew JacksonMay 14, 2024Short Stories, Comedy

Hall Door

He said don't play with matches. Then told a joke about matches burning twice. The green strike anywhere tip disappeared in a flare of light. The pain was terrible. He laughed at his own joke. The blister lasted a week.

AE JACKSONAndrew JacksonApril 30, 2024Short Stories, Weird Fiction, Family, Horror

The Wimotach Falls Incident

“Carlton Sims left the bowling lanes at quarter till one on Sunday morning. It was the last time anyone saw him alive. In later interviews with witnesses at the scene, it was still unclear how Mr. Sims met his ultimate fate. Reporting live on Pearl Drop Road, Jill Long, Wimotach Falls 35 News.”

AE JACKSONAndrew JacksonApril 23, 2024Short Stories, Science Fiction, Weird Fiction

Return Home

"But why are you back here, Tom?" The case worker looked at him from behind two-inch thick bullet proof plexi. All Tom Morrison could do was shrug. His head swiveled to the left, and he saw some of his old friends. The term 'friends' might be pushing it.

AE JACKSONAndrew JacksonApril 16, 2024Short Stories, Family

Drums of War

The drum vibrated with a familiar call. “Oy, get lost then,” the soldier said. “We haven’t need of you here, boy. The battle’s lost. You ‘ave eyes to see, ain’t ya.” He squatted over another wounded soldier.

AE JACKSONAndrew JacksonApril 9, 2024Short Stories, Magical Surrealism