Ray Gun Revival magazine, Issue 41

Issue 41

March 01, 2008

Pg. 2

Ray Gun Revival

Table of Contents

Overlords (Founders / Editors):

2 Table of Contents 3 Overlords\u2019 Lair Venerable Staff: A.M. S\ue001ckel - Managing Copyeditor 5 Alien Cafe Shannon McNear - Lord High Advisor, grammar consultant, listening by Russell J. Fellows ear/sanity saver for Overlord Lee Paul Chris\ue001an Glenn - PR, sounding board, strong right hand 8 Calamity\u2019s Child L. S. King - Lord High Editor, proofreader, beloved nag, muse, Chapter Two: Potlatch webmistress Johne Cook - art wrangler, desktop publishing, chief cook and bo\ue003le by M. Keaton washer 18 Featured Artist: Paul Davey 21 JASPER SQUAD Slushmasters (Submissions Editors): Sco\ue003 M. Sandridge Episode 09: Strange Horizon! John M. Whalen by Paul Christian Glenn David Wilhelms Shari L. Armstrong 30 Deuces Wild, Season Two Jack Willard Chapter 3: Fractured Facets, Part Two Serial Authors: Sean T. M. S\ue002ennon by L. S. King John M. Whalen 36 The RGR Time Capsule Ben Schumacher Lee S. King February 15 - February 29, 2008 Paul Chris\ue002an Glenn Johne Cook, L. S. King, Paul Chris\ue002an Glenn

Johne Cook

Cover Art: \u201cWe Can\u2019t Win\u201d by Paul Davey Without Whom... Bill Snodgrass, site host,

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Ray Gun Revival magazine

Rev: 20080301a

Issue 41, March 01, 2008

Pg. 3

Overlords\u2019 Lair back debated writing something pithy this month new gig are variable and unique compared to like water off a duck, and I became quickly Iabout impressed with her can-do attitude and good what I was used to. March coming in like a lion, but with all

humor. the snow and frigid temperatures we\u2019ve gotten Along in these parts, I just didn\u2019t have the heart to the way, I\u2019ve discovered blessings I didn\u2019t expect. My contacts at the new job are beyond It is one thing to talk about changing paradigms, see the metaphor through. excellent, the new co-workers are colorful corporately, but when it comes to switching and professional and come from all over the up everything in my career routine, well, new Instead, I\u2019ll write a tad about uncertainty, place. Many are from India, but apart from decisions come at you pretty fast. I learned dynamic change, and conflict. the regional flavors that color their English, this week that a change to my routine affects To me, that\u2019s what March is all about. Will theythe are uniformly interesting and fun to be those around me, as well. In my own life, with month start off full of fierce weather events around. They are knowledgeable and giving ineverything up in the air, and my ability to and then calm down to gentle rain showers their work, and they, the \u2018aliens\u2019 keep from another in touch with friends suddenly altered, I as spring thaws Winter\u2019s icy grip? Nocountry, one uniformly bent over backward to make discovered quickly how much I value my own knows, but the dynamic weather patterns that me, a \u2018local\u2019 feel welcome. support structure. My spouse stepped up to typify the month hold my attention as I wait the plate and changed her work schedule to out winter\u2019s death throes and hope that I can was a working potluck luncheon on help make sure my teenage son gets to school, There bask again in sunshine and temperate breezes Wednesday and I got to sample various dishesmy friends put up with more limited access than before the onset of cabin fever. I\u2019d never heard of. There was this dishthey withare a perhaps used to, and yet they remain dirty rice and chicken that was out of this world, willing to take my calls and e-mails when I can Uncertainty, dynamic change, and conflict have and a cold salad of corn and colored beans communicate. been the theme in my own life this month. As and an amazing sauce . I don\u2019t know what the a contract technical writer for my day job, I seasonings were for any of it, but they were I feel a little guilty for how uncertainty, dynamic finished one long-term writing gig on February entirely new tastes to my jaded palate, and I change, and conflict affect those around me. 29th, and moved immediately into a new one enjoyed the variety. At the same time, I appreciate how true my on March 3rd. My commute nearly tripled in family and friends are despite the upheaval the process. I was amused at how much that My contact at the new company was a wonder.of the routine in my life. I realized anew this changed some things, and how little it changed She juggled getting me up and running while week that I simply am not worthy. The dirty others. Before agreeing to take the position, maintaining I her own full slate of meetings, little secret is that they\u2019ve always known that, determined in my head and heart to maintain all the while knowing that she has a vacation and they love me anyway. Bringing this back to a positive mental attitude about the drive. Socoming up overseas for two weeks. But despite the matter at hand, Issue 41 is for all of you. I far, so good. a bursting schedule and equipment that didn\u2019t think you\u2019ll like it. want to cooperate, she handled all the conflict All of my weekly habit patterns changed literally with dry humor and effortless determination. overnight. I go to bed a little earlier, get up Some would complain. The stress rolled off her much earlier, and my daytime routines at the



Pg. 4 from facile to probably fatal as far as Addie First up is a fast, fun story, Alien Cafe, by “Got it! One shot!” goes. If the Confeds want us, they won’t Russell J. Fellows. Russell is editor-in-chief of Perpetual Magazine, but he’s also a writer, Pharaoh yanked the tourist to his feet, gunrelease her in any event. So we have to and we’re delighted to show off what he can and all. Spinning him, the guide pushed strike boldly. We will all be in danger either him down the hillside. “Jeep! Now!” he way.” He bored into Carter’s eyes. “Unless do with his first story in RGR. commanded. we just cut our losses and leave.” My name’s Ralph, and I run the Alien Café Slap’s mouth dropped open. “Cut losses? o sta on Beta Nine. I know, not veryI’ve thought for years now that Paul Christian Cut losses? How can you mean that? You’re crea ve, but when you’re the only placeGlenn would give us the next great novel in the tradition of Joss Whedon’s Firefly. The next talking about just leaving her here to be to grab a bite between Earth and Alpha installment of his serial novel, JASPER SQUAD,murdered?” Centauri, people don’t care about crea ve. Strange Horizons!, confirms Paul’s eye and Running a diner that caters mainly toear for great space opera. This is his breakout Ah, that’s really good stuff. freight runners, you get used to seeing chapter. If these last couple of weeks have taught a lot of di erent things, and not much me anything, it is that uncertainty, dynamic surprises me any more. Having a dozen orShe stood frozen for a moment, then so atomizing ri es pointed at me is ge ng relaxed and slowly holstered her weapon. change, and conflict don’t have to be bad. They can bring about growth in your own life annoying, though. Especially when these “Don’t play games with me, Stamp.” if you believe in yourself, if you have devoted things always seem to happen during the He grinned in the darkness. “I wouldn’t friends, if you determine to make the best of it lunch rush. dare.” with your will. Sometimes, the best things take the longest Captain Spill’s voice rang out from the edge I appreciate your forbearance, gentle reader, to germinate. This issue of Ray Gun Revival of the garden. “You two,” he called, “what’s and your faith and continued belief in Ray magazine continues a serial novel whose first going on?” Gun Revival magazine as we continue to press part appeared as a classic RGR short story all the forward. Hang in there—spring is coming. way back in RGR Issue 0. You may remember Stamp turned to see the captain’s shape author M Keaton and his story Subject Real. in the moonlight, his shooter drawn and Johne Cook We are proud to publish the continuation of aimed at Stamp’s head. Overlord, RGR his serial novel Calamity’s Child with the first part of Chapter Two, Po t l a tc h. Breezeway, Wisconsin L. S. King’s Deuces Wild continues with Fractured Facets, Part Two. She’s got another “Track east along the horizon from where March, 2008 strong chapter, here. I know how hard she you are now,” Ivan replied. worked to whip this chapter into shape, but you won’t be able to tell from the prose. It’s “Ahh, there…the dinosaurs. Yes, I see them smooth, and flows, from an apparent effortless both.” hand. I guess that’s how these things go. “Both?” Ivan started to ask as the thunder of Groten’s ri e slapped his eardrums. InCarter eyed him warily. “What do you have the distance, one of the waving necks in mind, Captain?” jerked, collapsing like a snipped string. He con nued slowly. “Things have gone



Alien Cafe by Russell J. Fellows

Pg. 5

Alien Cafe

by Russell J. Fellows

M

know plain enough he didn’t like pot shots at y name’s Ralph, and I run the Alien Café the Natarri people. I can’t wait to get it to the off station Beta Nine. I know, not very museum.” his name. creative, but when you’re the only place to “Sure, sure. Look, I know you want your... grab a bite between Earth and Alpha Centauri, Really, it just looked like a black cube to me, but I loved watching her get so excited whatever it is you’re looking for, but as you people don’t care about creative. over things. It’s hard to find anyone with her can see, I’m very busy trying to run a business Running a diner that caters mainly to kind of passion and excitement anymore, not here.” I tried to point his attention to the dozen freight runners, you get used to seeing a lot of in a place like this. Freighters are usually just or so pairs of eyes fixed on him and his men. different things, and not much surprises me occupied with surviving their runs. By the stark look on his face, I think it any more. Having a dozen or so atomizing rifles Even other treasure hunters have started worked. For a brief second, it looked like he pointed at me is getting annoying, though. was going to change his mind and leave…only Especially when these things always seem to to let the bureaucracy of the Alliance get to them. Not May, though; she is still as vibrant a brief second. happen during the lunch rush. as the day I met her. It was infectious, so I let Crack! His fist hit my face so hard that I Pirates barged in about ten minutes ago, her bring by whatever new artifact she found bounced off the counter behind me. I stood demanding their black box. It’s always someone for me to look at. back up and wiped the blood off the corner of demanding something, and they always want You’d think I would have learned my lesson my mouth. it immediately. No one ever seems to just want after the fiasco with the Disconti Imperial to sit and talk anymore. guard. And, of course, next it was pirates…with “You know, I’ve met some dumb pirates Of course, I knew exactly what they were their minds set on extracting their little black before, but you are first class,” I gritted my teeth, and then stopped. My jaw still hurt after, and who had it, but I wasn’t about to tell box from my hide. The fact that it wouldn’t too much to do that. “You are on Federation them. Not because I felt great joy in keeping get them anywhere to destroy my place, or things from murderous pirates bent on ripping skin me alive, made little difference to them. territory, and you assaulted a Federation citizen.” I clenched my jaw and winced at the my diner apart, but because I’m quite fond of They’d simply chalk it up to practice for the pain. the pretty face in possession of said artifact. real perpetrator. “Check the treasure hunter.” At the end May fancies herself an archaeologist of “So tell me, where is it?” the tall one asked of the bar, with a mouth full of hamburger sorts. Really, she’s a treasure hunter, but me. I think his name was Domo, or Donna, not I let her think what she wants. She came in that it mattered. I found it better to let people and spite, sat Sasha. I call her Sasha for two yesterday, grinning ear to ear, holding tight to have their hissy fits without interrupting themreasons: one, because I can’t pronounce her real name, and two, it really irritates her. her little knapsack that never parts from her because it usually makes them happier. side. She was still bitter toward May and I about And happy people don’t kill you. getting her disavowed, or whatever it is they “Isn’t it something?” she said. “This is “Look, Drackie, was it?” do when they kick you off the Disconti Imperial probably the most important piece I’ve found, Guard. Only reason she still comes in the place ever! I mean, this will tell us so much about “Drakor.” The low guttural growl let me




Pg. 6

is for the burgers. She can’t get enough of them, “Yes, we will leave, but we’re taking the “You laugh? The Alliance must not impede so she keeps telling me. She also makes a point treasure hunter with us.” Bobby and the otherthe justice of any race. Our law calls for her death!” of telling me it’s the only reason she hasn’t grabbed May by the arms. killed me yet, since mine’s the only place she “Whoa, whoa, whoa. Not so fast, Tex.” “Your law? You’re a pirate, and as such, you can get them without actually having to set are not recognized by the Alliance. So, unless foot on Earth. “My name is Drakor!” you really feel like dying today, put down your Drakor smiled his toothy grin, reminding weapons and walk away.” My pulse was quick, “Yeah, I caught that. You’re not going me of why his people were called the Snaggleand I was getting anxious. If there was one anywhere with her. You’ve got what you want, teeth, although not to their faces. He nodded thing a pirate was never afraid of, it was dying so let’s not make this complicated.” toward a couple of his minions, and they for what they believed in. walked toward May. Drakor roared, and the atomizing rifles “I am not afraid to die!” went back up, all trained on me. “Hey, wait a minute! She says ‘treasure hunter,’ and you automatically assume me? I’m The room rustled, and I was pleased to see “I already said that.” an archaeologist, thank you very much!” May that just about every freighter in the room was “What?” clutched her knapsack tighter, pulling away standing with their blasters pulled and ready from them. “Never mind. Look, you might not be afraid to fry the pirates. to die, but how will you get your little black One growled in response, and she handed “Look, Drakor, as much as I would like to box back to the princess if you’re dead?” That it over, muttering under her breath. see the tiny one’s frozen body floating in deepmade him stop and think. “All right? If she sent space, I’m afraid I can’t let you be the one to you all the way out here to find it, she must “Bobby,” Drakor held out his hand, and the do it.” I don’t know who was more shocked, want it really bad—whatever it is.” pirate tossed him the knapsack. Drakor or me, when Sasha actually spoke up in “None of your business.” defense of May, albeit a very morbid defense, I know, it took me by surprise, too—a Natarri pirate named Bobby...but I digress. but that’s big coming from her. “Okay. Still, she wants it. You need to get “Listen, wench, I thank you for your help it to her, and you can’t do that if you’re fried. Drakor opened the bag, and I could see relief wash over his face. I dare say, even a before, and for that I won’t kill you where you Understand.” sit. I advise you to stay out of this.” Drakor smile. “It’s here.” sounded tough and intimidating, up until Sasha It took him an uncomfortable amount “Told you that filthy treasure hunter woulddecided to stand, and her eight feet of pure- of time to think it over, but it finally sank in. have it. Can’t keep her hands off of anything muscled Disconti body brought actual fear to He looked to his men and nodded, and they lowered their guns. One by one, they backed that doesn’t belong to her.” Sasha muttered, his eyes. out of the diner, freighters’ blasters still pointed and was still blabbing, but it’s hard to underat them. stand anyone who insists on talking with half a He stuttered for a moment, before finding his confidence again. cow hanging out of her mouth. Drakor didn’t look happy, as he was the last to leave. He kept his eye on me, until he “Okay, so you’ve got what you came for, now “This is against the Alliance!” Drakor you’ll be leaving, right?” Not trusting Bobby stomped his foot, and I would have laughed reached the door, then he turned to look at if it were a different situation. Oh, who am I May. “This is not over, treasure hunter! You and his partner, I kept my eyes on May.. . will answer to our justice, one day!” kidding, I let out a small chuckle.




Pg. 7

Russell J. Fellows He left, and everyone relaxed. They returned to their seats, and I could feel the collective sigh of relief as it swept over the place.Russell J. Fellows is editor-in-chief of Perp etual Magazine, and a writer with stories feaAnd then I heard the laughter. tured in B ohemian- Alien. I turned to see Sasha laughing so hard she almost choked on her burger. “Glad to see you enjoying yourself, Sasha.” “How could I not? It’s so nice to find someone else who hates the two of you as much as I do. Can I have another of your Earth fizzy syrup drinks?” “Even so, thank you for defending May; I know that must have been hard.” “I did not do it to defend her, but to keep them from stealing what will be my glory one day.” I turned toward the soda fountain, and quickly glanced at May. She stood, and had her eyes fixed on Sasha. I remember thinking, as I went to pour Sasha her drink, that May wouldn’t be foolish enough to do anything. I knew she was rash and all, but not crazy… I’ve come to realize I’m not that great at judging people. Crack! Bam!

“Aaaaa!” And here I was worried about pirates.



Calamity’s Child, Chapter Two: Potlatch by M. Keaton

Calamity’s Child

Pg. 8

Chapter Two: Potlatch by M. Keaton

Part One

gun and all. Spinning him, the guide pushed in the heat and his charcoal skin glistened with sweat. Ivan passed him the pistol and pointed.him down the hillside. “Jeep! Now!” he van resisted the urge to slap at the insect The seven-foot-tall giant’s hand engulfed the commanded. biting the back of his neck and spoke into slug his thrower and he raised it to his eye. “There, radio. “I’ve got one spotted. Go ahead and bring Herr Groten,” Pharaoh said, his voice a smooth,“I’ve got suppression,” Ivan called, shifting Herr Bwana up.” He shifted the belt anchoring his weight around the tree until he had a clear deep roll like molasses flowing in a riverbed. his micro-howitzer to something resembling a“On the horizon.” field of fire into the valley below. Pharaoh was half-dragging the confused, protesting Groten more comfortable position, leaning his back Where Pharaoh was at ease in the planet’s through the brush. against the bole of a nearby tree—assuming it was still considered a tree if it had red fur burgundy jungle, Groten was Earth to the Even over the ringing in his ears left by hilt—old fashioned and old money. Despite instead of bark on its trunk. the the temperature, he wore the traditional safari rifle shot, Ivan could hear the snapping of In the shallow valley behind him, the engine wood ahead of him. At this distance it sounded outfit complete with a pith helmet covering his of the lodge owner’s jeep grumbled, then thinning gray hair. The rifle he clutched against like branches, but Ivan knew better; it was coughed to a stop. The chance of something ashis chest was taller than he was and weighed tree trunks. The forest canopy across from his small as a jeep spooking a langer was remote, easily over twenty pounds. With a grunt, position began to disappear in bursts—clusters but not worth the risk. Langers were unpre- Groten lowered himself to the jungle floor, of destruction that quickly focused into a line dictable at best. wrestling the inverted ‘V’ of the muzzle rest of defoliation headed straight toward him. He into position, the gun’s considerable length released the safety on the micro-howitzer and It would take awhile for Pharaoh to lead braced against his prone shoulder. “Where?”tried to square his hips with the bole of the the heavy-set German client up the slope on tree. Groten asked, staring through the sight. foot. Ivan let the tree support the bulk of his weight and pulled his pistol, using its scope to “Track east along the horizon from where The langer breeched the treeline with a claw almost twice the size of Pharaoh’s jeep, scan the horizon. Aside from a decidedly russet you are now,” Ivan replied. shattering tree trunks several feet above the hue, the sub-tropical jungle looked the same “Ahh, there…the dinosaurs. Yes, I see them soil, sending wood fragments spraying across as a dozen other worlds Ivan had been on. The the valley. The langer’s turquoise claws themground sloped away from him, clearing to a both.” selves were chitinous and hinged,like a crab’s; band of brush and vines, then rose again into “Both?” Ivan started to ask as the thunder muscular stumps emerging from the front of a heavily wooded hillock. Above the canopy, the creature’s body functioned as shoulder, a pair of long necks stretched and dipped, of Groten’s rifle slapped his eardrums. In the arm, and elbow, organic pistons that drove the tearing foliage from the upper branches like distance, one of the waving necks jerked, collapsing like a snipped string. claws in an underhanded, scooping motion. brachiosaurs of Old Earth feeding.

I

Pharaoh pushed through the light brush “Got it! One shot!” The claws were not the langer’s only next to him. The man was stripped to the waist similarities to a crab—most of its body was Pharaoh yanked the tourist to his feet,




Pg. 9

sandwiched below a gleaming turquoise shelllauncher hammered his pelvis against the treegave up; the movement of the jeep made the almost as tough as steel and above a layer of for agonizing seconds. Ivan clawed at the belt’s magnified view a hopeless blur. He tried to chitin only slightly weaker. A wave of flexible buckle with vibration-numbed hands. It popped calm his breathing. Bringing the rifle nearly in muscle fibers protruded though small gaps in open and he shrugged free of the shoulder line with the langer, he fired. the lower chitin, then rewove to form a single harness, abandoning the launcher, running The gun bucked, almost dislocating his rippling foot, moving the langer like a land- toward the squall of the horn, mindless of the based cuttlefish. The only opening in the upper branches tearing at his skin and clothing. shoulder, and Ivan roared in pain. The langer was gaining, undulating its way straight through shell was jammed with the pulsing myoid rams The open-top jeep waited at the base of the undergrowth, while the jeep was forced to that drove the claws. From one edge of the shell the incline and Ivan threw himself into the follow the crude paths cut through the brush. trailed the false neck and head shot by Groten, back. Pharaoh shouted something he could He forced his cheek back to the scope, fighting its companion decoy invisible somewhere not hear and slammed the jeep in gear, the vertigo. inside. vehicle lurching into motion even as the langer Ivan triggered the micro-howitzer, sending crept over the top of the hill. Groten was next He fired repeatedly, emptying the rifle before the pain had time to register, fighting a trio of high-explosive canisters arching to Pharaoh, pointing behind them and yelling to keep the muzzle in line. High-velocity slugs toward the langer’s motion. They detonated orders. Ivan ignored him, pushing his arms mushroomed into the langer, several splashing like hammer blows on an anvil with fire and away and grabbing the rifle the big German into the muscle mass at the front of the shell. thunder, stripping away the last of the vegeta-still held. By the time the last slug fired, Ivan was crying tion hiding the alien predator. Ivan twisted into a sitting position facing from the pain in his chest and shoulder. At the first explosion, the building-sized disc the rear of the jeep, putting his feet against the The jeep slowed to a halt. Ivan struggled to of the langer’s shell slewed sideways, the nearback of the jeep and shoving, pushing himself edge gouging up chunks of soil. A heartbeat as far forward as he could. Almost comically, get free of the vehicle before the langer hit it, later, it was moving forward again, sideways he fought to brace the weight of the rifle with then realized that the predator had stopped. this time and slower. the jeep’s frame and his feet. Pharaoh jerked The blackened blue shell lay on a pool of flaccid the wheel and Ivan felt the vehicle rise up on muscle. Ivan tripped off another series of canisters, two wheels, landing with bone jarring force. slower this time. Nothing short of armor- He lost his grip on the gun, the muzzle striking “Dead!” Pharaoh shouted, swinging out piercing rounds could penetrate a langer’s him painfully on the shins, the bouncing of theof the jeep. The dark giant lifted the rifle off of Ivan. With slow deliberation, he reloaded shell, and its curvature would deflect most of jeep trying to pitch it over the side. He clamped those. He could not hurt it, but he could keep ithis hands around it and shoved harder with hisit, sighted, and emptied another clip into the down—for a while. The langer pulled its clawsfeet, until he was lying almost flat on his back langer. “Now, definitely dead.” close to the front of the shell and continued itswith his knees up, the rifle resting the length Ivan rolled out of the jeep and let himself slow progress, the bright blue-green of its shell of his body. fall to the ground. “Now kill Groten,” he gasped. darkened and blistered black. Pharaoh tossed the gun into the back of the “Steady! Hold it steady!” he shouted in a jeep and knelt, helping Ivan to his feet. A pair of gunshots and the sustained blare voice just short of a scream. The jeep bounced of the jeep’s horn penetrated Ivan’s own noiseand the rifle butt cracked against Ivan’s jaw. “You ruined my trophy!” Groten yelled and the growing ringing in his ears. He clamped indignantly across the hood of the jeep. Ivan He forced his cheek against the stock, down the trigger and emptied the rest of the shrugged free of Pharaoh’s grip, wincing, and squinting into the scope. A moment later he micro-howitzer’s load in a sustained burst. The bore in angrily on their client.




Pg. 10

“You,” he shouted back, “almost got us ovich.” The German glared at the two other the helicopter, sprinting away from the packed killed! Can’t you read?” men before sulking away. dirt that served as a landing pad. “It’s burned and cracked…worthless! I did Ivan sighed and rubbed his forehead. Rather than see the lodge medic, Ivan not pay you for this.” Groten gestured wildly “Thanks.” headed for his guest room. Probing gingerly toward the langer carcass, striding toward it. and daubing away blood with a damp rag, Pharaoh shrugged. “The man is a fool. I he decided nothing was broken—just a lot “Ruined.” would not have asked you to help if he were of scratches and bruising. The skin from his “Langer is short for land angler. You’d knoweasy. It is my fault—I should have known better chest up his neck to the side of his face was a that if you’d read your tour briefing. Hell, it’s inthan to let him talk me into trying a langer.”mass of green and black, and swelling quickly. the contract that you will not shoot until one By tomorrow, he would probably have one “Nobody’s fault.” of us tells you it’s safe to shoot.” eye swollen shut. His teeth felt loose, but the damage was cosmetic. After a shower and “True. Nobody’s fault, except his, and he Groten kicked the edge of the blasted shell. ato change of clothes, he headed for the main pays me enough to make up for it. Go back “Ruined. I came for a trophy shell and now it’s lodge building and its kitchen. the lodge, and let Martha pamper you. I will ruined. I’ll sue for this.” take Herr Bwana around, let him shoot, as you “You,” ordered Pharaoh’s wife as Ivan Ivan reached for his pistol, realized he’d say, some of the dumb cows of this planet.” slipped through the rear door, “get ice. Fill bag, lost it, settled for his knife instead. “I oughtPharaoh to laughed at his own joke. “And do not wrap in towel.” The diminutive woman was a take your head as a trophy! Land anglers wave worry, my brother, he paid in advance.” sharp contrast to her husband. those two fake heads around to draw in prey. “I think I’ll take you up on that,” Ivan said. And you fell for it like the dumbest cow on the Martha reminded Ivan of a hornet—small, “You going to tell Groten that the burning on planet.” Groten flushed bright red and balled bright, and loud, buzzing constantly from place his fists. Ivan spun, jamming his arm deep intothe shell can be stripped and polished away?” to place, verbal stinger at the ready. Before the bloody mass at the shell’s edge. Jerking out Pharaoh had, literally, stolen her away, she had “Why? He did not kill it—so did not earn the thick tendril that formed the false head and run the kitchens of a corporate mining enclave it.” neck, he shoved it at the German. “You want a at the edge of Hegemony space. Managing trophy?” He slashed the muscle free with his Once the twin engines of fear and anger the staff and facilities of the hunting lodge knife and threw the pulpy mass at Groten’s had spun down, Ivan was more than willing towas marginally smaller in scope, but she ruled feet. “There’s your damn trophy! More than sink into the padded seat of the two-man heli-them with the same militant efficiency. an idiot like you deserves.” copter. The oldest of Pharaoh’s two sons took She moved to block Ivan’s path and care of the driving. Groten surged toward Ivan, but was inspected him. “Soup. You go set. I make for stopped abruptly as Pharaoh’s hand closed on “I know Pop calls you Crazy Ivan,” joked you soup.” his shoulder, pulling him back. the younger man in a voice only slightly higher “I’d rather—” in pitch than his father’s, “but I never figured “Let us all settle down a bit now,” Pharaoh even you would try to wrestle a langer.” said slowly. “Ivan, I think you’ll be needing to “Soup!” she interrupted. “Ten, maybe go back to the lodge for the doctor anyhow. fifteen minutes you be too swelled to chew. “I won, didn’t I?” he answered, leaning his Mister Groten, if you please, return to the seat back. Ivan was asleep before they clearedTake ice bag. Wait for soup.” jeep and call the lodge on the radio. Ask them the canopy. He awoke when they landed, Ivan knew when he was outgunned and to send out a flyer to pick up Mister Steponthanked the pilot with a nod, and ducked out of




Pg. 11

acquiesced, filling a bag with ice, wrapping it jurisdiction, Mister Graves. The Hegemony The ErSec agent’s face hardened. “In the in a towel, and stepped into the dining room. ended a few billion miles back.” past two years, you have systematically sought The lodge never had more than a half-dozen out, killed or arrested every one of Casey’s guests at one time, and the room was designed “True,” Graves said, folding his arms across known cut-out men.” accordingly—small and social, a pair of long his chest, “but we have ways of getting things “And two you probably didn’t know about. wooden tables and an untended bar. The done, even on the frontier. It seems to me room’s only other occupant leaned against thethat you’ve cashed in your share of ErSec So?” bounties.” bar, drinking alone and not looking at anything “Looks to me like a pattern.” in particular. Ivan took a seat on the other side Ivan grunted noncommittally. “I’m on of the room, working the ice pack into place “Maybe.” Ivan shrugged. “Maybe Casey vacation, helping out a friend. So why’re you under his shirt so that the cloth held it in place just hangs around with a lot of bad people. surprised I’m here?” against his shoulder. You’re the people put the bounties on their “I originally expected to find you with your heads—I just bring ‘em in.” He leaned back “Hell of a way to make a living,” the other partner on the Orion.” from the table and waved for attention from man said, loud enough to be heard across the the kitchen. “If you’d put a marker on Casey, room but not shouting. Ivan ignored him. He “Don’t have a partner.” I’d bring him in.” was a new arrival, after they had taken Groten into the field. The man finished his drink in “Really? A rather large red Cillian with a “We’d like to, very much in fact, but there’s silence, refilled it. One of the kitchen staff penchant for murder doesn’t ring a bell?” the small matter of evidence.” brought Ivan a tray of food—soup, bread, a Ivan sniffed the stew suspiciously, then Ivan snorted. “You’re trying to tell me you second bowl of what appeared to be stew or took a spoonful. “Spicy, but not too bad.” He can’t gin up enough evidence to get a convicvery thick soup—and he began to eat, gingerly spooning the liquid to his mouth with his left chased it with a tuft of bread. “Red Dog isn’t tion in absentia?” my partner. We just work well together.” hand. “Not for a man with Casey’s political clout, it Once they were alone again, the man lifted “And often,” added Graves. “Still, have no,” Graves replied seriously. “Even without your way. But your regular association with glass and bottle and moved to sit across from the income from his criminal activities, his him Ivan. “Got to admit,” he said in a casual tone, “I does make you easy to keep track of.” mining holdings in the Outer Hedge alone keep was a bit surprised to find you here.” him solidly stocked in lawyers and politicians.” “Didn’t realize I was hiding. This is a fasHe paused while a waiter put another basket Ivan lifted his gaze and kept eating. His cinating conversation but, unless you have a of bread on the table and passed a fresh cloth new companion was tall, most of the length inpoint, I’d prefer to eat alone.” napkin to Ivan. “No, we need Edgar Casey with his legs. He looked to be in his early thirties, Graves smiled indulgently. “Edgar Casey.”his hand in the cookie jar—and someone to hair cut short, almost military, facial features shoot him before he pulls it out.” strong and squarish but unremarkable. “Do I “What about him?” “Sounds like you’ve got your work cut out know you?” Ivan asked around a mouthful of “Name doesn’t ring a bell?” for you.” Ivan pushed his tray to the center of bread. the table. “You know what I like about the way “No reason you should. Hyland Graves, Ivan tapped the edge of the stew bowl with Martha runs her kitchen? You need something, Mister Steponovich. I work for Earth Security.” his spoon. “I’m almost done. When I am, so are she’ll make sure it gets to you. Like this sonic you.” projector with a second helping of bread. This “For an ErSec agent, you’re outside your




Pg. 12

range, it’d probably shatter half the bones in Hegemony outlawed it, the games moved to “The decision was made over my head,” your legs.” The edge of Ivan’s lips twitched the frontier and the stakes have kept getting countered Graves. “ErSec figures we can pick toward a smile. “Why don’t you tell me exactlyhigher. If there’s a game, Kor will be there.” up Kor when we want to—Casey’s the real Graves stopped, drained his glass. “You mind?” target. That justifies the risks and costs.” what ErSec wants from me and why?” he asked, jerking his chin toward the bar. Graves placed both palms on the table. “I Ivan shrugged the ice pack from his shirt think you’re bluffing, but I’m not pushing. We “Go ahead.” Ivan laid the sonic pistol on the and laid it on the bar. “All right, we play it your both want the same thing—Casey. I can’t offertable and stood as well. Graves poured them way for now. So you play. Spell it out for me. you that, but I can go the next best thing.” both a drink and Ivan joined him at the bar. What’re you after?” “Albert Kor.”

“There’s a Kwakiutl colony about three “Potlatch takes a lot of command and thousand miles northwest of here,” Graves control. When you start destroying high value Graves nodded. “The big man’s right hand. continued. “They shuffle and deal in three items, you need oversight, plus some things And if we play it right, maybe a line on more.” days.” don’t even fit inside the building. That means there’s going to be a lot of communications “How?” “I know them—descendants of old Selous’traffic between the people running the game original bearers when he settled the planet,” and between the players and their adjuncts. “Potlatch.” Ivan said. “You want me to bring Kor in?” You can play potlatch on a cash-only basis Ivan frowned. “Go on.” but, for most players, it defeats the purpose Graves shook his head. “Nothing so simple.” of the game—this is about destroying things.” He sipped his drink. “I’m going to play.” Graves leaned back in his chair and folded He paused for breath, drained his drink. “I’ve his arms again. “Casey started off in the “That sounds stupid. Care to explain?” already got an ErDef escort cruiser in orbit monirackets, brought his own men up from there. toring and recording all that C&C. The informaYou know that—it’s how you caught half of Graves laughed. “No wonder Red Dog’s tion dragnet alone ought to get us something. them. His entire organization has a gambling your partner, you’ve both got the same social The Earth Defense ship can intercept Kor when problem. Kor’s one of the worst, likes to play skills. Look at it this way. We’ve got Kor—that’s he leaves the planet.” Graves turned to lean for the big stakes. They don’t get much biggera given. ErSec’s tracked him down and pinnedhis back against the bar before continuing, “… than potlatch.” a location on him. Pick up is the easy part. Theassuming I lose.” next question is, can we get more—follow?” “That’s the game where they blow things “And if you win?” up?” asked Ivan. “Sounds like politics. Just bring him in and “These people play for high stakes—things lean on him. If you get too fancy, you’ll lose “It’s more or less a mix of poker and beyond money—especially late in the game. your fish.” baccarat with a heavy dose of voodoo thrown Trading technology and information is common. in. Supposedly, it derived from the religious “Casey’s people don’t roll over on him— If he’s pressed, there’s a chance Kor might put rites of the Kwakiutl aboriginals on Earth. they’re more afraid of him than us.” information about Casey on the table.” They took conspicuous consumption to a “Maybe. But if nothing else, when you keep “If you win.” new level—the richest man was the one who could give away the most stuff. Except that taking down his stand-ins, sooner or later he “If I win.” more and more often, they just destroyed it to has to do his own dirty work, and then you’ve show that they could. After a few generations got him.” “Assuming Kor doesn’t detect the cruiser of colonists, gambling got mixed in. After the



Calamity’s Child, Chapter Two: Potlatch by M. Keaton and skip the game.”

helping get to Casey was enough.”

Pg. 13 “Yes or no.”

Graves shook his head. “He’s already on “Hardly.” Ivan did not try to hide the sneer The muscles in Graves’ jaw clenched. planet. I made sure of that before I contacted in his voice. “First off, I want a copy of every “Done,” he said bitterly. ErDef. Besides, we’re talking about Earth bit of data you get—if Earth Security gets it, I “When do we leave?” Ivan asked. tech—no way the junk you’ve got out here on get it.” the frontier is going to pick it up.” Graves snorted in disgust, and strode from “Fair enough.” the room ignoring Ivan’s sarcastic smile behind “If you say so. How reliable is your source on all this?” Ivan asked, leaning forward. “You “Second, since this is your genius plan, nothim. “Dawn,” he snapped over his shoulder. know a lot about a man who has a vested mine, I want the bounty on Kor—whether we Ivan watched him leave, then headed back get him or not.” interest in not being found.” for the kitchen. “Martha, mind if I use your “We’ll get him.” vid?” “We’ve got a man on the inside—another player. That’s how I found out about the game “Then it shouldn’t be a problem.” She bustled across the room and stopped in and managed to wrangle an invite.” The ErSec front of him with her hands on her hips. “You man flashed a thin-lipped grin. “With two of us “Fine, you get the bounty.” leaving with new friend? Always work, work, playing, we can whipsaw Kor—both play into work with you. Okay go, I tell Pharaoh. Where “Third, if I do this, I want Earth citizenhim and set him up.” you go now?” ship.” “Risky.” Ivan finished his drink and waved “I’m just running up to the Kwakiutl enclave away Graves’ offer of a refill. Graves face twitched in surprise. “Didn’t for a few days.” think that was something you’d care about,” “Easy,” countered Graves. “You in?” he said finally. “Kwakiutl. What? One langer not enough for you?” “Where do I fit?” “Not for me. I know a colony kid—I want her to have Earth citizenship.” “What do you mean?” “My security. Each player is allowed one bodyguard—the Kwakiutl guarantee the safety Graves lips twisted up at the edges. “So you Martha made a noise like an overlooked of a player at the table but not for whatever can send her to all the best schools?” tea kettle. “Langer everywhere around that happens outside the game. I want you. You enclave. All the time you see five or six.” were on my short list to begin with. That you’re “Yes,” Ivan replied flatly, turning to stare the already here—on the same planet anyway— other man in the eyes. “That and all the extra Ivan frowned. The langer was a major terlegal protections you horde for your own.” ritorial predator; one usually roamed around a cinches the deal.” ten mile area and did not brook any competiOne of Martha’s helpers jogged from the “I’ll see what I can do.” Graves looked away, tors. “Any idea why?” staring across the room. kitchen, carrying a bag of ice. Ivan took it from him, passing the previous pack in exchange, “Trash,” the woman snapped. “Throw all and nodded his thanks. “The gun too,” he said. “Yes or no, right now, or you’re on your their garbage into sea, sea wash it back up. “Tell Martha thanks.” He worked the ice onto own.” Scavengers everywhere.” his shoulder. “What’s in it for me?” “Anything else?” Ivan nodded in understanding. “And with Graves frowned. “I would have thought




Pg. 14

that much prey in one spot, in come the to stand as close to the screen as possible. “Potlatch?” Red Dog interrupted, his entire langers.” “Red Dog is less unhappy to see you than any carapace suddenly clattering with exciteother human.” ment. “Ivan go to Kwakiutl enclave to play “Right. You go, you be Careful Ivan, not potlatch? Potlatch is Red Dog’s favorite game Crazy Ivan.” “Good to see you too, you murderous psyin universe!” chopath. How’s the kid?” He laughed. “You got it. The vid?” For a moment, Ivan considered letting Red The image resolved into a gigantic triangle Dog take his place, then decided against it. “You know where is.” She waved him off, of rough chitin topped by a pair of multi“It’s bodyguard work, Red. I’m guarding one of already turning to give more orders to her faceted eyes and razor-sharp mandibles that the players, just going to bring in Kor while I’m helpers. snapped closed millimeters from the camera.there.” “Tough grub. Goes through many tests. Hates Ivan ducked through a side door into fool human doctor.” The two-ton alien calmed marginally, Martha’s office. He activated the screen, managing to sound almost disappointed. “True, punching in an access code, and sat. A moment “Who doesn’t?” replied Ivan. “She’s holding Red Dog very bad at keeping humans alive. Not later the screen filled with the image of a well-up?” Red Dog’s expert area.” endowed brunette standing seductively against “Yes. No thanks to Ivan who leaves.” a background of stars. Ivan suppressed a laugh at the Cillian’s understatement. “Is Max still on station?” “Welcome to the Orion communicaSteponovich let the barb pass without tions—” comment. He figured he deserved it. When “Is game Hamatsa sanctioned?” Pharaoh had asked for help, Ivan was already “Dell, forward me down to medical.” “I think your translator is messing up.” looking for an excuse to get away from the luxury starliner Orion. The frustration of The brunette vanished, replaced by a blank “All Hamatsa sanctioned events are standing idly by as Kylee struggled to recover screen. “Transferring now,” intoned a decidedly recorded. Red Dog owns copy of every game. from her ordeal was causing his stomach to eat male voice. its own lining. “I’ll be back soon,” he assured Ivan will bring Red Dog recording.” the Cillian. “Any idea how long ‘til she’s up and “Med lab.” A white lab coat filled the screen “What the hell is a Hamatsa?” around?” as the doctor who answered spoke over his shoulder. “Hey, Bug! It’s for you!” Red Dog swung his head side to side in irri“Fool human doctor says two weeks most. tation. “Hamatsa is secret society of priests. “Red Dog is not bug,” came a series of Ivan be here then.” It was not a request. Oversee all major potlatch. Does Ivan even hums and clicks, strategically augmented by a “I’ll be there. Listen, if anything comes up, know how potlatch is played?” translation implant in the chitin of the speaker. I won’t be here. I’ll be at the enclave north of “I’ve got it, all right? It’s like poker and “Who calls Red Dog?” here. I’ll leave instructions with Pharaoh about then they destroy stuff. I need to get in touch how to get in touch with me. Let House know The doctor walked beyond the vid’s edge, with Max and—” An explosion of sound intertoo.” grumbling. “Get over here and find out. I swear, rupted him as Red Dog ground his chitin panels House doesn’t pay me enough—” together. Ivan stopped and stared at the screen “Bounty?” asked the Cillian. until the alien fell silent. “You got something to “Ivan,” the screen was suddenly a red blur “Albert Kor. He’s supposed to be at some say, Red, say it.” as its camera struggled to focus. Red Dog liked card game—”




Pg. 15

“Ivan need to understand. Potlatch Ivan cursed softly. “I got it, Red. Thanks.” back,” he noted, stepping away from the flyer. important. Potlatch religion. Ivan mess with A good two hundred yards of bare white stone Potlatch, all Hamatsa mess with Ivan. Ivan need “Red Dog not care.” The alien’s upper cillia separated the front of the hotel from the waved in what might have been a shrug. “Is nearest growth. to understand game or Ivan get killed. Red Dog important to grub.” does not care if Ivan killed, but grub care if Ivan “A clear field of fire, as it were,” volunteered killed, so Red Dog make sure Ivan not killed.” “Tell her I’ll be there when she gets out of a plump gray haired man, strolling toward medical,” Ivan said distractedly, “and have Beta “Your concern is touching.” them. “Hoffield,” he said, extending a hand. Max call me.” “Graves,” the ErSec agent replied, shaking “Every round, one bid set for U’melth. For Raven is black chip. Black chip is potlatch. “Yes,” Red Dog replied. “Cease now?” the man’s hand. “You here for the game?” Other chips just money. Anything player has “Goodbye Red.” The screen went blank. The older man shrugged expansively. “In a can be black chip. Hamatsa sets value. Raven manner of speaking. I play at the edges—stay bid is forced like poker blind. Only bidder around betting in the side pots until I have to knows what black chip is. Other players only put up a black chip, then cashing out. There’s Ivan took his breakfast through a straw and know after hand. Half of raven bid is potlatch. slept most of the ten-hour trip while cortical a wonderful little eatery on the second floor Ivan understand?” where I’ll watch most of the match on the steroids worked on his injuries. “Black chips can be anything.” hotel’s internal broadcast. I’m a tourist real“Guess which building we land at,” joked ly—dabble at the cards during the day and The Cillian snapped his mandibles in frus- Graves, banking the flier in a slow turn. watch the langer from my hotel room in the tration. “Anything player has can be black chip. evening.” The commune’s buildings clustered on Hamatsa sets value. Player can bet self. Player “Langer are the dinosaur-looking things?” a short peninsula sticking out into the lime can bet you.” green sea like an inflamed thumb. The finger- Graves asked. A quick scan of the jungle below “What do you mean, bet me?” nail was a packed cluster of irregular block revealed a half-dozen of the bobbing ‘heads’. buildings that, from the air, looked more like “Potlatch is religion. Potlatch of raven chip “Oh goodness, the lures are just the tip of bombed out rubble than residences. A strip of is sacrifice to Kakwas—King of Ghosts. Winner the proverbial iceberg. Fascinating creatures, more modern appearing brick-and-steel conkeep half—half destroyed as sacrifice. Player the langers—I’m a bit of an amateur biologist, structions resembling warehouses marched can bet anything player has. If player has Ivan you know,” Hoffield gushed, warming rapidly up the rise to the peninsula’s knuckle. It was bodyguard, player can bet Ivan bodyguard.” there, on the highest point on the isthmus, to his subject. “The langer are a real rarity, a predator that preys exclusively on other Ivan thought for a moment. “If a player that the enclave’s architecture almost literally predators. Those dinosaurs, as you call them, turned its back on the rest of the settlement. bets an employee, is that betting the person or Like a twenty-story golden horseshoe, facing are actually lures. The langer moves them the service?” inland, a superstructure of glass and steel around to mimic a large harmless herbivore to “That Red Dog’s point.” towered over the nearby jungle, a curtain wallattract other predators that it, in turn, eats for of opulence between subsistence squalor and its own sustenance.” He tried to press a pair “Well, which is it?” of field binoculars into Graves’ hands as he savage nature. spoke. “The beauty of the system is that they “Ask rules committee. Hamatsa set value. Graves feathered them smoothly onto eat their competition but, of course, one would Understand?” the hotel’s roof. “At least they cut the jungle think that the scale of ecosystem necessary to




Pg. 16

support this kind of two-tiered system would have to check in, but I look forward to seeing to cause confusion. be quite impossible. And let’s not forget that you at the table.” After a carefully worded call to Pharaoh the langer appears to be a land-based relative “Of course. And a drink afterwards, and a stop at the reception desk for directions, of both cephalopods and crustaceans.” perhaps.” he rode the elevator down to the first floor to “How do they keep them from coming up inspect the playing area. Graves nodded and Hoffield bustled away, the hill?” Ivan asked. back to the roof’s edge and his binoculars. The room was closed for the evening but “Sonics. The langer do just about everynot locked. Ivan let himself in, sliding the door Given the nature of the place, Ivan was thing by feel and aggression—something closed behind him, and surveyed the layout in attacks their lures, they charge toward it. not surprised to find the building’s main deskthe twilight sifting in from the window forming Something gets in their way, they attack it located on its highest level rather than the the entire eastern wall. The black metal grid until either it gives or they get tired and go lowest. The dour-faced woman working the supporting the glass framed the jungle into around. They even get their sensations of heatreception area took a single glance at Graves’ a series of puzzle pieces, the downhill slope and taste through feeling the ground with false ID and slid them a pair of key cards without of the hillside making the bare rock invisible their pseudopod. Rather than build a wall to speaking. Beneath Ivan’s was a folded piece ofthrough the window. Though high-ceilinged— keep them out like most places, the Kwakiutl hotel stationary. close to twenty feet—the chamber was not put in low frequency sonic projectors aimed overly large, certainly no bigger than the Graves watched suspiciously as Ivan opened down the hill. Look, you can see them just average hotel ballroom, and no provisions it. there, the short white towers.” Hoffield tried were made to accommodate spectators. Ivan to aim Graves in the right direction by pulling“From Pharaoh,” Ivan explained. “Found my suspected there would not be any, not within on his arm, bobbing his head excitedly as he custom .45 where I dropped it. He’ll have one the room itself at least. A rolling tripod mount talked. “It mimics the vibrations of the water of his boys run it up tomorrow.” Ivan stuffed and dozens of wall-mounted cameras would crashing on the shore and the langer think the note in his pocket and patted the sonic on record the event for broadcast. An oversized the continent ends down there instead of out his hip and smaller slug thrower in his shoulderoval table commandeered the bulk of the space, here. They hate the water—which is really holster. “I think I’ve got enough firepower to its top covered in cobalt blue felt, a notch in surprising given their similarities to other get by until then.” its wider side allowing the dealer the reach of aquatic lifeforms—because the weight of their the surface. Partially concealed in depressions Safely settled in his adjoining room, Ivan along the table’s edges, electronic plugs and shells and high muscle density precludes any chance of flotation. Even silt and loose sand examined the actual text of the message. “Skyjacks waited for the players’ convenience. Ivan are a threat to them. The hotel probably couldeyes. Cowboy drives. Call codes on page 145.”counted a total of twelve low-backed chairs in have saved a fortune in sound equipment just Most of the message, including the simplistic the gloom. by putting in a sand moat across the base of rhyme scheme, was to confuse anyone who The players arrayed across from the dealer the slope there. I’ve always wondered why themight see the message and convince the hotel langer didn’t develop some form of breathing staff there was a complex code system in use. would have a clear view of the sunrise over In actuality, the message meant what it said. the jungle, and the camera crews would have apparatus through its lures so that it could hunt underwater, but…I am so sorry. I tend to get a Beta Max was in place with Cowboy as his the glare at their back. Judging by the number pilot. Idly, Ivan wondered if this was one of theof light fixtures adorning the ceiling, lighting bit carried away,” Hoffield interrupted himself, would not be a problem no matter how long Cowboys he knew; it seemed like every pilot on clapping his hands over his mouth. the frontier called himself Cowboy, and their the game went on. “No problem,” Graves said, smiling. “We life spans usually weren’t long enough for that




Pg. 17

To his right, against the wall, was a small M Keaton wooden bar, its front molded into a stylized cubist thunderbird in gold against dark wood; to the left, a langer shell had been cut and Growing up in a family with a history fashioned into a short turquoise wall about of military service, M. Keaton cut his three feet high, hiding the mass of cables and spare broadcast equipment that would be linguistic and philosophical teeth on the bones of his elders through games used.

of strategy and debates at the dinner

The walls were draped in the same table. He began his writing career unadorned cobalt as the table. Checking over 20 years ago as a newspaper rat behind the hanging cloth, he found two other in Springdale, Arkansas, U.S.A. before exits from the room, one opening into a control pursuing formal studies in chemistry, room bursting with electronics, the other into mathematics, and medieval literature the hotel’s kitchens.

at John Brown University. A student

He paced slowly around the table, inspect-of politics, military history, forteana, ing the room again. Three entrances plus a and game design, his renaissance full-wall window, no substantial cover beyondeducation inspired the short television the poor concealment of the draperies, and a series: These Teeth Are Real (TTAR). small area of play—assuming their hosts’ own security did their jobs, it was a simple enoughHis literary “mentors” are as diverse area to guard, a killing field if they did not: as his experiences. Most powerfully, twelve players, twelve possible hired guns. the author has been affected by the

works and writers of the “ancient” With a final glance at the jungle below, Ivan world, including the Bible, Socrates, let himself out.

and (more modern) Machiavelli, Tsun Tsu, Tacitus, and Von Clauswitz. (This horribly long list only scratches the surface; M. Keaton reads at a rate of over two books per week in addition to his writing.)



Featured Ar st: Paul Davey

Pg. 18

Featured Ar st Paul Davey

Name: Paul Davey, Ma ahan Age: 18 Country of residence: United States Hobbies: Drawing, Pain ng, Being outraged by poli cal news, si ng Favorite Book / Author: Watchmen/Alan Moore (I don’t read a lot) Favorite Ar st: James Jean, Most people on my watchlist at Deviantart When did you start crea ng art? I can’t say for sure, I’ve been doing some thing ar sh for as long as I can remember. What media do you work in? Mostly digital, I dabble in acrylics every now and then but I just don’t have the pa ence for it anymore. Where your work has been featured? -The Gimp 2.4 Splash Screen -The MOCA’zine, a teen magazine published by the Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami. I did illustra on and page layout for the past Ray Gun Revival magazine



Pg. 19

two issues (they come out annually). My work was featured on last years cover. I’m also working on the forthcoming issue. -I did a mural for The Mall at 163rd Street in North Miami Beach during my senior year in high school. It was displayed from 20052007 -My icons have been featured on countless tech savvy desktops, twice on Deviantart’s daily devia on page, and on various other customiza on sites forums and blogs. -I’m de nitely forge ng something...

Where should someone go if they wanted to view / buy some of your works? mattahan.deviantart.com

How did you become an ar st? Prac ce. There’s a lot to be learned from art classes/school, but I’ve never really bene ed from that kind of environment. I’m mostly self taught, I believe that diligent prac ce combined with research and a willingness to learn from mistakes is the best way to progress ar s cally. What were your early in uences? Sonic the Hedgehog and Dragon Ball Z. I have countless binders lled with furry characters with super saijin hairstyles. What inspired the art for the cover? It was to be a dp-spread in an abandoned comic i was working on. The story revolves around two runaways, their helper robot, and a mercenary they hired for protec on. In ‘We Can’t Win’, The trio have run out of food and are without a place to sleep for the night. A dwindling re and a few slices of bread are all they have le ...




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How would you describe your work? Pseudorealis clyafrocentric? Where do you get your inspira on / what inspires you? People around me, Jamaican women ;) What are your favorite tools / equipment for producing your art? Corel Painter X, Oil pastel tool. Photoshop. My Graphire3 What tool / equipment do you wish you had? A Wacom Cin q 12WX(I’d like any Cin q, this one is reasonably priced) A MacBook Pro What do you hope to accomplish with your art? I don’t have any lo y goals in mind when I create something, I make art that I like. I always try to buck the prevailing stylis c trend, though.



JASPER SQUAD Episode 09: Strange Horizon! by Paul Christian Glenn

JASPER SQUAD

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Episode 09: Strange Horizon! by Paul Christian Glenn

T

the portal cover over the top of the ladder as annen Stamp lay awkwardly on his side in these renegade jeepers. They were in trouble— a pseudo-fetal position, his face turned to deeper trouble than they knew, from what he he came. the dull metal wall. The bunks on this ship hadcould piece together—and aligning himself with The “receiving deck” was nothing more never been big enough to comfortably accom-their cause wasn’t a good bet. Still, as long as modate his hulking frame, and the throbbing he was on board the Jasper, he was relatively than a small prep area, with one door leading pain in his leg now accentuated the issue. safe. It wasn’t freedom he wanted, exactly, norinto the engine room and one door leading a new alliance. What he wanted was someone out to the boarding lift. A locked cabinet next Inadequate bunk design wasn’t Captain on this ship to trust him—a long shot. to the lift held an assortment of surface suits, Spill’s fault, of course, but Stamp resented mobile air supplies, and other sundries. “Stamp.” him for it anyway. If he wasn’t confined to this Spill glanced up at the closed portal, then holding cell, he could at least have stretched out At the sound of his name, he grumbled andspoke quietly. “We have a problem,” he said. on the floor of the deck to relax his wound. twisted around to see Captain Spill standing “Your old buddy Ixter’s planted an explosive Lying there, staring down at the tiny just beyond the invisible cell field surrounding somewhere on this ship, and he means to rivets that held the shell of the deck in place, the bunk. detonate it if we don’t show up on Tarpius II Stamp focused on his predicament. He always as expected.” “Yeah?” dissected a problem by first identifying what “You running?” asked Stamp. he wanted to get out of the situation. Trouble “We need to talk,” said the captain, “in was, for the last ten years, the answer had private.” “Not exactly, but I need to make a pit stop, always been the same: freedom. Whether and Ixter’s friends aren’t of the ‘patience is a it was under the thumb of a brutal gangster Stamp rolled over and pulled himself up asvirtue’ persuasion.” boss, locked in a sterile jail cell, or indebted to the captain punched a code into the panel on a string of unprincipled shock dealers, he had the wall. A track of green light lit up the floor Stamp nodded. He had expected Ixter to always only wanted to escape, to walk away around the bunk, indicating that the cell fieldplant an insurance device on the ship, but unfettered, to be free. hadn’t expected the captain to change course. was deactivated. This was an interesting development. This time, however, freedom was the one “Lower deck,” said the captain, nodding thing he couldn’t risk. Not only was he running toward the ladder in the center of the room. “Now, I know you’ve got some experience from the usual GPF types, but his last boss—a “You first.” with this ship,” continued the captain. “You powerful man—had made it clear that any knew enough about the workings to disrupt further failures on his part would make him Stamp tried to read Spill’s face, but the my navcoord back on Wroume. You don’t want persona non grata in the underworld. Thanks captain gave nothing away. He simply stood to talk about it—okay—but I need to know if to the sting operation that landed him in this with his hand on his shooter, as if waiting for you can dig into the engines and disarm the holding cell, he was left with nowhere to hide. Stamp to do something stupid. Unwilling to explosive without mucking up our systems.” oblige the unspoken dare, Stamp limped over So if the answer wasn’t freedom, what was Stamp shrugged. “Depends on where it’s to the ladder and lowered himself down to the it? He certainly didn’t want an alliance with receiving deck. Spill followed directly, sliding mounted, and whether it’s wired into the




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prime directory.”

Once inside the engine room, it didn’t take had just saved the lives of everyone on board, Stamp long to locate the explosive. It had beenwhich should buy him a little leeway while he “I figured as much,” acknowledged Spill. cobbled together in a makeshift fashion, and was in their custody. “There’s a tracking device on board as well. I’m soldered to the interior shell of the primary hoping it’s attached to the bomb.” Thinking about it now, however, he recdrive. A man much smaller than he must have ognized the hole in his plan. He had, indeed, shimmied up under the frame to get it mounted, Stamp shook his head. “Not likely. It’s and Stamp had to lie on the floor and contort saved the lives of everyone on board—includprobably mounted to the exterior hull to avoid ing his own. No doubt the captain would see his body to get a good angle on it. interference from the nav signal.” this as an act of self-preservation as much as a After squinting at the detonator, he deter- gesture of goodwill. Spill considered this with gritted teeth and mined two things. First, whoever installed it a long sigh, then waved it away. “In that case, His best angle was to play cool about the hadn’t bothered to commit the wiring into the there’s nothing we can do about it. We’ve got a whole thing and hope the captain took his ship’s prime directory, so disarming it wouldn’t good lead on Ixter’s men if he decides to come affect life support or the navcoord. Second, indifference as a death wish. It would at least after us.” and far less comforting, was that the receiver give the impression that he had disarmed the bomb for everyone else’s sake. Maybe, if Spill “He will.” said Stamp. “If he’s promised was tuned to an open starnet frequency for was feeling generous, he would reward the your bodies to Kremm Stathora, he’ll get ‘em remote detonation—a chance encounter with any stray signal containing the correct triggerfavor with a little less snarling and incarcerathere, one way or another.” sequence could activate the damned thing. It tion. “Let me worry about that,” said Spill. “I’m was sloppy work. He tapped the com panel on the wall and going to lock you down here while you search. waited for the captain to answer. Stamp was no expert on these matters, but Tools are in the engine room. If you find what you’re looking for, I’ll be in the cockpit. Use the he had planted a bomb or two in his time, and “What have you got?” asked Spill, sounding figured he could disarm this slapdash piece of com.” distracted. work without killing everyone on board. And The captain grabbed the ladder and started if he was wrong, well, everybody’s problems “Fixed your blowin’ up problem,” said to climb. were solved. Stamp. “Couldn’t find the tracker, though. Must be outside.” “Why bother going out of your way?” asked # Stamp. “You want to find out what this is all “Good,” replied Spill. “We’re coming in for about, why not just fly straight to Tarpius II?” a landing. I’ll be down in a minute.” Twenty minutes later, he emerged from the roaring engine room, sweat dripping from “You keep your secrets, Stamp,” called Spill, Stamp leaned back against the wall to ease over his shoulder, “and let me keep mine.” his lumpy brow, the detonator wires dangling his leg. He looked around the room, and his from his fingers. The door slid shut behind eyes rested on the storage cabinet beside the With that, the captain disappeared up intohim, and he leaned against the cool wall of the lift. Immediately, a new plan took shape in his the main deck, and the portal cover slid shut receiving deck, working out in his mind how he mind, and he glanced up toward the top of the with a dull thunk. was going to play this. ladder. If this was going to work, he would have Fair enough. While scrunched up under the drive frame,to act quickly. he had thought about how he might use this Without a second’s hesitation, he opened favor as some kind of leverage. After all, he #




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the door to the engine room and scurried backSpill examined briefly, then tossed into the As they approached the house, Cadet Rey inside. He grabbed the toolbox and sprang open toolbox. took the lead, her steps quickening to the back out to the receiving deck. The Jasper familiar sight of home, and Stamp watched swayed lightly as it approached the surface of “Good,” said Spill. “That’s one problem her practically skip toward the dusty plot that the planet, and he realized he had less time solved. You want to get these tools back into served as a front yard. She was a lithe young the engine room where they belong?” than he thought. thing, and it wasn’t the first time he had surreptitiously admired the way her form-fitting GPF Stamp glared at the captain to mask his With another glance up at the ladder, he getup clung to her body. She had a tomboy’s pulled a crowbar out of the box and jammed relief, then picked up the toolbox and steppedfigure, tight and compact with subtle but it up into the top hinge of the storage cabinet. back into the engine room. He placed the toolsdecidedly feminine curves. She looked good After a swift yank, the bolt popped loose and back on the supply shelf, then adjusted the in action, too—something that always got he was able to pull the top half of the door small bulge below the small of his back. Despite Stamp’s pulse pounding a few degrees hotter. away from the frame. He reached inside and the close call, he was feeling good about this As she reached the door, a young man with fumbled through a mess of hanging surface new plan. He wanted out from under Spill’s suits, feeling his way to the back shelf. He ran thumb, and there was no sense waiting for thedark hair, flashing eyes, and a broad smile captain to give him what he wanted, when he emerged from the darkened doorway of the his fingers along the shelf, tossing aside first aid house. She ran to him and he took her in a deep kits and pieces of climbing gear, until he foundcould just as easily take it for himself. embrace, and for a moment Stamp thought he what he was looking for: a shooter. # might be her lover. As the two of them pulled The weapon was secured to the shelf with apart, however, she gave him a playful shove a leather strap, and as he felt the ship land Cassion was just as desolate as advertised.and tousled his hair with a familiarity that softly on the ground below, he worked his The Jasper rested in the middle of a recently bespoke siblinghood. As Stamp drew nearer fingers frantically to free it. He heard voices harvested bean field, the roughly-hewn stalkswith the rest of the crew, he knew his second above, and footsteps, as the crew prepared toof which stretched out in parallel lines beforeguess was correct. The resemblance between disembark. them. The dull brown sky blended seamlesslyCadet Rey and the young man was unmistakinto a flat horizon, broken only by the dark able. Finally, the buckle sprang free, and he silhouettes of the Rey family farm, just ahead. pulled the shooter out of the cabinet. It was a “Captain,” said Rey, “I’d like you to meet my From what Stamp could see, it looked like DL-10, a light weapon, but powerful enough to brother, Kedran.” nothing more than a house, an old barn, and a get the job done. He shoved it into the back of few low lying storage sheds. “Pleased to meet you,” said the young his trousers and thrust the cabinet door back man, his eyes brimming with curiosity. Stamp into place. The voices were directly over him Captain Spill had allowed Stamp to wondered if Jasper Squad’s renegade status now, and he slammed the hinge bolt back into accompany the squad, likely out of fear that he place just as the portal above slid open. would break his prison cell and abscond with had made news yet on this forsaken world. the ship. It felt good to be out in the air again, Stamp spun around and leaned against the The captain put out his hand and greeted stretching his legs and breathing something cabinet as if nursing his wounded leg, while Kedran with a polite nod. That formality seen other than city smog. In the fading light, he Captain Spill descended the ladder, followed to, Rey turned back to her brother and said, “I noticed a few small birds flitting across the sky, by Melendez and the two cadets. “Show me have so much to tell you…things you wouldn’t and reflected on how long it had been since what you got,” said Spill. believe.” he’d last woken to the sound of birdsong. Stamp handed him the detonator, which “Things I’ve tried not to believe,” said a




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deep voice from the doorway. A tall, heavy the story. Meanwhile, Kedran served a supperhorizon, the stars blazing like a million candles man with deep-set eyes and a formidable of hot, spicy stew and warm bread. The meal on vigil. As they walked toward the shadowy beard stepped out of the house and stood withwas spare, as they hadn’t been expecting garden beside the house, Stamp wondered his arms crossed, sizing up the visitors with anvisitors, but the stew was chock full of meat what it would have been like to grow up in a apprehensive eye. chunks and fresh vegetables from the garden.place It like this, far away from the workings of had been a long time since Stamp had a home-the galaxy. He couldn’t imagine someone as “Father!” cried Rey. She ran to him with cooked meal, and he savored every bite. impetuous as Rey trapped on a rock like this, open arms, and he embraced her so crushingly and considered it no wonder she ran away to that Melendez gasped with apparent concern Between the fire, his full belly, and the the Academy. for the girl’s wellbeing. The large man released insipid drone of Spill’s voice, he couldn’t help They stepped into the garden and waded her, then looked her up and down before but doze. When he came to, he found the turning his attention to Captain Spill. fire reduced to heap of glowing coals, and through the low-lying foliage. Stamp paused Jackaby and Melendez fast asleep on the floor.to stretch, and watched Rey instinctively reach “It’s a relief to see my daughter here The occupants of the house had presumably down to pull a few weeds from among the vegand whole,” said the large man, “but we’ve retired to their bedrooms; Spill was absent, etables. been hearing news from town that’s terrible but Jenna Rey was awake, seated in a wooden “Don’t know how you can see what you’re confusing.” He squinted at the stripes on Spill’s chair beside the coals. doin’,” remarked Stamp. jacket. “I expect you can clear things up.” “You up too late, or too early?” asked Spill stepped forward and saluted casually. “I pulled weeds in this garden for fifteen Stamp, pulling himself up on his elbow. “Captain Muriel Spill, Galactic Patrol Force. years,” she shrugged. “I could do it in my We’ll do our best to fill in the blanks for you, “It’s about midnight,” she replied. “Captain’s sleep.” Mr. Rey, but I’m afraid I can’t do much to ease out scouring the Jasper for a tracking device. “That why you went to the Academy? Give your mind about these matters. At the moment,I’m on watch.” your fingers a rest?” we’re about as confused as you are.” “This place is barren as an old lady,” said “I went to Academy so I could make Mr. Rey glanced down at his daughter, the Spill. “What’s to watch?” something better of myself. My mother lived proud cadet, then back up at Spill. “Sounds like “You.” her entire life in these fields, never saw so a story that oughta be told over supper,” he much as a spaceport. I didn’t want her kind of said. “And call me Del.” Stamp let a smile escape. “Right.” life, but to do something important.” #

“You were moaning in your sleep,” said “Don’t blame you,” said Stamp. “Still, a Rey. person could get used to this kind of quiet.”

Stamp warmed himself by a small, open “My leg. Fact is, it could use a stretch. Mind fire in the center of the room. Smoke drifted “Sure,” she said. “A person could get used up through a circular hole in the farmhouse if I take a walk?” to being hungry, too. Or living in a drafty, roof, and the distant sparks of starlight were run-down house. Or not having enough money She reached over and took her shooter just visible beyond. to see a doctor when they should. A person from the table beside her. “I’ll go with you.” could get used to a lot things, but that doesn’t Captain Spill brought Del up to speed, with them acceptable.” They stepped out of the farmhouse into make a many interjections from Cadet Rey peppering vast night. The sky was cloudless from horizon to




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Stamp kicked the dirt a bit. “What about “Yeah? Well, you’ve got a deadly weapon onto our exact location about three hours ago. your brother?” he asked. “He got ambitions?” in your hand. What if I came at you right now?I’m guessing we’ve got an hour before they’re What if you shot me in the leg like a good here, which means we need to get ready for a “He’s smart. He’ll leave one day, too, but soldier, and I just kept comin’, my big ugly fight.” not until Father’s gone. Kedran knows what hands reaching for your throat? Would you kill “Why don’t we just leave now?” asked this place means to him.” me?” Stamp. “Tracker’s dead, so they won’t be able “Now, that’s something,” mused Stamp. “If I had to,” she answered, and he saw to follow us.” “Imagine a kid giving up the best years of his her hand tighten around the handle of her life for the sake of somebody’s feelings.” “They know where we parked, and I don’t shooter. trust your buddies to politely knock twice and Rey tossed aside a handful of weeds and “So, what would that make you?” leave,” said Spill. “We need to ensure that this stared up at the sky. “I don’t think you’re as farm goes unmolested.” She stood frozen for a moment, then relaxed cold as you make yourself out to be,” she said. “We wait for the ship, then draw them “I think you like the idea of doing something and slowly holstered her weapon. “Don’t play away?” asked Melendez. games with me, Stamp.” nice for somebody.” He looked at her as she stood in silhouette, He grinned in the darkness. “I wouldn’t “Exactly,” nodded Spill. “We make them hands on her hips, her head cocked to one dare.” chase us, then take them on once we break side. The moonlight reflected the soft red of atmo.” her hair, and even in the darkness he could see Captain Spill’s voice rang out from the edge “My daughter’s not going with you.” of the garden. “You two,” he called, “what’s her eyes piercing into him. going on?” They all turned to see Del standing in the “I don’t make myself out to be anything, Stamp turned to see the captain’s shape in doorway of his bedroom. He looked haggard, ‘cept what I am.” the moonlight, his shooter drawn and aimed at like a man who hadn’t slept in days. His dark “And what’s that?” Stamp’s head. bushy hair was sticking out in all directions, and his evening robe was rumpled, but he “A fellow whose resume happens to contain “Your cadet’s trying to make me feel likestood a with an air of authority nonetheless. a few disreputable organizations.” bad person,” said Stamp. “With all due respect,” said Spill, “That’s not “A thief?” “Glad she isn’t straining herself,” said Spill. your decision to make. The cadet is a member “Back inside, now. We’ve got trouble coming.” of this squad, and we’re going to need her.” “Sometimes.” Inside the house, Spill roused Melendez “As I understand it, your squad ain’t official “A killer?” and Jackaby. The crew gathered around as theno more,” said Del. “She ain’t goin’.” captain held out his hand to show them the He let her question hang in the air for Rey stepped toward him. “Father,” she said. tracking device he had pried from the roof of a moment while he considered it. “A man’s “I know you don’t like it, but this is my job. I’m the Jasper. actions don’t necessarily define who he is,” he not deserting my squad.” said, finally. “I plugged it into our reader and looked Del crossed his arms, and took a step at the response record,” he said. “The return “I disagree.” forward. His dark eyes glinted suddenly with signal’s been getting stronger, and they locked




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water, and he pulled his lips back against his “We could take them with us,” he muttered,the screen impatiently as he rocked back and teeth, sucking in a deep breath of air. “Baby,” almost inaudibly. “Set them up on another forth in his chair. Stamp had already figured he said, “you don’t have to do this. We can world, someplace busy. Ixter wouldn’t bother out that Jackaby wasn’t built for combat, but hide you here until everything blows over. to keep looking.” this looked like something other than jitters. We can…” He choked back another gasp, then He made a mental note to keep an eye on the “If only it were that easy,” she sighed. twitchy cadet. looked at the floor. “I’ve got some money,” continued Stamp, Kedran appeared in the bedroom door “Good,” replied Spill through the cockpit beside Del, and put his hand on his hand on looking at his feet. “It’s not a lot, but it’d be portal. “Keep an eye on their frequency and let his father’s shoulder. “She’ll be okay, Dad,” he enough to keep ‘em goin’ until it’s safe to come me know if you pick up any useful chatter.” said. “You know Jenna never found a scrape back.” With that, the cockpit portal slid shut, and she couldn’t get out of.” She looked up at him, eyebrows raised, a the Jasper’s engines fired up. The captain’s Del sighed deeply, then dropped his handssurprised half-smile crossing her lips. He caught voice echoed out over the com. to his sides. He looked over at his daughter the look, and scowled back. “Here they come,” he said. “Melendez, with hard eyes. “I told you not to go,” he said “I just feel somewhat responsible, is all. hold your fire ‘til we draw them away.” quietly. “I told you, and now look…” Ixter was my contact.” A moment later, the ship rocked with an Stamp felt uncomfortable with the level of She looked ahead at the rest of the part abrupt takeoff, and Stamp grabbed the edge of emotion on display. “Maybe we ought to let as she continued walking. “Father won’t leave his bunk. these folks work it out,” he muttered. the farm,” she said. “But it’s...kind...of you to “Now!” called the captain, and the crackling “Despite you sayin’ it, that’s a good idea,” offer.” report of Melendez’ laser cannon rang throughagreed Spill. He looked at Rey. “We’ll be on Stamp’s face grew warm, and he looked out the ship. board, prepping for takeoff,” he said. “Don’t be back at his feet. He hated it when anybody long.” Ixter’s ship returned fire, and Stamp heard talked down to him—even pretty girls. the deadly laser bolts sizzling past the hull. The Stamp stepped outside and readjusted Jasper banked hard, then shot straight up, the # his hidden weapon. He looked up at the sky g-forces pinning Stamp against the wall as the once again, and saw the gentle light of dawn captain steered them toward the stars. Forty-five minutes later, Stamp was back peeking over the edge of the flat horizon. The in his holding cell, sitting on his thumbs while others followed, and had only taken a few steps Jackaby flew sideways from his chair and toward the Jasper when Rey emerged from theJasper Squad prepared to engage to the enemy. crashed into the floor. His workpad skidded Spill was in the cockpit with Rey. Melendez had house and caught up with them. across the deck and collided with the invisible climbed the ladder up into the tiny rooftop gun field surrounding Stamp’s bunk, sending a “Everything squared?” asked Spill. port, and Jackaby sat at the conference table spray of sparks up into the air. with his workpad, tracking the incoming signal “It’s fine,” said Rey, not elaborating. They from Ixter’s ship. “Dammit, kid, buckle yourself down!” walked in silence toward the ship, and Stamp shouted Stamp. found himself trailing at the back of the party “Two minutes to visual,” called Jackaby. next to Rey. He had been mulling something Stamp noticed that the kid looked agitated. Jackaby flailed across the floor of the deck over. He sweated and fidgeted with his pad, tapping toward his workpad, shaking harder than he




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should have from the fall. He grabbed the padgoing down fast.” Then, they were gone. Stamp sat for a and pulled himself back toward the table at moment and listened to the sounds of the The shift in gravity was nauseating as firefight outside, until, unable to sit any longer, the middle of the room. they swung back down toward the surface of he stood and began pacing in his cell. He had Above them, Melendez fired again, more Cassion, and Stamp gritted his teeth against the never felt so much like a caged animal. rapidly this time, which meant Ixter’s men were bile. Jackaby wasn’t as resilient, and the gooey At last, he heard the hiss of the lift hydrauclosing the gap. The Jasper shuddered with pieces of his half-digested stew flew up out of the residual impact of a near miss. “Well, that his mouth and splattered against the ceiling. lics, and the sound of footsteps on the deck below. He was about to call down, when he one was closer than I like,” mumbled Stamp, Seconds later, a small portal opened aboverealized he could still hear the sound of firing to no one in particular. He closed his eyes and tried to distance himself from the peril. Didn’tthem and a ladder descended through the outside. Something wasn’t right. vomit. Melendez slid down the ladder and held usually work, but— A moment later, he heard boots on the tight to the rungs when she hit the floor. “Oh...” Jackaby had pulled himself back into ladder, and saw the last face he expected his chair and was staring hard at the workpad, “How’d you miss it, Cadet?” she poking up onto the bridge: demanded. screwing up his eyes as if he had trouble seeing Ixter. the screen. “Oh,” he repeated. “Oh, no...” “I don’t know,” moaned Jackaby. “I just “Well, naw,” sneered the greasy weasel, He slammed his trembling hand down didn’t…see it.” “ain’t it just like old times?” on the com panel. “Captain,” he said, clearly The Jasper landed with an ungraceful trying to keep his voice steady, “there’s, um...a “Let me out of here, Ixter.” thump, and they heard the cockpit slide back second signal on their frequency. It’s another into it’s locked position. A second later, the ship...looks like it’s landing near the farm.” “Sure enough, sure enough.” The skinny portal flew open and the captain bounded little creep leapt up onto the deck and walked If Spill was anywhere near as furious as onto the deck, his shooter drawn. Rey followed toward Stamp’s bunk. “They got you all locked Stamp would have been about the oversight, close on his heels, a look of steely fear on her up a skurnet, naw, don’t they, just? Why’s that, face. his voice didn’t betray it. “Lieutenant,” he I wonder?” responded, “you catch that?” “Men on the ground, near the house,” “I’m a prisoner,” said Stamp. “But I’d rather said Spill. “We come out blazing and take the “Yes, Sir,” said Melendez. “Give me one be a workin’ man, and it sounds to me like perimeter before we try to talk.” He pointed his more pass, with crossfire from your end.” you’re suddenly a few hands short.” finger at Jackaby. “Grab your shooter, Cadet. The Jasper banked hard again, and the We’ll talk later.” Ixter broke into a wide, multicolored grin sound of fire from above meshed with the and hissed with laughter. “That much sure is sound of the Spill’s light cannons as the cockpit Rey was the first to the ladder as the squad true,” he said. “But if I was to take you on, the headed down to the lift. swung around the perimeter of the ship. percentages might be a bit thin, seein’ how your rep is all mangy these days.” Stamp heard, coming from beyond the hull, “What about me?” called Stamp. the muffled explosion of their pursuers being “I don’t need you down there mucking “Beats rottin’ in here,” replied Stamp. “Let blown into a thousand pieces of debris. things up,” said Spill. “I like you where you me work my way up, and we’ll see about my are.” rep later.” He tilted his head toward the control “Hang tight,” called the captain. “We’re panel on the wall. “The code’s 88168,” he




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said.

the Jasper’s cockpit as they landed. He heard The others must have had the firefight well the sound of firing from around the house, in hand, because the captain relaxed his stance Ixter raised his eyebrows and tilted the and bodies littered the field, but he couldn’t and lowered his weapon, taking a deep breath. corners of his mouth downward in mock admi-figure out what had happened. Half the deadSeeing his opportunity, Stamp leapt forward and ration. were wearing GPF uniforms, and the other half kicked the shooter from Spill’s hand, knocking were unmistakably Ixter’s thugs. Had they both him backward onto the ground. When Stamp “The captain of this vessel ain’t as slick as arrived in the same ship? put his heavy boot on Spill’s chest and shoved he thinks,” grinned Stamp. the point of his shooter into the captain’s face, He reached into the rear of his trousers Spill grimaced, but said nothing. Ixter stepped to the control pad and tapped and drew the shooter he had tucked there. The the keys. The red track lighting on the floor “You tried to kill me back on Candlevar,” small storage shed he spotted to the left of the flickered, then went green, and Stamp stepped house seemed like an ideal place from which breathed Stamp, “but somebody was there to out of the cell. to plug a few nasties while he tried to get a stop you. Now the situation’s reversed, and there ain’t nobody here but the two of us.” “You got a shooter tucked?” asked Ixter. better perspective on the scene. “Yeah, but I don’t reckon I’ll need it just He put his head down and scrambled toward “How’d you get out?” asked Spill. the shed. Once there, he threw the door open yet.” “Ixter came snoopin’ around the ship,” said and huddled inside, peering out through the Stamp. “I used my particular skills to break him In a flash, Stamp grabbed Ixter by the neck loose wooden slats of the wall. in half. You see, Captain? That’s what I am—a and lifted his thrashing body off the deck. The killer. I got no qualms about dealin’ death to little man clawed at Stamp’s massive forearms The squad must have made it inside. Five those who deserve it.” as the air was choked out of his throat. When or six men—three in GPF uniforms—had taken Stamp slammed him against the wall and position in the front yard and were taking fire “You don’t want to pull that trigger,” said from inside the house. Stamp pounded one of blood spurted out from behind his head, Ixter’s the captain. “Tell me what you do want, and the slats out with his fist and aimed his shooter movements slowed appreciably. at the nearest jeeper. Before he could get a let’s both walk out of this shed.” “Yer messin’ with the wrong people this shot off, however, some movement at the rear “What I want,” said Stamp, “is a little mutual time,” croaked Ixter, his eyes bulging. of the house caught his eye. trust between the two of us. See, I could kill you here, and nobody would be the wiser, but “I was about to say the same thing,” He drew back into the shadows and watched growled Stamp. He jerked his hands to the left, as Captain Spill slunk stealthily toward the I’m not going to do it, ‘cause I want to show and heard the crack of Ixter’s scrawny neck shed. Stamp’s adrenaline began to rush. This you I’m the bigger man. I didn’t ask to be part beneath his fingers. A familiar fire burning in was the moment he had been hoping for since of this crazy-ass conspiracy you’re mixed up in, his belly now, he spat in the dead man’s face he took this weapon from the supply cabinet. but I believe I’m pullin’ my weight, and it’s time you recognized the fact.” and tossed the body across the deck. Spill disappeared from his line of sight for a Spill sighed and closed his eyes. “All right, Wasting no time, he raced down to the moment, then suddenly dashed into the shed. Stamp, if you put that thing away, I’ll get off receiving deck and stepped into the lift. A Unaware of Stamp’s presence, he knelt down your back. You keep your nose clean and we’ll moment later he was outside, where the sceneand checked the power supply on his shooter, greeting him was chaotic. The air was thick then crept back to the open door and peered put our issues aside.” with black, billowing smoke. Ixter’s ship was out. Stamp grinned and lowered his weapon. burning—Spill must have gotten a shot off from




Pg. 29

“See there?” he asked. “That’s all I needed jagged to stone in her fists, and she bangedbut it busied herself by making the burial site as hear.” against the Galactic Patrol Force insignia onpretty the as possible. She tied planks together in front of the ship. Her body was shaking with a makeshift marker, and collected flowers from He stepped back off Spill’s chest, and the rage as she smashed the rock against the hull,the garden to adorn the grave. At dusk they captain stood up. “Sounds like the fight’s over,”again and again, until the metal insignia finally gathered around the mound of lumpy dirt, and he said. “Keep the shooter, but fix the firing cellbroke loose and clattered to the ground. Spill gave Mr. Rey an official memorial service. before you hurt yourself.” With a final shriek, she spun and hurled the Stamp stood behind Jenna Rey, looking The captain walked out of the shed, and stone toward the smoldering wreck of Ixter’s down at the wispy hair on the back of her neck. Stamp looked down at his weapon. He pulled ship. She had let it down for the ceremony, and back the loading panel and looked at the with her head bowed earthward, all but a few “Lieutenant!” called Spill. mechanism. It was backwired. Had he pulled strands dangled down in front of her face. the trigger, he would have blown his own head “They did this, Captain.” She stalked toward As the captain gave the final rites, Stamp off. Spill, the early morning breeze blowing her watched Rey’s shoulders stiffen, then begin long dark hair in wet strings across her face. to shake. Without thinking he reached up and # She stopped beside him, then looked over at put his big, dirty hand on her shoulder. With a Rey and spat in the dirt. “They did this. I don’t weak cry, she reached up and grabbed two of Jackaby was listlessly dragging bodies know what we are now, but we’re not them… his fingers with her tiny fist, squeezing so hard into a pile out in the field as Stamp and Spill not anymore.” he thought her knuckles would break. approached the house. Smoke hung over the scene, and the stench of blood filled the air. Stamp wondered if she knew whose hand # she was holding. “So what is this?” asked Stamp. The afternoon was spent burning bodies “Ixter brought the GPF with him,” replied in a heaping pyre. Stamp and Melendez dug Spill. “Or it was the other way around? Either a grave for Del at the edge of the bean field, way, they were working together. I can’t for thewhile Jackaby slept and Spill did his awkward life of me…” best to comfort the bereaved. The captain’s voice trailed off, and Stamp At supper, Spill offered Kedran a bunk on followed his gaze to see Rey slumped over a board the Jasper. “It’s not much,” said the hulking body in the doorway of the house. captain, “and the ride gets bumpy from time Paul Christian Glenn Kedran stood above her, his face in his hands.to time, but you’re welcome to fly with us ‘til Stamp couldn’t hear the sobs, but the shake ofyou find someplace to settle.” Paul Chris an Glenn is an Overlord (Coher shoulders told him everything he needed founder and Editor) of Ray Gun Revival “Thank you kindly, Sir,” replied the boy, to know. Del was gone. “but I ain’t leavin’ here. This place needs to magazine, and has been wri ng for as long “Damn it all,” muttered Spill. be rebuilt. Harvest ain’t but half done, and as he can remember. Father…” He didn’t finish the thought, and Spill A loud clang shook Stamp from behind, and didn’t bring it up again. It should be noted, however, that he has a he spun around to see Lieutenant Melendez notoriously short memory. standing before the Jasper. She had a large, Rey remained silent throughout the day,



Deuces Wild, Fractured Facets, Part Two by L. S. King

Deuces Wild, Season Two

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Chapter 3: Fractured Facets, Part Two by L. S. King

T

“She’d taken a cab to the city. He returned he news that Addie had been kidnapped so much. Diamond is the most widely used, for stopped Slap in his tracks halfway up the it’s crystal purity, inherent strength, and clarity. with her jacket and this note.” Carter handed ramp to the ship, but Tristan kept moving, hisSynthetic sapphires, rubies and emeralds exist, it to Tristan. mind kicking into hyper-drive. “Polk?” mainly for use in tuning industrial cutting lasers Simple e-paper. Tristan read it: a mere and for medium-sized, megawatt-range laser “Well, I’m not sure. It’s not his style, but message for her father to bring an inordiweapons.” who knows about his employer.” nate amount of E8 synthetic diamonds, gold, Tristan listened in awe as Carter rambled and platinum to the planet in one week. The Tristan snorted. “Which one?” without taking a breath. How long could he gominimum it would take for LeJeune to arrive. on? Carter paused, frowning. “Oh?” He handed it absently to Slap and entered The engineer continued, “For synthetic the bridge, dropping into the pilot’s chair and “Later.” Tristan stood at the hatch and after metals, we have SynTi, tri-titanium, synthetic rubbing his head. No instructions for him; no all three men were inside, he hit the panel to aluminum, polysteel, and plasteel—which is word from Polk, the Confeds...or Dray. Could close it. “What do you know about the kidnapdoped with other metals, yttrium for example, this be unrelated to him or to Carter? An actual pers?” to prevent crystallization and yield a glassy mere kidnapping by some cheap goons? He “They sent a note with her jacket. They metal, and can be turned into a foam and used twisted to look up at the engineer. “You might for lightweight and extremely durable, well, have hit on what they want the ransom items want her father to pay the ransom in diamonds and refined rare metals: gold and platinum.” anything. A potential downside is they’re still for, which could give us a few clues as to who metal, and thus very conductive of electricity. they are. These materials—with the war, they’d Tristan stopped and stared, his mind Polysteel and plasteel are used for everything sell big on the black market right now...” braking and switching directions. Ransom— from starship hulls to structural building parts to With a look of disbelief, Carter opened not a hostage? “Wait. What?” public and private transportation to handheld his mouth as if to contradict Tristan, then tools and weapons to decorative pieces. Slap waved a hand. “But aren’t there slowly shut it. “Yeah. They would. And the “And as for natural metals, platinum Confeds don’t care who they buy from for their synthgems? Is there that much money to be made with jewels and metals when we can and gold are used to form circuitry, not to gadgets.” He scratched his head. “You think it mention—” make what we want?” wasn’t Polk?” “Oh yes,” Tristan said.

Tristan waved a hand to stop Carter’s babbling as he began walking to the bridge. “Well, synthgems, but we don’t have that He’d have to wait for another time to see how many synthetic metals.” Carter’s eyes lit up. long the man could talk. “I need to do some “But see, Slap, even with synth, there’s a hugeresearch. Give me the details.” market out there. As a matter of fact, there are Carter and Slap both ran to keep up. so many uses for synthgems, such as thermal conductivity, data storage—we rely on them for


“I think it’s possible it’s unrelated. However, there are other possibilities...” Tristan leaned back. “LeJeune was somehow involved in the Mordas. It could be he also had off-world connections. This could be a way to get to him.” Carter sank into the other seat. “Yeah. Could be...but how do we find out who really



Pg. 31

is behind it?”

abilities to pass on news or find out what my you?” clients might want to know, yes.” Tristan stared at the wall, going over possiTristan finished wiping the sweat off his bilities. “I think...the best thing I can do is force “Good. It’s come to my attention that face. a “You’re wrong. I do care. It’s bad for their hand.” young lady named LeJeune has been detained business to allow a client’s daughter to get by some very boorish types hoping to benefit killed.” He tossed the towel at Slap. “You either Slap, leaning against the door, crossed by extorting her father. Now,” Tristan paused trust me, or you don’t.” his arms. “Now, wait. I ain’t sure what you’re for effect, “I would appreciate it if you could As Tristan crossed to a long, rolled-out mat, planning, but regardless of what you feel put feelers out and find out who these unenSlap threw the towel down. “He makes me so about Addie, I won’t have you putting her in lightened individuals are.” mad!” danger.” “I take it you have a personal interest in “But he’s right. There’s nothing we can do Tristan’s mouth twitched in a smile, the this situation?” until we hear something.” ancient story “The Ransom of Red Chief” going “Perceptive, as usual.” through his mind. “Considering everything, Slap started to retort, then stopped and I wonder who’s in danger.” He took a deep “I’ll see what I can do.” sighed. “I feel so helpless.” breath. “But no, I think this is the best way to get her back in one piece.” Tristan broke the connection and turned to “We all do. But trusting him is our best bet. face the two worried men—Carter most likely Her best bet.” “What is the best way?” Carter asked. because of the chance of Polk’s involvement, “Yeah.” Slap scratched his head, scowling. “I’m going to turn over some rocks, and seeand Slap, undoubtedly, for that girl. “Now, we “Yeah...” He watched his friend flip end-overwhat crawls out.” Tristan accessed the comm wait.” end down the length of the mat. Waiting network and the code for a local fence who sucked like a black hole. knew him. When the man’s slender, lined face # appeared in front of him, Tristan lifted his chin # slightly. Slap stared at Tristan with his mouth open in astonishment as the wiry man whipped The fence’s brow ridged, then he smiled. Carter stuck his head around the doorway. around the bar. “How can you do that with “Mr. DeVry.” “Got something coming in for you, Captain.” Addie in danger?” He turned to Carter, who “Glad to know you remember me,was fiddling with something inside a panel on Tristan rose from the table, Slap following the wall. “Can you believe him?” Antreas.” on his heels. “Always good to see you. I take it you just Tristan stopped in a handstand on top of The two men stood out of line of sight as the bar, whipped around it again, let go of the arrived with some merchandise?” Tristan sat in the pilot’s chair and hit the comm bar, spun through the air, then landed feet-first panel. When Antreas’ image appeared in front “Arrived, yes, but it’s not merchandise on the mat. He straightened and grabbed a of Tristan, the man’s grave, lined face gave I’m interested in. It’s information. Is your towel off the nearby rack. “Would it do her any away something was very wrong. “Give me network as extensive as your entrepreneurialgood for me to pace and worry and wring my good news, Antreas.” expertise?” hands?” “As far as anyone knows, she’s still alive. Antreas grinned. “I pride myself in my “You don’t care if she’s hurt or killed, do




Pg. 32

The people who took her...um, well, word has # Carter hesitated, his eyes on the table. gotten around that you’re the one who singleAfter two false starts, he finally said, “I can’t let handedly thwarted the Confederation invasion Slap and Carter sat across from Tristan at someone else suffer and perhaps die because of Eridani Prime.” a table in the lounge watching him silently. of me.” He looked up, his expression fearful He twirled his cup slowly, thinking. “This is a but committed. “What is your plan?” Tristan leaned back, keeping a straight face. dilemma. I don’t know which one of you they “No, that was my partner.” “I think a preemptive strike is our best want.” He took a sip and frowned; the tisane bet—for us and her. Polk is our card in the hole. was cold now. He set the cup down with a sigh. Antreas blinked. “Partner? Ahh.” He just doesn’t know it yet.” “And, in either event, having you come with A grunt, snort, and several soft shushes me is risking your lives.” “Who’s Polk?” Slap asked. were all Tristan heard as Carter attempted to “We can’t do nothing,” Slap said. keep Slap quiet. “A man with many secrets,” Tristan replied. “And a person with secrets is a person manipu“And he’s more upset than I am over the Tristan shook his head with a slight chuckle.lated.” “Yes we can. But the thought of that pleases missing young lady.” me about as little as it probably pleases either “Before we go any further,” Carter said, “I “Uh, well, the people responsible got cold of you.” He paused. “However, I have an idea.” want some answers about Polk. You said he feet and were preparing to return her, but...” has more than one employer?” Carter eyed him warily. “What do you have The fence squirmed and swallowed. “The Tristan nodded. “His ‘legitimate’ job is with Confeds kidnapped her from them. Since I’m in mind, Captain?” the Cirque. But as a young man he became a already go-between, I was dragged in. They He continued slowly. “Things have gone want me to tell you they want to meet with from facile to probably fatal as far as Addie gambler, which inevitably led to debt and put you.” goes. If the Confeds want us, they won’t him at the mercy of a...very unscrupulous and dangerous man. Polk had little choice but to Tristan felt a throbbing begin behind his release her in any event. So we have to strike begin to do dirty little assignments for this boldly. We will all be in danger either way.” He eyes. Not the Confeds...not again. “Where and bored into Carter’s eyes. “Unless we just cut man.” Tristan rubbed his neck. “How and when when?” he also began working for the Confeds I don’t our losses and leave.” know.” “They said to come to the spaceport’s Slap’s mouth dropped open. “Cut losses? west gate market at midnight and bring your “That’s very interesting...” Carter Cut losses? How can you mean that? You’re friend.” murmured. “I don’t know much about him, but talking about just leaving her here to be always got the idea the Confeds had some dirt murdered?” “Friend? Is that all they said?” on him.” “Yeah. Sorry.” Antreas licked his lips and “It is an option. I won’t proceed without “Dirt sticks to him like iron filings to a knowing it’s what you both want to do.” shook his head. “Good luck.” magnet, so it wouldn’t surprise me.” Tristan rose. “Let me see what I can do about getting “You don’t have to ask, Captain,” Carter The image faded. this card to play in our hand.” murmured. Tristan sat back, staring into space. Friend? “Even though you know the outcome if they Which one? Slap—or Carter? # get you back in their custody?” Tristan asked.




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Antreas shook his head. “I’ve put out word Ha, things indeed hadn’t changed. He didn’t He started to reach into his vest, but about this Polk twice and gotten no answer. Hereply, which she perceived as an answer and stopped and slowly withdrew his hand. No, must be deep in hiding.” He pursed his lips, a smiled wryly. “No wonder he’s ‘sick’ tonight.” not yet. He stared at the palm plate, his pulse smile in his eyes. “Perhaps he knows you are She sighed. “You can try talking to the midwaypounding. Knowing it was foolish, he pressed boss, Evžen Walczyk.” looking for him.” his hand against it. No surprise when nothing happened. “A possibility. Let me know if you hear Tristan’s spine stiffened, and through anything.” clenched teeth, he growled, “No.” With a sharp inhale, he shook his head. Foolishness. He had no time for the past; he “I will.” She stared at him after the outburst of thathad to save Addie’s neck, all their necks. He one word. Swallowing bile, he started to leave, pulled out one of his tools, and in seconds, he Tristan cut the communication and sat but did a double-take of her wheel. He couldn’t was inside the back yard. He strode quickly to back. He had to get to Polk, and he had to do resist. He leaned close, and she did the same. the midway ship. it now. And he knew where the weasel was. “Does Rabinovich know Walczyk has gaffed A desperate situation was sinking him into a games?” The smells as he entered brought another desperate past. Not that he was concerned cascade of memories. He accessed the directory with the local authorities, even though murder The woman blinked, going pale. and found Polk’s room. As he wound through had no statute of limitations. He sighed deeply, the ship, a small, fair-haired boy came around Knowing she’d pass on that tidbit to Evžen, calculating the odds of getting out of this the curve of a corridor and started. “What are without confrontations. It didn’t look good. which would make him squirm, Tristan smugly you doing on my ship, groundie?” the child left her and wandered the midway. As he exclaimed in Polish. He looked up at Carter and Slap. “I have to noticed the come-in start, he headed for the go out. Keep the comm manned, and be ready “backyard,” where no outsiders were allowed. “Go back to your mama, boy,” Tristan to leave if I give the word.” replied in the same language. He stared up at the ships beyond the dome; one carried the main troupe, and the other, the The child’s eyes widened, whether at # midway ship, where his prey was most likely Tristan’s ability to speak what was considered skulking. The fence-field now barred him froma Cirque language, the authority in his voice, The crowds roiled and shoved, kids shouted, getting closer to the backyard. He had always or something else, Tristan didn’t know. But the barkers called, music blared, and again, the been called groundie behind his back, and boy did turn and run back the way he came. smells above all—damp sawdust, fried foods— sometimes to his face. He had worked his first combined to bring back memories. Tristan seventeen years to prove he wasn’t. All in vain, The ship would soon be alerted to an pushed through the mob of people and chose intruder. With almost everyone involved with for now, he was; he could go no further. a young, blonde, game jointee whom he did the show or midway, few were here, but still not recognize. “I’m looking for Jacek Polk,” he At least, not officially. his time was limited. He sprinted toward his called to her over the clamor. destination, one floor up. He overrode the But he would wager he could still get in. He door code and slipped into Polk’s room. One “He’s not here.” stared at the gate, the idea of this challenge person occupied the cabin. The sandy-haired, making his heart race with anticipation. Surely “Where can I find him?” heavyset man jumped to his feet as the door that was the reason, not the fact he’d be on slid shut, his pudgy face turning white. He the other side of this fence for the first time Her eyes flicked quickly over him. “Poker? wore his suit pants, but his shirt was askew and since he’d...been forced to leave. No, a debt.” sweat-stained.



Deuces Wild, Fractured Facets, Part Two by L. S. King “Wh-what are you doing here?”

Pg. 34

Polish.

to say, about me or anyone. As a gambler, he is invalidated as a witness by the Talmud.” “You’re going to help us get that girl back.” “More debts, Polk?” asked the gangly one on the left. Two mouths dropped open simultaneously. “You’re crazy!” “That is what Zvi would say.” The one on the right lowered his pistol “Does Dray know you work for the slightly, his blue eyes showing hesitation. A new voice came from the open hatch, Confeds?” “Should we stop him, Andrzej?” a deep voice that had haunted his dreams and sounded like home. “Yes, that is what Zvi Polk’s mouth opened and closed without a “Polk is Cirque. We can’t let a groundie take would say.” An old man, leaning on a cane, sound, his hands shaking. him.” came through the door. His black hair was now almost all white, and his solid frame seemed “And does Zvi? Interesting what might They talked as if Tristan couldn’t underhappen if all your employers found out about stand their language—the first one he had evermuch smaller than Tristan remembered. But his dark eyes were as vital as ever. In Russian each other.” learned. “I’m no groundie,” Tristan replied. he said, “Hello, boy.” “And this debt goes back to before either of “You wouldn’t!” you were born.” Tristan’s throat closed and his chest felt “Have you ever known me to bluff?” squeezed. He couldn’t breathe, and never, They exchanged glances, and the one on never had he felt so close to tears. the right asked, “Who are you? How do you “But I don’t know how to get her away from know Cirque?” the Confeds.” “You can tell me what you know. Where are Polk twisted in Tristan’s grip. “He’s a they holding her, what do they—no, who do murderer. He was banned from the Cirque. You they want, and what do they have planned for have to help me!” their midnight tryst with me?” Tristan shoved Polk’s arm up high, making the gambler grunt. “You can kill him to get me, Polk licked his lips and began to talk. When he finished, Tristan grabbed him by the neck. or let us go.” “Now, let’s go.” “No!” Polk yelled. “What? Where? No! Let go of me.” Both boys hesitated. Good. Tristan pressed his advantage. “Is he worth it? The headaches Tristan tightened his grip. “We’re in this he’s caused everyone all these years? And if together now. Do you understand?” he hissed. things go well, he’ll be released in any event.” Polk gibbered for a moment but had no Andrzej smiled. “Mister, we might be more choice as Tristan escorted him out. They had likely to let you go if you keep him.” almost gotten to the door of the ship when To catch up on previous episodes of two blond young men, boys really, stepped out “But what will Zvi say? To let a groundie the adventures of Slap and Tristan, visit: to block his path, holding PBGs. Tristan quickly take one of us?” http://loriendil.com/DW.php locked Polk’s arm up behind his back and set him in front as a shield. “Zvi will likely say ‘good riddance’ if he Deuces Wild is dedicated to the memory of doesn’t come back,” Tristan said. “Zvi would my best friend; my inspiration for an enduring “He’s kidnapping me,” Polk shrieked in also say you should not listen to what Polk hasfriendship...http://loriendil.com/Starsky/




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L. S. King L.S.beganmar alartstrainingoverthirty yearsago,andownedakarateschoolfor a decade. When on the planet, she lives inDelawarewithherhusband,Steve,and theiryoungestchild.Sheenjoysgardening, soap making, reading, and all things Myst. She also likes Looney Tunes, the color purple, and is a Zorro a cionado, whichmightexplainherloveforswords and cloaks. Like Londo Mollari, she wants to know if the Hokey Pokey is really what it’s all about.



Pg. 36

The RGR Time Capsule

February 15 - February 29, 2008

Sci-Fi news from the RayGunRevival forums RGR Date: February 16, 2007

these quality series and will allow the respecve producers to get a head start on their http://raygunrevival.com/Forum/viewtopic.php?t=1762crea ve arc for next season,” said Grabo . “As a result, they give us a lot to build on as we point to next year’s schedule.” Now that the writer’s strike is over, we’re due to see more from three of my favorite shows of last year.

Chuck, Heroes, and Life reupped for 2008

h p://www.ain tcool.com/ node/35610 BURBANK - February 13, 2008 - NBC has picked up its freshman drama series “Chuck” and “Life” -- as well as its hit “Heroes” -- for the 2008-09 season, it was announced today by Ben Silverman, CoChairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios, and Marc Grabo , Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios.

dbit about a possible Whedon / Glau collabora on side project. Several people asked Glau why she always plays somewhat robo c killing machines, and she didn’t really have much of an answer. She said her Terminator was similar to River, her character on Fire y, because both are “isolated in the way they relate to the world.” But a key di erence is that River uses mar al arts, whereas her Terminator just uses brute force. So she’s having to un-learn some stu .

Glau is s ll hoping to create a ballet with composer/writer Joss Whedon, but she’s not sure when it’ll happen. “It was going to work out be er when we were on strike. We wanted to do the ballet for years because Joss writes his All three series will have major own music and I do my own re-launch campaigns next year. dancing, so i thought it was “We are thrilled to be bringing an amazing idea. But now he’s back the high-energy drabeen thrown into an amazmas ‘Chuck’ and Life’ for next ing project [the Dollhouse TV season,” said Silverman. “Adshow] and i have to go back to di onally, we will be saving and re-launching RGR Date: February 25, 2007 work. But we’re hoping to do it this season. our #1 drama and most successful franchise, Joss Whedon / Summer Glau Planning An Opera? We’re nailing down concepts,” Glau said. ‘Heroes,’ so that it will run in all original epi - http://raygunrevival.com/Forum/viewtopic.php?t=1779 sodes in the fourth quarter.” There’s a lot here about Summer Glau as the terminatrix in the Sarah Connor Chronicles, “These pickups are a sign of our con dence in but I, of course, was most interested in the



Ray Gun Revival magazine, Issue 41

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