Another
collection of six short speculative fictions by William Mangieri, in which we learn some life lessons:
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Alien is a relative term
Perception may be all there is
It's only matters how you say it
Sometimes all you have is a leap of faith
Freedom isn't just another word
No matter how hard you try, a dog's life - is still a dog's life
Includes the short stories:
Finding Sanctuary
After generations searching for a home, the colonists of The Promise think they've found a it. But is this seemingly perfect world where they'll find Sanctuary?
(A bit of sci-fi, a pinch of fantasy, a slice of horror; a good mix of what makes up speculative fiction. Add in alien spiders - how can you go wrong?)
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InWhoseReality
?
Perception is reality. The all-conquering Veratis arrive on Earth, where they meet some unreal resistance. As in all wars, choosing the field of battle can determine the victor, and on this one appearances may be everything.
Truth in Advertising
A paranoid marketer finds himself down a dark alley, just as he expected. But is it always a bad thing when they're after you?
Behind the 8-Ball
The clock is running down as humanity struggles to find a new home; they've opened a gate into the unknown, but need evidence that their new world is on the other side before they go through. Moses can provide that proof, but how could anyone besides his wife believe him? Sometimes, you have to take a leap of faith.
Gladius
What security is there in the loyalty of slaves
? Gladius
has served his Betelgeusean owners faithfully since he was first abducted from Taurus, but he's about to find out that loyalty isn't always a two way street, and not all slaves are willing to settle for their lot. Maybe he's not as bull-headed as he appears.
Saturday He Fed the Cat
It's a dog's life.
What
can a 9-pound westie do when faced with the injustices of a newly colonized world? Katy tries her darnedest, but learns that sometimes a dog's life just isn't fair, no matter what planet you're on.
(stories also available individually)