CHAPTER 58
The week’s work was routine, but Kul was keeping a sharp eye on the e-mail inbox. At some point, we hoped to get a go/no go from Chad’s Sydney contacts, and that would mean a heavy-duty Real Business Meeting with both our water activity clients and Canning Van Man. and quite possibly with the camping shop Maz had been chatting up. In the meantime, I was still riding with a mentor, mainly Kul. He was quite clear that I knew my job inside out, but I still lacked a lot of experience in little things like navigating the city, both in terms of streets and of local culture.

No More Worlds to Conquer
A Short Story being an Alternative Retelling of History
By Maryanne Peters

It had been an ordinary day up to this point. I was on my lunch break eating a sandwich at a park picnic table. I wouldn’t call the area I was in secluded. You could faintly hear the busy street less than a hundred yards away. To see the street, you would have to crane your neck and look through a bunch of bushes and trees to see it. I usually chose this bench because it was furthest away from the row of restaurants not far from the park entrance. Most people who ate lunch in the park would find somewhere closer to the middle of the park to eat.

Hope's Light

Chapter 9

by Erisian

Book 6

Chapter Nine - Instincts

It had been less than a sleep’s turn since I’d arrived in Hell, and already I’d witnessed three murders. Four, if including Pierre’s self-sacrificing suicide. Technically they were already dead to begin with, but once reduced to a compact stone that was it for their spirits. From everything I’d been told, that was the last one-way trip a soul could take.

Short of jumping into the Abyss, anyway.

“The nature of friendship is such that you never know who will turn out to be your friends, but once you have met them you can’t imagine that you could have gone through life without ever knowing them.” ― William Gibson, Neuromancer

The escape attempt is on, their chances may not be all they appear to be... The losses may be too much to handle.

Themed Birthday Party
A Vignette
By Maryanne Peters

Alison would never have been able talk me into it, but it was my father’s input that settled it.

“You aren’t making enough effort to get on with my wife,” he said. “And don’t keep on calling her Alison. She is your mother now. Call her Mom.”

*** Author's Note: This is my first transitioning story for a transgirl. I included some of the fears and anguish I felt before coming out. I included a lot of emotions dealing with the fear of rejection. If that is something that is a trigger for you, please read with caution.***

Chapter 1: The Idol

Composite
A Short Science Fiction Story
By Maryanne Peter

Which of us died? It must have been her. Yet she seemed to be uninjured. The sight of her body looking so perfect staring at me in disbelief from the mirror. It was just the arms and the shoulders and the chest that seemed out of place, and as it turned out, the heart and the brain, and the spinal cord.

***Author's note: I found the missing section, and I hope that this makes the trip in the water makes more sense.***

The following day, I brought my dad to school, hoping to finally get some clarity on what I was. Together, we walked up to Principal Elara's office, my heart pounding with a mix of nerves and anticipation. When I knocked on the closed door, the Principal's voice called us in, and I led the way.

Unknown Island, South Pacific:
“That’s the last of this batch.” Nick wipes the blood off his hands.

Now that all of them were back in their bodies. They weren’t relying on their weapons or tricks like before. This time they were relying on skill alone. All thou, Nick does notice Cheshire is more deadly than ever.

“Same here.” Jack tosses the two men he killed away from him.

“Count these three assholes as dead too.” Cheshire was dragging two guys and carrying one guy.

Hope's Light

Chapter 7

by Erisian

Book 6

Chapter Seven - Coffee

The ride through the paved cavern tunnels was short but bumpy as the transport’s suspension had clearly died a squealing death at least ten to twenty firestorms ago. I’d been locked into position in the middle of a squad again, though this time opposite me wasn’t a cranky diminutive devil blowing smoke but rather a sullen swamp-green demon similarly shackled into place whose inner rage boiled and simmered.

As evident by the constant glares of resentment and brewing rebellion he kept shooting across the aisle whenever he thought I wasn’t paying attention. My sympathy meter didn’t move much in response, I was too busy being happy that they’d given me a bright orange prison jumpsuit.

Hey, it would never have won any fashion shows but it certainly beat being naked.

Dido left early the next morning to avoid speaking with John. She did leave a scrawled note on her neatly made bed that just said,

“Thank you for being there yesterday. Dido.”

I accepted magic to fight evil and it turned me into a girl, but I don’t think I really mind?

Jennifer Shannon

Chapter 2

Set against the vibrant and atmospheric backdrop of Japan, The Tale of My Beautiful Onii-san follows 18-year-old Haruki as he arrives in Kyoto, eager to reconnect with his cousin Yuki after years apart. But nothing could prepare him for the shocking transformation he finds. Drawn into Yuki’s mysterious world, Haruki embarks on a journey of self-discovery, family secrets, and hidden truths. In this suspenseful and heartfelt tale, he learns that family bonds in Japan can be as intricate—and as unbreakable—as the secrets they keep.

“Dearly Bereaved…”

By Kelly Blake

“I think he really wanted cremation and his ashes spread in the sea.” Lyla stated most ardently.

Lyla’s word had to be trusted. She accepted and loved me as I am. But I also knew my father and his wishes should be considered. Sort of anyway…

“We do have a burial spot arranged for. Other members of the family are buried there.” I said in a hushed voice. “I’m so confused.” I sighed and glanced at my hands.

Hope's Light

Chapter 6

by Erisian

Book 6

Chapter Six - Potatoes

“Why does one without need seek passage?”

The grey-cloaked spirit towering over me stood thirty-feet tall. With sandals straddling slowly rocking parallel top decks of a slender felwood boat, the voice boomed out from under a deep and shadowed hood. If the barren expanse behind had any features other than scattered ancient bone, the sound would have echoed mightily - but as things were it simply resounded loudly from above.

And given the message, I’d barely started this undercover investigation and already my cover was blown. Joy.