Executives of Tayairosko Corporation craved a weapon to lord over the governments, corporations, and people of all four worlds. They envisioned themselves the masters of a new interplanetary empire of their own making. They tasked their Bioweapons Division with developing a microscopic pathogen like no other. A bioweapon that could wipe out entire worlds. The genesis of Weapon X.The Bioweapon Revolution Series: The events in this story transpire on planets much like Earth In a universe much like that of Earth But distinct and separate from both Never to cross paths The four planets of Forensa, Elipson, Braun, and Aldaris The four planets whose history and civilizations were intertwined Would be forever changed By one, fateful event … Executives of Tayairosko Corporation craved a weapon to lord over the governments, corporations, and people of all four worlds. They envisioned themselves the masters of a new interplanetary empire of their own making. They tasked their Bioweapons division with developing a microscopic pathogen like no other. A bioweapon that could wipe out entire worlds. The genesis of Weapon X. Weapon X was the deadliest pathogen ever developed. It was hundreds, possibly a thousand years ahead of its time. The evil executives that ordered its creation found Weapon X so frightful, so resilient, so virulent, and so adaptive that even they drew back from their plans to use it to hold human civilization hostage. The corporation transported everything in the bioweapons division related to Weapon X to the far moon of Vio. Many years later, a team of mercenaries traveled to Vio on a contract to steal Weapon X. Little did the mercenaries realize their actions would lead to the death of millions and possibly the annihilation of the entire human species.In Rise of the Vanguards: Tayairosko Corporation's technology was more advanced than that of any corporation or nation on the four planets. When news got out about the massive Bioweapons Division, many wondered why the dreaded Tayairosko embarked on the development of heinous bioweapons at the behest of its evil executives instead of pushing their already large technological advantage. The development of the ELF's (Electromechanical Life Forms) on the rival planet Elipson provides only one answer to this question. However, the rise of the ELF's raised new questions, created new possible threats to Tayairosko, its home world of Forensa and event the rest of the four planet. Meanwhile, the shadow of Weapon X still hangs over the lives and deaths of the humans of all four worlds.

From the multiple award-winning, best-selling author of The Song of Ice and Fire series: Haviland Tuf is an honest space-trader who likes cats. So how is it that, in competition with the worst villains the universe has to offer, he's become the proud owner of the last seedship of Earth's legendary Ecological Engineering Corps? Never mind, just be thankful that the most powerful weapon in human space is in good hands-hands which now control cellular material for thousands of outlandish creatures. With his unique equipment, Tuf is set to tackle the problems human settlers have created in colonizing far-flung worlds: hosts of hostile monsters, a population hooked on procreation, a dictator who unleashes plagues to get his own way... and in every case the only thing that stands between the colonists and disaster is Tuf's ingenuity-and his reputation as an honest dealer in a universe of rogues... Tuf Voyaging interior illustrations by Janet Aulisio. Included will be her original eight illustrations, along with 28 newly commissioned ones.

From the authors of the New York Times bestselling novel Welcome to Night Vale and the creators of the #1 international podcast of the same name, comes a mystery exploring the intersections of faith and science, the growing relationship between two young people who want desperately to trust each other, and the terrifying, toothy power of the Smiling God. Nilanjana Sikdar is an outsider to the town of Night Vale. Working for Carlos, the town’s top scientist, she relies on fact and logic as her guiding principles. But all of that is put into question when Carlos gives her a special assignment investigating a mysterious rumbling in the desert wasteland outside of town. This investigation leads her to the Joyous Congregation of the Smiling God, and to Darryl, one of its most committed members. Caught between her beliefs in the ultimate power of science and her growing attraction to Darryl, she begins to suspect the Congregation is planning a ritual that could threaten the lives of everyone in town. Nilanjana and Darryl must search for common ground between their very different world views as they are faced with the Congregation’s darkest and most terrible secret.

They have lived in orbit around planet Lumus for over 800 years. They live in peace, never having been visited by another race. For all they know, no one else exists but them. They are thriving and there are millions of them. They are Human. Here, disease doesn't exist. Life is long and comfortable. They have never experienced war, and because of this, they aren't prepared for what's coming.They've lived in orbit around planet Lumus for over 800 years, and for all they know, no one else exists but them.However, they don't know how their race arrived here. No history book has an answer and no historian has the guts to find out. It's as if the history of their race, the human race, started in orbit around this planet. Any knowledge of their existence preceding 800 years has either been erased or their Prime Director is correct: they were birthed here and their race didn't exist 800 years ago. Most don't question it. Some do. Regardless, life is undisturbed. All they know is peace. There's no torment, no struggle, and no war. The star ships and star fighters that make up their military--Star Guild--are for show, unneeded, and manufactured only to help with tech research. They know of no enemy, no threat, no carnage, and because of this, they aren't prepared for what's coming. - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Star Guild consists of episodes, much like shows on television. There aren't any chapters here. Star Guild is action packed and riveting, and with every heart pumping page, you'll be on the edge of your seat, waiting to read what happens next. You'll be carried along, feeling as if you are part of the journey, playing a role in the adventure, falling in love with the characters as you progress. When an episode finishes, you'll find yourself eagerly awaiting the next.

Proton and Phaze, parallel worlds of science and magic, are ripe with the seeds of revolution. Mach, a brave and sensitive robot from Proton, and his alternate self, magical Bane from Phaze, hold the power to link the two warring systems – or destroy them entirely. Both are prepared to save their worlds. But neither Mach nor Bane had anticipated the dangers of forbidden love ... with members of the opposite realm!

As Earthrise gets closer to the Sun both the heat and tensions are rising. Discipline is falling apart; rumour fuels fear, and both crew and visitors are losing faith in decisions that have been made. Now Andrew has to face the mob before Earth leaves them behind.Part One - Catcher McCall - Regrets and Rescue chronicled the events in Af-fucking-ghanistan, which culminates in inadvertently saving the life of a U.S. Congressman that warrants Catcher McCall to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor. Because of accepting the reluctant prize, the public's fascination catapults Catcher McCall to be a candidate for the presidency of the United States. What happened next is truer than fiction. As William Faulkner said, "The best fiction is far more true than any journalism."Part Two - I’m Catcher McCall: War hero, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, and candidate for the presidency of the United States. Why and how it happened makes telling the truth a revolutionary act. Indeed, truth is not obligated to conform to possibilities, and instead changes with time and convention. Famous Catcher McCall quotes in the context of being a candidate for the presidency. Catcher McCall ... Outsider is presented as a modern day epic in three volumes: Catcher McCall - Regrets and Rescue, Catcher McCall - Respect and Betrayal and Catcher McCall - Lost and Return. Volume Four - Catcher McCall vs. Wall Street is scheduled for release on April 1, 2013.______________

When Ralph Swindon tinkers in his workshop, the whole world holds its breath ...A 2700-word short story.Trivia: Features the characters from Sleight of Hand.When Ralph Swindon tinkers in his workshop, the whole world holds its breath ...A 2700-word short story.Trivia: Features the characters from Sleight of Hand.--I was rinsing my hair when Jenny hammered on the door, yelling something about an accident at Ralph's place. Despite the hot water I felt a sudden chill."Is he okay?" I yelled.No reply.I killed the taps, shoved the clingy curtain aside and stumbled from the shower. Half blinded, I slipped and groped around the bathroom until I found the towel. I wiped the soap from my face, wrapped the towel round my waist and ran for the hall. I know the kind of things Ralph messes with in that workshop of his, and an 'accident' could have levelled the street.

Sixteen-year-old Anna Hart flees a deadly situation in a failing human colony on the planet Silva. Using her skills with an ancient weapon and her empathic ability, she struggles through danger and betrayal, searching for a place where love and hope can thrive. This Episode is the first of five in the novel Yesterday, the first book in the Aftermath Trilogy. The rest will be released as written.In this Young Adult science fiction tale, sixteen-year-old Anna Hart flees a deadly situation in a failing human colony on the planet Silva. Using her skills with an ancient weapon and her empathic ability, she struggles through danger and betrayal, searching for a place where love and hope can thrive. Please note: This Episode is the first of five episodes that make up the novel Yesterday, the first book of the Aftermath trilogy, and is offered as an introduction to the characters and world in the sweeping story of Aftermath. Subsequent Episodes will be released as written to fill out the book in serial fashion.Aftermath Trilogy:YesterdayShe's Leaving HomeImagineShirley Kennett is an award-winning author of urban fantasy, thrillers, and science fiction. She is a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Mystery Writers of America, Horror Writers Association, and a past board member of International Thriller Writers.

Inquisition is a short story that introduces the epic tale of Man and God and their insatiable quest for one another. This is the inspiration for Kesting's latest novel: This Garden of SoulsInquisition is a futuristic tale of humanity and hubris. An existential parable. It introduces the us to a weary “Assessor” by the name of Rindell, who has begun to not only question his own morality but that of his entire culture as he is assiduously tasked to pass terminal judgment on entire societies based solely on his assessments of their worthiness through the testimonies of selected "defendants". This is a story about Man and God and their insatiable quest for one another. Inquisition is the inspiration for Kesting's latest novel: This Garden of Souls!

The fifth and final volume in the humorous SF series that began with THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY is somewhat darker than its predecessors. The Earthman Arthur Dent spends years selling genetic material in exchange for travel to various parallel universes in search of somewhere vaguely resembling his home planet. When he finally settles (actually, crash lands) on a backwater planet, his pleasant new career as tribal sandwich-maker is interrupted by the arrival of his daughter, Random–the result of those many, many sales of his DNA. Meanwhile, Arthur's friend Ford Prefect discovers that the happy-go-lucky executives of his employer, the publishers of THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY, have been replaced by a frighteningly grim and worryingly familiar new management team. His plot to disturb their business plan puts him once again into Arthur's path...with devastating results.

Scholastic's next multi-platform mega-event begins here! Dak, Sera, and Riq might be in over their heads when they attempt to stop a Viking invasion! Hundreds of ships carrying thousands of warriors are laying siege to medieval Paris. The Parisians are holding their own, but the stalemate can only last so long. And that's bad news -- especially since Dak has been captured, forced to work alongside the Vikings while Sera and Riq defend Paris from within. No matter which side wins, the kids lose!

THE IRON CHANCELLOR was Robert Silverberg’s second contribution to GALAXY (his first a year earlier in 1956 was BLAZE OF GLORY); he was 22 when it appeared and it shows a remarkably developed talent. Silverberg in his memoirs remembers how Horace Gold, the editor of GALAXY magazine, was simultaneously entranced by Silverberg’s precocity and angered by what he felt was the young writer’s eagerness to settle for production, stylistic facility and prolific output. Like all of the editors with whom Silverberg dealt in his early career, Gold alternated between impatience and admiration but he did find THE IRON CHANCELLOR a strong story and he was glad to have it at a time when so many of his regular contributors, impatient with the field and with Horace, were moving on or moving out. In this story of a controlling machine assuming a totalitarian control, the influences on Silverberg can be clearly noted--Henry Kuttner’s Gallegher stories, Robert Sheckley’s rampant and perverse technology in the AAA Ace Series (also published in GALAXY). Silverberg’s own voice has emerged and he handles his rather large cast without stereotype, with clear definition and with a good deal of control. Silverberg became an increasingly dominant GALAXY contributor in the following decade and then, in the early 1970’s when the editorship had passed to Ejler Jakobsson’s and a new publisher, three of Silverberg’s novels were serialized in consecutive issues of the magazine, "The amazing fulfillment of a childhood fantasy" Silverberg wrote.

One summer weekend in 1949 — but not our 1949 — the well-connected "Farthing set", a group of upper-crust English families, enjoy a country retreat. Lucy is a minor daughter in one of those families; her parents were both leading figures in the group that overthrew Churchill and negotiated peace with Herr Hitler eight years before. Despite her parents' evident disapproval, Lucy is married — happily — to a London Jew. It was therefore quite a surprise to Lucy when she and her husband David found themselves invited to the retreat. It's even more startling when, on the retreat's first night, a major politician of the Farthing set is found gruesomely murdered, with abundant signs that the killing was ritualistic. It quickly becomes clear to Lucy that she and David were brought to the retreat in order to pin the murder on him. Major political machinations are at stake, including an initiative in Parliament, supported by the Farthing set, to limit the right to vote to university graduates. But whoever's behind the murder, and the frame-up, didn't reckon on the principal investigator from Scotland Yard being a man with very private reasons for sympathizing with outcasts… and looking beyond the obvious. As the trap slowly shuts on Lucy and David, they begin to see a way out — a way fraught with peril in a darkening world.

Three guys and three girls are transformed into powerful beings capable of bending the world to their wills. In the midst of this transformation will emerge a powerful being with more evil than a devil. A being that must be destroyed, if the Star Group is to survive.