Menagerie is the newest pet craze from the Acme Corporation. The robotic animals genetically bind to their owners. Only three easy steps to link: 1) Put a drop of fluid (saliva or blood) in its mouth 2) Wait for 24 hours 3) Tell your dreams and fears to your forever friend. By the way, genetic binding is an imperfect science. 15,000 words, give or take a character or two.“The tricky part isn’t making you see things; it’s making you believe what you see.”Menagerie is the newest pet craze from the Acme Corporation. The robotic animals genetically bind to their owners. Only three easy steps to link:1) Put a drop of fluid (saliva or blood) in its mouth2) Wait for 24 hours3) Tell your dreams and fears to your forever friendBy the way, genetic binding is an imperfect science.Timothy Hollow believes the measure of a man is how much he gains. He is a successful analyst, climbing Corinth’s societal ladder. In Corinth, the societal ladder also means living in the upper levels of the colossal buildings that stretch hundreds of floors upward. The higher the better. However, his universe is turned upside down when his mother brings him an unexpected gift, a Menagerie.-----Longer than a short story, shorter than a novella. This novelette is 15,000 words, give or take a character or two. If you read, please post a review.

Four decades ago, Richard Forthrast, the black sheep of an Iowa family, fled to a wild and lonely mountainous corner of British Columbia to avoid the draft. Smuggling backpack loads of high-grade marijuana across the border into Northern Idaho, he quickly amassed an enormous and illegal fortune. With plenty of time and money to burn, he became addicted to an online fantasy game in which opposing factions battle for power and treasure in a vast cyber realm. Like many serious gamers, he began routinely purchasing virtual gold pieces and other desirables from Chinese gold farmers—young professional players in Asia who accumulated virtual weapons and armor to sell to busy American and European buyers. For Richard, the game was the perfect opportunity to launder his aging hundred dollar bills and begin his own high-tech start up—a venture that has morphed into a Fortune 500 computer gaming group, Corporation 9592, with its own super successful online role-playing game, T’Rain. But the line between fantasy and reality becomes dangerously blurred when a young gold farmer accidently triggers a virtual war for dominance—and Richard is caught at the center. In this edgy, 21st century tale, Neal Stephenson, one of the most ambitious and prophetic writers of our time, returns to the terrain of his cyberpunk masterpieces Snow Crash and Cryptonomicon, leading readers through the looking glass and into the dark heart of imagination.

It is 4034. Humanity has made it to the stars. Fassin Taak, a Slow Seer at the Court of the Nasqueron Dwellers, will be fortunate if he makes it to the end of the year. The Nasqueron Dwellers inhabit a gas giant on the outskirts of the galaxy, in a system awaiting its wormhole connection to the rest of civilization. In the meantime, they are dismissed as decadents living in a state of highly developed barbarism, hoarding data without order, hunting their own young & fighting pointless formal wars. Seconded to a military-religious order he's barely heard of—part of the baroque hierarchy of the Mercatoria, the latest galactic hegemony— Taak has to travel again amongst the Dwellers. He is in search of a secret hidden for half a billion years. But with each day that passes a war draws closer—a war threatening to overwhelm everything & everyone he's ever known.

Things are disappearing. Parts of buildings, parts of people, parts of the whole world—they’re here today, gone tomorrow. Old Shellback—a character as crazy-smart as Christopher Lloyd in Back to the Future—thinks he needs glasses. But all he really has to do is open his eyes . . . and see the light. Or so says George Smiley—otherwise known as the Messiah. George claims that the reason things are vanishing is because he wants them to go away. He has no more use for the world . . . and so it goes. Say goodbye. But Old Shellback has a different idea, and since he is the most stubborn man in the universe, you might want to hear him out. What’s Shellback’s idea? That two can play at this game. While George is making this world disappear, Old Shellback will make another one appear. Join him on an amazing odyssey—as he heads back to a future of his own making. By the spring of 1938, Hubbard’s stature as a writer was well established. As author and critic Robert Silverberg puts it: he had become a “master of the art of narrative.” Hubbard’s editors urged him to apply his gift for succinct characterization, original plot, deft pacing and imaginative action to a genre that was new, and essentially foreign, to him—science fiction and fantasy. The rest is Sci-Fi history. Also includes the Science Fiction adventures, A Can of Vacuum, in which a practical joke on a space station proves that a good sense of humor is timeless, and 240,000 Miles Straight Up, the thrilling story of a race to the moon . . . and the one man who may be able to save the earth from Armageddon.

It begins on a very normal Monday morning. But in the space of only a few days, the world's oil supplies have been severed and at a horrifying pace things begin to unravel everywhere. This is no natural disaster; someone is behind this. Oil engineer Andy Sutherland is stranded in Iraq with a company of British soldiers, desperate to find a way home, trapped as the very infrastructure of daily life begins to collapse around him. Back in Britain, his wife Jenny is stuck in Manchester, fighting desperately against the rising chaos to get back to their children; London as events begin to spiral out of control -- riots, raging fires, looting, rape, and murder. In the space of a week, London is transformed into an anarchic vision of hell. Meanwhile, a mysterious man is tracking Andy's family. He'll silence anyone who can reveal the identities of those behind this global disaster. The people with a stranglehold on the future of civilization have flexed their muscles at other significant tipping points in history, and they are prepared to do anything to keep their secret -- and their power -- safe.

Fellow orphans, amateur vigilantes, and members of the Santitos, Loup Garron—the fugitive daughter of a genetically engineered "wolf-man"—and Pilar Ecchevarria spent their entire lives under military occupation in a cordoned off Texas no-man's-land that used to be called Santa Olivia, now known as Outpost 12. But now they're free, and they want to help the rest of the Santitos escape. During a series of escapades, they discover that Miguel Garza, Loup's former sparring partner and reprobrate surrogate brother, has escaped from Outpost 12 and is testifying on behalf of its forgotten citizens—at least until he disappears from protective custody. Driven by a sense of honor, Loup vows to rescue Miguel, even though venturing into the U. S. could mean losing her liberty. Driven by love and loyalty, Pilar promises to help her. It will take a daring and absurd caper to extricate Miguel from the mess he's created, but Loup is prepared to risk everything. . . and this time she has help.

When a man has a great deal of knowledge, it becomes extremely easy for him to confuse "knowledge" with "wisdom" ... and forget that the antonym of "wisdom" is not "ignorance" but "folly."When a man has a great deal of knowledge, it becomes extremely easy for him to confuse "knowledge" with "wisdom" ... and forget that the antonym of "wisdom" is not "ignorance" but "folly."

Stupidity, greed, and isolationistic fundamentalism between the three main super powers had pushed mankind to the brink of destruction. Just before the holocaust began, a group of wealthy and reasonably sane individuals decided save some small remnant of humankind. A small group of near genetically perfect people would be sent to another star system, and so Project Transplant began.Take a very ordinary, very unhappy 14 year old boy, Phoenix. He's bored by school, hates his step-father, feels like he has no control over his life. In fact, the only things he does like are computer games and martial arts.Add a smart, miserable 14 year old girl, Jade. She's the youngest of seven girls; teased and picked on; a misfit; her own mother doesn't get her. All she likes is books and botany.Throw both these kids into a computer game - 80AD - AND into their avatar's bodies. Phoenix and Jade aren't 14 year old kids any longer. They're 17 year old warriors, confused and trapped in an ancient world of warfare, magic and death. They're stuck in 80AD Britain To Phoenix, it's fun - a gamer's dream come true. To Jade, it's a nightmare. In order to get home, they have to play out Level One of 80AD. They have to find the Jewel of Asgard. To do that, they must face murderous thieves, creatures of the Dywyllwch Brennau, uncanny powers of the Druids and the might of the invading Roman army.Can they master their new bodies and survive in Iron Age Britain?Can they beat the Romans to the Jewel and win Level One?Will they make it home or will they be defeated by their arch-enemy, Feng Zhudai?If he wins, they are stuck in 80AD forever - but is that so bad?Cover Art by Jason Seabaugh of Avatar Art

The story begins with a huge chaotic space battle between the forces of Earth and a revolting Martian Fleet. With no escape possible and faced with the total slaughter of the Martian race by the merciless and technologically advanced Crimson Fleet, the Martians gamble everything on a desperate strategy of surprise and unorthodox tactics.A young man dies, and a grim reaper offers to revive him in exchange for servitude. Responsibilities include saving other people’s lives and occasionally fighting unspeakable horrors. But this particular young man already has a few problems of his own, such as crippling shyness. No, seriously. He can barely even speak to people. It's really bad.Takes place in the modern fantasy world of Eleg. This book includes the first three story arcs of the ongoing serial novel.

Captain Basille Donovan is drinking and bar-brawling away her days, her military defeated. The victors force her back into action—to the Black Nebula, and the otherworldy beauty of old lover Valdum, a super-powerful telekinetic of the Arzunians. A bloody conflict of humans versus psi-wielding chaotic alien terrors! A Gender Switch Adventure.Finding the man of your dreams can be a real nightmare....As the future prima, or head witch of her clan, Angela McAllister is expected to bond with her consort during her twenty-first year, thus ensuring that she will come into her full powers at the appointed time. The clock is ticking down, and her consort has yet to make an appearance. Instead, her dreams are haunted by a man she’s never seen, the one she believes must be her intended match.But with time running out, and dark forces attempting to seize her powers for their own, Angela is faced with a terrible choice: give up her dreams of the man she may never meet and take the safer path, or risk leaving her clan and everyone in it at the mercy of those who seek their ruin. (Book 1 of the Witches of Cleopatra Hill)

What does it take to become a Guardian of the most powerful clan in the world? Find out as you follow Alix on his first Ascension Ritual into the Cave of Woe. Locked in a massive cavern, Alix must solve a riddle and find his way out. Sounds simple? Not while a horde of undead warriors are chasing after him! Will he solve the puzzle and make it out, or will the living dead make a meal of him?In a world rife with violence, powerful warriors called Guardians protect the village of the strongest clan. To become a Guardian is both an honor and a duty. However, to become a Guardian is no easy feat. A potential Guardian must pass seven Ascension Rituals, each a test designed to kill. Follow Alix on his journey to become a Guardian. Alix’s first Ascension test finds him locked in a cave with hundreds of undead corpses, alone, in the dark, and without weapons. He must solve a riddle written on the scroll he carries and find his way out…or die trying. Will he make it to the center of the cavern before the undead tear him apart? Who is the mysterious stranger secretly following him? Find out in this short and exciting story.

Everyone who's been cryonically frozen and revived again has had a memory wipe. But maybe it's better to let the past go, and live a new life...The earth's air being too dangerous to survive in, people have been forced to live in an underground facility. But it's not as bad as it seems. With plenty of resources, life underground is somewhat normal.Cryonically frozen people have been stored in the same building, being brought to life whenever the project is successful. Vivian is one of them. When she wakes up, she's introduced to a different life in this new future. But the thing is, she can't really remember anything from her past life....

The first book in the exciting OMEGA series! For two thousand years, the Human run empire known as the Alliance of Major Planets (AMP) brought peace and stability to the five galaxies. That all changed with the New Alliance. Knog Beutcher is a three star veteran detective. Corruption, rebellion, intrigue and lawlessness have come to Knog's world. His struggles have just begun...The first book in the exciting OMEGA series! For two thousand years, the Human run empire known as the Alliance of Major Planets (AMP) brought peace and stability to the five galaxies surrounding and including the Milky Way. Advances in technology, and a strong set of fair laws, had allowed a peaceful expansion of Human ideals. As the alliance aged, corruption crept in, allowing an overthrow that placed a dozen ruling families in charge. Without clear leadership, the New Alliance began to decay, and without change, it will ultimately fail.For Knog Beutcher, a three star veteran detective, living in the New Alliance is a struggle. He finds himself caught in the middle of the chaos as colonies rebel and populations riot. With the invasion of one of the galaxies by an external enemy, the alliance's future becomes uncertain. Corruption, rebellion, intrigue and lawlessness have come to Knog's world. His struggles have only just begun...

"As usual his morning commute took him past that simple wooden cross, planted above the pit with the charred sides. And as usual Linc's stomach turned at the thought of it happening to the next child."The war on terror has escalated to a nihilistic brawl for oil. Brutal and incessant gang violence now rules the headlines.Linc Freemore discovers how far he's willing to blur the lines."As usual his morning commute took him past that simple wooden cross, planted above the pit with the charred sides. And as usual Linc's stomach turned at the thought of it happening to the next child."Apocalyptic Science Fiction Story. 44 pages (10.795 words)Oil To Ashes Part 1, 'Picnic' - Introducing Linc FreemoreThe war on terror has escalated to a nihilistic brawl for oil. Brutal and incessant gang violence now rules the headlines. Is it a forecast for the end of justice and consequence?For Linc Freemore, another drudge at the office, another broken promise looms. He stumbles on a savage crime, half-done. Unarmed. Deserted. In a tranquil wood, the kind of place he longs for time with his family. Today filled with violence and despair. Should he bolt for safety? Or viciously defend, his own brand of justice?Linc discovers how deep he's willing to dig for a stranger. How far he's willing to blur the lines.Contains Graphic Violence.Early editions were titled "Picnic".

One November day in the year 2087, everything was normal. The very next, Ancient ships had descended from the sky and just like that, there was no normal. Not anymore.One November day in the year 2087, everything was normal. The very next, Ancient ships had descended from the sky and just like that, there was no normal. Not anymore.There were only two governments left standing, the United States and Germany. In mere minutes of news coverage, we had answers to some of mankind's greatest mysteries. They left shortly after the rise of the Egyptian armies. Not out of fear, that's for damn sure. To our best estimation, they left so we would breed, expand the population that would eventually be enslaved by them.The smallest Ancient that anyone has ever laid eyes on is roughly eight feet in height. The largest, about the same. They walk like we do, but that's where the similarities end. A pasty gray skin, the pupils of their eyes burning with an amber-colored pigment that helps them deal with the rays of the sun, or so we're told. Transparent skull and bones, which have been linked to their ability to heal quickly. Very quickly.Sometimes not quickly enough though. In other words, they die. I should know, my unit has killed more of the sky-born bastards than any other group of soldiers on Earth. -Alicia Lucard