Short Fiction
Elephants In Trees
The first dead scientist she’d found had scrawled in his own blood, “Upon darkness, seven types of hell will descend.” Everyone on the recovery team had agreed they’d heed that warning and bug out before dark.
Fledgling
Madison leaned forward with exaggerated care, bent down, and peered into the eyepiece of her younger brother’s backyard telescope. There! In the center of the viewfield hung the Visitor. At least that’s what all the news feeds called it.
Duck and Weave
“Sunday! Sunday! It’s Sunday and that means it’s Primetime for Crimetime! I’m Bryce Boyd for WFLK The Flock, with non-stop coverage of the best punishments fully licensed under the New Penal Authority…”
Emma’s Echo
The atmosphere wouldn’t allow my companions the dignity of fire. The ship instead collapsed like a house of cards. There was barely a sound. I might have imagined the sound for their sake, since, though eulogies may be given, they’ll be delivered from a distance even ghosts can’t hear. That was eight hours ago.
The Helmet Game
If Earth people had to breathe Martian air, I think they’d make more effort to look after their own. For one thing there isn’t much of it. You’d have trouble getting it into your lungs in the first place. And once there, it wouldn’t do any good. There’s plenty of oxygen, but it’s all bound with carbon, which isn’t going to let it go to keep humans alive. You could last a few minutes, and few more if you had time to prepare, but you’ll suffocate soon enough.
We invite you to read and enjoy, and then comment and share the post/story on your favorite social media venue.
Each author’s work represents a part of themselves and Ad Astra will err on the side of a positive, supportive editorial stance regarding comments. While constructive criticism is always welcome, aimless negativity, personal attacks, and inflammatory statements will not be approved. Please see our commenting guidelines for a detailed policy. We apologize in advance for any comments that are rejected based on our admittedly subjective definition of “negativity”.