Ellie Endsley wakes when the heavy door in a neighboring hotel room slams shut.   The computer on which Endlsey was working when she fell asleep comes to life. She squeezes her eyes shut and turns away. “Off” she pleads, and the light is extinguished.   It’s late. Through the wall, she hears a man’s… Read More

They’ve been putting out yard signs for more than 12 hours, and it’s just after midnight on a Thursday. Bud’s driving, and Kerry is curled up in the passenger seat, trying to sleep.   “He’s the one, right?” Bud asks again.   Kerry moans plaintively. She tries to turn farther away from Bud, but her… Read More

“Intelligent life – while rare – is always growing and dying across the universe. But, it takes a long time for intelligent life to evolve, and none of the universe’s civilizations have ever existed at the right time and place to receive communications from the other civilizations. Just as a handful of sailors clinging to… Read More

Gonzo waits patiently as the others finish reading Ellie Endsley’s proposal.   “The Speaker would like to stop by while you’re here, El, to thank you for all your hard work on behalf of the state’s independents. But his calendar is very full today, so we’ll just have to see.”   Endsley’s hands are folded… Read More

James Carlos Cates bends down and flips through the mid-20th century steel and iron signs leaning against the wall at the top of the stairs.   “Fresh brewed coffee”’ “Yes, we’re OPEN!” “SHELL” “Route 66”   Some of the signs are decaying so badly that the floor underneath them is dusted with rust.   He… Read More

It’s after 9 pm, and James Carlos Cates has been driving since noon. He should be home by now, and his wife, Larisa, has tried to connect with him several times.  She made it clear in her last message that nothing is wrong at home, but she is worried about him.   His car announces… Read More