Science fiction short stories in 500 word bites. Science fiction, a sub-genre of speculative fiction, explores the impact of actual or imagined science on our lives, employing elements that are probably alien—both literally and theoretically—to the discerning reader intoxicated not only by the unknown but also in the knowledge that it’s ultimately about humankind. Here, in exactly 500 words, authors explore worlds and species yet to be discovered. FEATURED AUTHORS Little Blue Men by Beth W. Patterson Rogue Explorer Six by Brandi Hicks Spinal Tap by Brandi Hicks Voyager Probe Lost by Bruce Markuson Hostile Waters by C.A. Goodwin First and Last Contact by Callum Pearce Suffer the Little Children by Callum Pearce First Act of War by Chris Bannor Snip! by Chris Hewitt Turning the Lights Off by Chris Hewitt Dead Planet by David Green Dreaming of a Storm by David Green We Meet Again by Dawn DeBraal Compliance is Required by Eric Butler Vigour by Erik Handy Circles by Helen Merrick Strangers by Ian Fortey It Started with the ‘Mids by Jacqueline Moran Meyer The Signal by Jodi Jensen Last Seen Swearing by John H. Dromey Peace on Earth by Joshua D. Taylor They Came on the Rain by Joshua E. Borgmann Soldiers by Karen Bayly Python Approach by Kimberly Rei The Wreckage by Lance Dale Manna from Heaven by Lynne Phillips Invasion by Maxine Churchman The Gift from Above by Michelle Brett The Scout by Patrick Winters Unmistakable by Ransom Wall The Light by Stephen Herczeg They Came from Nowhere by Trey Stone