SPEC*U*LA*TIVE ​66

66 words. Endless possibilities.

Issue 18
 Table of Contents
• Synthetic Love Guy Ricketts .………………………………………………………3
• Twilight Living Herb Kauderer ……………………………………………………4
• Swallow Evan Sheldon ……………………………………………………………………………5
• Take Us To Your Leader Allen Ashley………………………………………6
• A Papery Peace with Plants Joshua Scully…………………………7
• The Language of the Trees Kyle Bolan …………………………………8
• Ahistorical No(u)menclature Brad Baumgartner………………9
• fighting back Evyan Roberts ………………………………………………………10
• To Whom it May Concern: Michael St Pierre……………………11
• Gorgon Leslie Soule ……………………………………………………………………………12
• Little Bones M. Irene Hill….………………………………………………………13
• Resolution Kerry E.B. Black ….…………………………………………………14
• James Came Through Andrew Wheatley………………………………………15
• Deadwing, USA Erik Bergholm ………………………………………………………16
• Abyss J.B. Forest …………………………………………………………………………………17
• Fringes and Bangs Rhys Hughes……………………………………………………18
• The French Army’s Punishment For Cowardice in World
War One Marty Weiss ……………………………………………………………………………19
• Stone Son Miles Rausch ……………………………………………………………………20
• You May Already be a Winner Kenny A. Chaffin……………21
• Night Life Marja Ziemer …………………………………………………………………22
• Dialog with a Character Stepping Out of his Story
Alan Katerinsky …………………………………………………………………………………….23
• Hitchhiker Kristin Garth……………………………………………………………….24
• Contributor Bios………………………………………………………………………………25-28
• Speculative 66 Staff.…………………………………………………………………………29
• Photo Credits………………………………………………………………………………………………30
 Synthetic Love

Guy Ricketts

Loved Onez, Incorporated delivered their

promise. Her android replica is accurate
right down to her synthetic corpuscles.
Fortunately, he had enough video for her
doppelgänger to emulate.

It THINKS like her, LAUGHS like her, even

GETS ANGRY like her.

It’s TOO accurate, making her absence all TOO

palpable. But there’s no way to turn this
machine off without destroying it.

And he just can’t do that.

3
 Twilight Living

Herb Kauderer

Adapted to this dim star my eyes maximize light

and stars appear as hearty torches inscribing
navigation directions from above.

I wonder at the homeworld ancestors living

under burning light where eyes evolved to
screen out light and radiation: how were they
not blinded by sun and even moon?

How did they find their way home in the

nighttime? How did they find their way here?

4
 Swallow

Evan Sheldon

A glass vial is nestled in my throat. I can

feel it when I swallow, rubbing against the
wetness of my esophagus. The vial was filled
with starlight, ancient and void-piercing,
when I was born. I rarely speak, afraid the
vial will crack, or worse, splinter. Sending
shards careening through my organs, and all
the light I’ve hoarded will leak into the
sky.
Lost to me.

5
Take Us To Your Leader

Allen Ashley

Hovering.

“We are visitors from the Andromedan black

hole. Take us to your leader.”

“The President’s ready.”

“Not him.”

“Putin? Merkel?”

Angry tentacles. “Not any of them. The one

who stays still and speaks like a radio.”

Human consternation. Until: “You mean

Professor Hawking? We’re sorry to tell
you… and you’ve come all this way.”

Green tears on the viewscreen. “Then

there’s nothing to learn here.” 6
 A Papery Peace with Plants

Joshua Scully

The delegation from Earth crowded into a

research outpost in the Procyon system. The
remote station proved a convenient meeting place
for two very different civilizations.

The humans present would soon meet

representatives from a distant world – a world
where intelligent plant life had evolved. A
peace treaty would be signed.

“On second thought,” one Earthling whispered,

“maybe we don’t have them sign a paper copy?

7
 The Language of the Trees

Kyle Bolan

I was walking down the street where a tree had

magically appeared overnight.

I asked the tree where it was from and there

was a reply.

But it was only a breeze.

The answer was in the wind, for wind is the

language of the trees.

But that is a language I am not fluent in, so I

continued on my way down the tree’s street.

8
 Ahistorical No(u)menclature

Brad Baumgartner

Henriette P. was in a fringe group of outsider

artists, poets, and philosophers.

Though Henriette did not affiliate with

Bataille, she considered him, along with Breton,
to be forerunning a new brand of artistic
prowess.

To her, this brand was more of a strand, if you

will, wherein poetry served as the two-
dimen(t)ional imprint of a 10-12 (rather than a
double) helixed form of astro-corporealized DNA.

9
 fighting back

Evyan Roberts

howling floods that choke

the chaos of traffic.
bleeding women bound

through the pulse of the city.

naked soles of their feet slapping
the cool of the pavement.
feral nuances of their limbs

break through the city’s

monotonous cadence
as their determined cries

echo tirelessly.
foreheads crossed in bloodlets,
faces stained, declarations

of a warrior's charge. painted

compositions dedicated to those
who would dare harm them.

10
 To Whom it May Concern:

Michael St Pierre

As far back as I can remember, folks have

told stories about the monsters that come
out to make mischief and terror in the
night. With their razor-like teeth, ghastly
claws and insatiable hunger for children.
All good people know to lock themselves
safely away when the darkness comes.
Honestly, though, I feel as comfortable in
the warmth of daylight as I do at night.
-Monster

11
 Gorgon

Leslie Soule

As hair turned to snakes, she wondered who

they’d send to slay her, to save her from
this hell on earth. What Perseus would find
her in the dark tower where the lawyers
dwelled and declared themselves kings?
Briefcases bulging, paperwork, bureaucracy,
and these – the machinations of the titans
who challenged Olympus. For this, there
could be no antidote, no quick fix, no
further path onward.

12
Little Bones

M. Irene Hill

Safety glasses, latex gloves, forceps.

Owl pellet. Dark brown. Tightly

compacted. Four inches long.

Ami, the eleven year old aspiring

ornithologist, dissected the owl pellet
using a bamboo probe and forceps with
serrated tips for the little bones.

She removed bits of hair, separating tiny

bones to examine under the hand-held
magnifying lens.

"What the heck?"

Not a rodent skull. Human-like.

"Mommy - come quick!"

13
 Resolution

Kerry E.B. Black

For years, Steve struggled with his weight.

Resolved anew to shed unwanted mass, he
dieted, worked out until he felt weak rather
than renewed, and sometimes, food comforted
and rewarded, finding familiarity soothed his
soul. He rationalized, “I’m carrying a little
extra weight, but who isn’t?”

By spring, he found Cancer. It hollowed out

fat reserves until he reached his goal-weight
in time for his funeral.

14
James Came Through

Andrew Wheatley

She helps me out of the trunk before walking

me slowly into the warehouse. She pushes me to
my knees and stands before me, placing two
pennies in my right hand.

“For the Ferryman.” She’s never been religious

but the Ferryman was another story.

“I’m sorry I made you this way, P.”

“I appreciate the apology, James.”

I look into her eyes, she pulls the trigger.

15
 Deadwing, USA

Erik Bergholm

It was always there, that same town. He

had passed through it many times during
his days as a long haul trucker. No
matter where he was in the country, he
found it again. Or maybe it found him.
Every time he passed down its quiet Main
Street, with its little brick shops and
old church, the residents appeared,
watching him from doorways and alleys.

Staring.

16
 Abyss

J.B. Forest

Lasting echoes are heard through the halls of

an abandoned house in West Virginia.

A boy is seen walking to the end of the

hallway, where a door is silently creaking open
to a dark room.

"Where am...?", the boy began to ask.

But before the final word was spoken, the boy

is dragged into the darkness.

Where only a silent scream can be heard.

17
 Fringes and Bangs

Rhys Hughes

I started digging in my garden. The hole

rapidly went deeper, then I began to burrow
sideways. But I found nothing of value in
the shaft, only fringes and bangs in
various colors but mainly blonde.

Compared with gold and diamonds, fringes

and bangs aren't worth much. The question
remained. Why? Then I realized that I had
accidentally tunneled into Germany and it
was mine hair.

18
 The French Army’s Punishment For Cowardice
in World War One

Marty Weiss

Did the General say order the decimation of the

cowardly survivors, Sergeant?

Yes, Private Beaulieu.

Does that mean what I think?

Yes, Private Beaulieu.

Hmmm. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven,

eight, nine... Oh merde.

What are you mumbling about, Private Beaulieu.

Be quiet!

Pssst…. Hey Giroux, I’ll give you two Francs to

change places with me.
19
Make it three and you have a deal.
 Stone Son

Miles Rausch

Lord, deliver me from the soil. Save me from

the dirt. Lift me from the banks of Father’s
river, which never washed me clean.

Take my seeds away, the ones that feed and

the ones that eat. Lead their roots to
crystal waters. Lead their hands to
salvation.

Make me hard. To cross onto the concrete,

the glass, the steel.

Make me your stone son, Lord.

20
You May Already be a Winner

Kenny A. Chaffin

It was just another innocuous piece of

junk mail, from the Jupiter Society. It
said I might already be a winner, Number
HT243 stamped on it. I figured what the
hell, free services, free urn, free
cremation, anywhere in the continental
U.S.A. I sent it back in. Now they keep
calling, emailing, texting. They are
relentless, and I don’t think they’ll
take no for an answer.

21
 Night Life

Marja Ziemer

"There’s a curtain you can’t pull aside

because it’s sewn into my heart
but you can unravel the thread.
Just don’t leave me dead.

I looked for you in rivers & streams,

knowing you’d haunt roads & streets.
Big wheels, hard turns,
Lay me down in the backseat of your killer car.
Take me away.
Take me away far, far, far.
The night life ain’t no good life."

22
 Dialog with a Character Stepping Out of his
Story

Alan Katerinsky

"Is this what dreams dying feel like?" you

ask.

No, this is what growing up, and having a

better real life than fantasy life is like.

I'm happy to see you picking through your past,

the journey of your life, but remember; fiction
thrives on conflict. When characters are happy,
the story isn't very interesting, is it?

Count your blessings that you have achieved

boring times.

23
 Hitchhiker

Kristin Garth

Sun sluiced snowflakes, honey hair,

suitcase, her race to anywhere.
Staircase, tiptoes 18th birthday
escape to anyplace distinct, far away.
Change of clothes, a cherry glitter gloss,
a paperback, a raw romantic loss,
platforms, grey socks above the knee,
resolve to not come back,
a haphephobic family.
Walks for days on blistered feet.
The road is hell, demons replete,
finger service, wet lips, in driver’s seat.

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 Con*trib*u*tors
Allen Ashley

Allen Ashley works as a creative writing tutor in

north London, UK. He runs the advanced science fiction and fantasy
group Clockhouse London Writers. He is the judge for the annual
British Fantasy Society Short Story Competition. His story “Be My
Valentine” featured in “Speculative 66” issue
16. www.allenashley.com

Brad Baumgartner

Brad Baumgartner is a writer, theorist, and Assistant Teaching

Professor of English at Penn State. His creative work has recently
appeared in Words Dance, Queen Mob's Teahouse, Vestiges, Minor
Literature[s], and others.

Erik Bergholm

Erik Bergholm is a poet and writer living on the shores of Lake

Superior. His work can be found online in The Shot Glass Journal,
Visitant Lit, and in the upcoming October issue of HelloHorror.

Kerry E.B. Black

Kerry E.B. Black skips through the land where George A. Romero
made zombies a cultural statement. Steel runs through her veins,
and bridges span rivers proverbial and actual. Please follow this
First Reader for "Postcard Poems and Prose" and occasional
anthology contributor
at www.facebook.com, https://kerrylizblack.wordpress.com/,
and https://twitter.com/BlackKerryblick

Kyle Bolan

Kyle Bolan is a fiction author who enjoys writing strange stories.

He spends his free time reading and listening to records. Follow
him on Twitter @KyleBolan

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 Kenny A. Chaffin

Kenny A. Chaffin writes poetry, fiction and nonfiction and has

published work in Mobius: The Journal of Social
Change, Adelaide, Microfiction Monday Magazine, 365
Tomorrows, Star*Line, Speculative 66, James Gunn’s Ad Astra, 101 Word
Stories, and others. He grew up in southern Oklahoma and now lives in
Denver where he works hard to support two cats, numerous wild birds
and a bevy of squirrels. His poetry collections and other
works are available at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B007S3SMY8. More
information at http://www.kacweb.com.

J.B. Forest

J.B. Forest (thecreepywriterpasta.wordpress.com) has been writing

fiction and poetry all of their life. Located in an unknown part of
the world, their aspiration in life is to write for the entertainment
of the people.

Kristin Garth

Kristin Garth is a poet from Pensacola who writes an

inordinate amount of sonnets. You can read her sonnets and other
poetry in Occulum, Infernal Ink, Anti-Heroin Chic, Fourth & Sycamore,
Quail Bell, Mookychick, Digging Through the Fat and many other
publications. Follow her on Twitter: @lolaandjolie or check out her
published writing on Kristingarth.wordpress.com.

M. Irene Hill

Irene lives on the Canadian Prairies doing good things and growing her
cat collection. Her stories and poetry have been published in print
anthologies and online at 365 Tomorrows, Flash Fiction Magazine,
Speculative 66 and Poetry Soup, with an upcoming bite-sized flash in
Serious Flash Fiction. Follow her on Twitter @_Irene_Dreams_

Rhys Hughes

Rhys Hughes has lived in many different countries. He now works as a

tutor of mathematics. His first book was published in 1995 and since
that time he has published more than forty books and eight hundred
short stories in ten different languages.
@rhysaurus
https://rhysaurus.blogspot.co.uk/
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 Alan Katerinsky

Alan Katerinsky does network assurance for a big company in a big

building. His poetry collection 'Crossing Paths at Midnight' (2017
CWP Collective Press) is currently a nominee for the Elgin
Award. Alan's writing has appeared in a variety of markets
including Star*Line, Scifaikuest, and FrostFire Worlds.

Herb Kauderer

Herb Kauderer is an associate professor of English at Hilbert

College, and the author of many short stories and poems including
the recent mini-chapbook 'Cascade of Stardust'. His writing has
been nominated for the Pushcart, Elgin, Analog AnLab Reader's,
Rhysling, and Dwarf Star Awards, and has won the Asimov's Readers'
Award, the Ewaipanoma Sonnet contest, and a WorldCon Poetry Slam
among others. More can be found at his website HerbKauderer.com.

Joshua Scully

Joshua Scully is an American History teacher from Uniontown,

Pennsylvania. His fiction can be found
at www.jjscully.wordpress.com or @jojascully.

Evan Sheldon

Evan James Sheldon's work has appeared in Spelk, Flash Fiction

Magazine, and Dually Noted. He is a junior editor for F(r)iction.

Leslie Soule

Leslie D. Soule is a fantasy/sci-fi writer who lives in Sacramento,

CA. She holds an M.A. from National University in the field of
English and is currently working on book 4 of her fantasy series,
The Fallenwood Chronicles.

Michael St Pierre

Michael St. Pierre grew up outside of Chicago before moving to

Wichita, Kansas by way of Cleveland, Ohio. He lives with his
supportive wife and teaches science in a small-town high school.
His free time is spent reading and writing, outdoors, if possible
on a beach.

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 Miles Rausch

A writer for people and a writer for computers.

Website: http://miles.ink

Twitter: https://twitter.com/awayken

Guy Ricketts

Guy Ricketts is a writer, artist and photographer. His stories have

been published in Speculative 66, 101 Words, and Twisted Sister Lit
Mag. His art was featured on the cover of Schlock! Webzine.
He can be followed on Twitter @GuyRicketts

Evyan Roberts

Evyan Roberts is a queer, fat, femme who is deeply committed to

intersectional feminism and #blackgirlmagic. She holds a BA in
English with a concentration in Creative Writing from Wells College
and has won the H. Helena Zachos Prize for Fiction in 2007. She
works as a Medical Librarian and is pursuing a Masters in Social
Work. She currently lives in Maryland.

Marty Weiss

Marty Weiss has had his stories published in a number of magazines,

including “The Sun” and “The Good Old Days,” as well as in several
regional newspapers and Sunday magazines. He is seeking a publisher
for a recently completed historical novel.

Andrew Wheatley

Andrew Wheatley (@unclepapples) has been writing fiction and poetry

for most of their life. They are located just south of Atlanta,
Georgia. Their only aspiration is to write so well that everyone
hates them.

Marja Ziemer

Marja Ziemer is an undergraduate studying English and art history at

California State University of Northridge. She has published
writing in The Sundial and The Northridge Review. She was born and
raised in the San Fernando Valley and currently resides there.
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SPEC*U*LA*TIVE ​66 Staff

• Cat-in-Chief – Ila

• Editor-in-Chief – L.L. Madrid

• Photo Editor - Jason Palmieri

29
 *Photo Credits*
Cover Photo By L.L. Madrid

*** Unattributed photos in this issue

are from Pixabay and are CCO Public
Domain, Free for commercial use
with no attribution required.

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IV.VI.MMXVIII

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