“I’m here to save you!”

“God, every single time.”

“What?”

“You’re in a time loop, dude. A sorceress cursed me to relive this day, a curse that will only end if a brave hero finds a way to break it. But instead of a hero, I got you.”

“Give me a chance. I just arrived!”

“Yeah, for like, the seventieth time. You show up, tell me you’re going to save me, flex your muscles, and then… that’s pretty much it.”

“So… what now?”

“It took a few loops, but I finally figured out what you’re good for. Get over here.”

Author’s Note: If you’re going to be trapped living the same day over and over again, you might as well have some fun!

Categories: Amber K. Bryant, Fiction | No Comments »

It’s amazing enough that the planet glowed bright purple and smelled of chocolate. Never could we have imagined the presence of winged ungulates bearing horns in the middle of their foreheads. Already conspiracy nuts back home weren’t buying our claims.

“Why does NASA think we’re stupid enough to believe they’ve discovered unicorns? What are they hiding?”

If only they knew.

A female approached, her horn red with the blood of my comrades. “Your life for your planet’s location.”

Taking the deal, I watched as her blessing leapt into the sky, passing beyond the planet’s glow into the dark of space.

Author’s Note: My son told me that if unicorns existed, they’d live on a glowing purple planet. How could I not write a story about that! A group of unicorns really is called a blessing (though I doubt the citizens of Earth will see them in that light).

Categories: Amber K. Bryant, Fiction | 4 Comments »

Everyone should stop comparing the Velnath and the Sarpocts. Sure, they’re both driven by scientific inquiry. They’re also both insectoid species. Fine. But when you’re talking about abduction experiences, they’re nothing alike.

The Sarpocts beam up abductees. They telepathically communicate their intentions. And their hallucinogens—totally mind-blowing! Definitely among the best abductors in the universe.

In comparison, the Velnath invade our homes, terrify our families, and never warm the probes. Plus, their drugs suck!

I’d rate the Velnath abduction experience zero stars if I could, but Yelp is making me give at least one. It’s one more than they deserve.

Author’s Note: Recently, I wrote a six word sci-fi story: “Probe could’ve at least been warmed.” I decided to expand that into a hundred word critique of the alien abduction experience. The Velnath are so going to hate me when they read this!

Categories: Amber K. Bryant, Fiction | 8 Comments »