THE FIFTH CYCLE

By Chuck Semenuk

Peter Jenkins smiled as he checked over his notes. Even though the whole idea was bizarre, his experience over the years assured him that it would work. He dialed the number of an old acquaintance, John Brennen. John was one of the most powerful and influential men in the country, and also had a streak of greed a mile wide.

“John, we have to get together. I have quite an amazing story to tell you. But more than that, I think you’ll want to be involved.”

“Peter, what’s this about? Can’t you tell me anything over the phone?”

“Until you’ve had a stiff drink and we’re sitting eye to eye, I’d rather not divulge anything.”

A meeting was set up for the following afternoon. Peter told John that he would also be inviting local astronomer Erica Wright.

Puzzled, John Brennen hung up the phone.

“What in the world could this be about? I won’t sleep a wink tonight. Now, I can’t wait to hear what Peter has to say. Very mysterious.”

The Penalty Phase

By Ronald Brunsky

For a few minutes, they sat there quietly. Then despite his reluctance, John turned on the ignition. The engine turned over and idled smoothly. Although the car was going nowhere, the couple’s journey had just begun. That destination had always been man’s greatest enigma, and soon Bess and John would be a part of it.

Gazing at John, a look of understanding accompanied her smile. They hugged, as tears welled up in their eyes.

Smoke was filling the garage, and the initial scent was starting to penetrate the car’s interior. Exhaust fumes, at least in small doses, had always evoked fond memories for Bess.

She remembered the road trips when she was a young girl; mom and dad packing the car the night before, and a sleepless night would follow, as her anticipation overwhelmed any other thoughts. Rising early, they were on the road before dawn. They would play games like counting cars and first to spot a Burma Shave sign, to pass the time.

In her high-school years, the car brought new excitement. The outdoor movies and drive in restaurants made every weekend special. Her fondest memories were the trips down the lonely dirt roads where she and John would park, and the first time she knew they would always be together.

Later, their family’s station-wagon vacation trips, traveling to the kid’s soccer and baseball games, and the rides out into the country to get the perfect Christmas tree — yes, over the years, the car has brought much happiness to Bess and John. It was always such an integral part of their lives; ironically, it would now be their instrument of death.

It was a painless way to go, so everyone thought; you fell asleep and soon it was over. There was no longer any doubt; they were committed to this final act. But why were they giving up? They had their health. Was it an act of cowardice, or courage? How could mortal man judge their actions?

As the drowsiness began to overcome her, she reflected back — back to when everything seemed so perfect.

6-4-3

By Ronald Brunsky

There never was any doubt in their minds — someday Billy and his older brother Sam would make it to the major leagues. This was the mid 1940’s, mind you, and hardly a kid in America didn’t have the same dream.

The Hedge brothers had started playing catch while still in diapers, and were practicing double plays before first grade. Sam was the shortstop and Billy played second base. It started that way, and believe me, it ended that way too.

Sam was always better than Billy. From little league right on through high school, it was always Sam who got the recognition and attention. The coaches continually praised him. His complete dominance of his peers made for constant speculation of a future major league career.

So, did being the unnoticed younger brother of an up and coming star cause any jealousy? No way, Billy idolized Sam. They were inseparable on and off the field. No one wanted Sam to make it to the majors more than Billy. Yet, Sam’s success only fueled Billy’s desire to become a better ballplayer.

Year after year, through dogged determination he would wind up playing beside his brother, and gradually people would not talk about Sam without mentioning Billy in the same breath.

One, Two … I See You!

By Chuck Semenuk

                   Preface

“The more things change, the more they stay the same.”

How often have we heard these words? But, what about the evil that seems to lurk around every bend? Does evil change? Does it ever really die, or merely return when we least expect it? Creeping silently, it comes to us in forms that we can’t imagine and looks deep into our souls. Can we hide or will it find us, no matter where we are?

“One, Two… I see you!”

Lenore Conley contentedly sipped her cup of tea as she watched little Mariah playing in the back yard of her neatly kept home. Six-year old Mariah was her pride and joy. Mariah was very fair skinned and blonde while Lenore was darker skinned with thick, dark hair. Even so, there was little doubt to anyone who saw them together that they were mother and daughter. Along with the beautiful features of their faces, the most noticeable thing was their eyes. Almost cat like, they seemed to have the power to look inside of you, drawing you closer, seeing your most private thoughts even without a word being exchanged between you.