"The Bookstore" a short story by Craig Zimmerman.

The Bookstore was located in a dark corner of the city. Benjamin had been going  to the shop for about half of his twenty years and it had become a part of his regular routine.

As he entered the shop, the old man behind the counter barely acknowledged him. As usual the shop was empty. Benjamin often wondered how they managed to stay in business.

Benjamin immediately went to the shelves that held stacks of dusty paperbacks. He pored through dozens of books with fading covers and forgotten characters looking for the gem that would help him escape his lonely existence for a few hours.

After about an hour, Benjamin became aware of another person nearby. The other customer in the  shop turned out to be an extraordinarily  beautiful girl. 

Benjamin went back to looking through the stacks. A girl like that would never be interested in him. "Do you like science fiction too?" Benjamin was surprised to see the girl right beside him. Benjamin looked into clear blue eyes. "I like the old hard to find stuff."  He answered the girl. 
"My name is Anita" the girl said holding out her hand. Benjamin hesitatingly took the girl's hand and gave his name. 

Over the next few months, Benjamin looked forward to seeing Anita at the bookstore. One day he mustered up enough courage to ask her on a date but was crushed after she said no.

After the rejection, Anita took his hand and looked into Ben's eyes. "I didn't say no because of you Benjamin. You are kind and smart and any girl would be lucky to have you.The problem is me. I can't leave this shop." "What do you mean you can't leave? Ben asked

"Because I am not real" Anita answered. "I am a collection of some of the characters in these old books and for reasons that even I don't understand, I occasionally come to life."

"That's crazy" Benjamin said. Anita shook her head and disappeared. A few moments later she re-appeared.  "So it's true" he said, but what do I do now?" Anita pointed to the exit door. "Go out there and find a real girl and have some fun. I will be expecting some progress the next time I see you."

Just before he went out the door, Benjamin  looked behind him, but Anita was already gone.

Book Review- "Sure Signs of Crazy" by Karen Harrington

"Sure Signs of Crazy" by Karen Harrington is an unusual novel that chronicles the introspective life of twelve-year old Sarah Nelson.

 Sarah is not your typical twelve-year old. Sarah's mother attacked her and her twin brother Simon when both were toddlers. Sarah survived but Simon did not. 

Sarah has no close friends and her father is often drunk so in order to cope she communicates with a plant, her dead brother, and a fictional character in a book. 

Needless to say, some consider Sarah to be a little odd, but she is actually just terribly lonely and there is no one to share her feelings with.

I really enjoyed reading "Sure signs of Crazy" it has depth and Sarah Nelson is a  wonderfully heroic main character.

"Mail-Order Bride" a short story by Craig Zimmerman

From a small rise, Brian Miller surveyed his farm. He had accomplished a lot in five years, but he still  felt  an emptiness that wouldn't go away.

During their last communication, his mother  suggested that he should find a wife. The problem was there weren't many women that wanted to live on one of the frontier planets  light years from home.

It was about six years ago, that Brian had spotted the government ad giving away free land to homesteaders on the newly discovered planet. At the time, Brian was working on his parents farm in Kansas and thought it might be a fun thing to do.

The new planet was named "Minerva" and the government would supply everything Brian needed on the condition that he stay on the land at least ten years.

Minerva was similar to Earth in most respects although it was slightly smaller and the atmosphere had a higher oxygen mixture. The wildlife was as varied as that of Earth. and there were even flying critters that resembled birds. The only truly dangerous creature so far  was a bear-like animal. In his first year, Brian had to shoot one of them after it charged him, but lately everything had been quiet.

Brian continued to think about his mother's not so subtle suggestion about finding a wife.The next day, he posted an ad describing his situation on an inter-planetary classified site. He eventually received about a dozen replies. Most of the respondents were clearly not serious, but there were  a couple that caught his attention.

One was from Earth and the other was from a planet called Xaga. Brian checked the web and found out that Xaga had recently been discovered by explorers and was inhabited by a human-like species. Formal diplomatic relations between Earth and Xaga had already been established.

On a whim, Brian decided to answer the reply from the new planet. A few hours later, he received an answer. "Lachla" gave a brief description of herself and her abilities. Brian was intrigued and decided to find out more about her. 

 Lachla's knowledge of English was limited, but they were able to communicate. After several months of corresponding via email (there was as yet no direct communication between Minerva and Xaga) Brian asked Lachla if she would like to visit him  for a few days. She  agreed, but arranging the trip was more complicated then Brian imagined. After several weeks of work, he was able to secure a berth for Lachla on a freighter. 

Brian  put on his best clothes the day Lachla was to arrive. He felt like a teenager going on his first date. After some cargo was unloaded from the freighter, the only passenger  descended down a ramp. Lachla resembled a human female, but there was something exotic and wild about her. Brian thought she was beautiful.

Lachla attempted a smile as Brian came up to her, but it didn't quite come off. "How was the trip?" Brian asked. Lachla searched for the right word. "Long" she finally answered. "I'm sorry. I wish something else had been available." Brian said sincerely. This time Lachla did smile.

When they got to the farm, Brian gave Lachla a short tour of his land and then he started dinner. "On my world, the men never prepare the meal." she said. "What do the men on your world do?" Brian asked. "Give orders and compete with other men for status." Lachla answered simply.

After dinner, Brian showed Lachla photos of his family. "What does "Love" mean?" Lachla asked after she noticed the word on a 
 photo from his parents.  
"Love is a strong affection that  people have for each other." Brian answered. Lachla frowned "On Xaga there is no love. For the women, there is only work and pleasing the men.

After a few days, Lachla and Brian settled into a comfortable routine of working on the farm and sharing a dinner in the evening. One night, Lachla decided make one of her native dishes. Brian thought the meal was delicious and gave Lachla a light kiss on the cheek in appreciation. Lachla touched her cheek. "Why did you touch me like that?   Brian smiled "That's called a kiss. Humans do it to show affection." Humans are strange, but I have to admit that it was pleasant." Lachla commented.

The next evening, Lachla looked up from her dessert and smiled at Brian. "I have been reading about this kissing custom of yours. There is a great deal of literature on the subject." Brian laughed. "I'll agree with that. Love and its various rituals are a big preoccupation of the human race." "What does love feel like? Lachla asked. 

Brian thought for a moment before answering. "Most of the time love feels pretty  good." Lachla looked miserable. "I have never loved anyone before. I'm not sure that I even can." she said." Brian took her hand. "There is no hurry Lachla. Let's just get to know one another and see what happens."

The next day, Brian was inspecting his crop when one of the bear-things came out of the forest and charged him. Brian shot at the beast, but missed. The bear-thing attacked and Brian fought back, but  he was quickly overwhelmed by the superior strength of the animal.

In the barn, Lachla finished feeding the stock and then looked to the fields. She could see immediately that Brian was in trouble. Lachla raced to the unequal fight and pulled the animal off Brian. The bear-thing was strong, but Lachla had encountered much  tougher beasts on Xaga and the fight was soon over.

Brian was badly hurt and Lachla carried him to the house and put him in bed. She immediately called the settlement Doctor, but he was over a hundred miles away on another call. Fortunately there  were some bandages in the house and Lachla cleaned and dressed Brian's injuries.

Lachla stayed with Brian until the Doctor arrived hours later. The Doctor administered antibiotics and treated the deep cuts left by the Bear-thing, but Brian remained unconscious.

Day after day, Lachla nursed Brian and treated his injuries .A week after the attack, Brian  finally woke up to see a  very worried Lachla sitting by his bed. Brian smiled at her. "That was some fight you had with the bear-thing." he commented. "You saved my life." Lachla took Brian's hand. "I think I understand what love is now." she said. Brian leaned toward Lachla  kissed her on the lips. "I think I do too."

"The Colony" a short story by Craig Zimmerman

Michael noticed the blue spot on his leg  when he was taking a shower. The spot  was on his thigh and  was about the size and thickness of a quarter. Michael pressed down on the spot and found that it was as hard as glass.

In a few days, Michael went to see his Doctor about the spot. His Doctor injected a local anesthetic and tried to remove it , but was unable to. X-rays showed that tendrils from the object extended deep into his leg.

The Doctor frowned. "I have a friend at the university that might have a better idea of what we are dealing with here." The Doctor wrote a name on a slip of paper and handed it to Michael. "Professor Abrams is an old friend of mine. I will call and explain the situation."

Professor Abrams turned out to be a woman which was more then a little embarrassing for Michael. Unfortunately, he had few options. Professor Abrams looked closely at the spot and then pressed it hard. "I have never seen anything like this." she said to herself.
"What do you think it is?" Michael asked. Professor Abrams shook her head and retrieved a large magnifying glass and again examined the spot. "It looks like a tiny city." "A city? that's crazy." Michael said. "Maybe, but that's what it looks like. I will have to do more tests. she answered.

Over the next few weeks, Michael spent almost every evening at the Professor's lab. "I have discovered a few things." Professor Abrams told Michael one night. First of all, the object in your leg is some kind of city composed of  very tiny  alien creatures.  Secondly, the city sustains itself by drawing energy from your body. "You mean it's a type of parasite?" Michael asked. Professor Abrams shook her head. "It only draws a small amount of energy from your body. Not enough to do you any harm."

"One more thing", the Professor added. "The object is sending out radio signals and I am trying to decipher them." It took months for Professor Abrams to interpret the radio signals.

Professor Abrams looked up from a computer printout at Michael. The radio signals from the object on your leg are mostly a message of gratitude directed at you." "Gratitude for what exactly?" Michael asked. "For the temporary use of your body." Professor Abrams answered. "Apparently, this is a common arrangement where these creatures originate from."

Michael shook his head. It was hard to believe something so fantastic. "So what do we do now?" he asked. "I am formulating a radio message in the creature's language asking them to leave your body." the Professor answered.

A week later, the Professor broadcast the message to the creature's tiny city and in about an hour the colony exited Michael's leg without even a scar left behind to remind him of his intimate encounter with alien life.



  

Book Review- "Up Periscope" by Robb White

I am a big fan of Submarine novels and "Up Periscope" by Robb White is one of my favorites. 

The story begins when Navy Lieutenant Ken Braden is given a top secret assignment to find a Japanese code on a remote Pacific island during World War Two. The submarine USS Shark is given the task of transporting Braden to the island.

 Author Robb White served aboard several types of vessels during World War Two (including submarines) and he writes of real men and how they deal with life and death combat situations. White's descriptions of The Shark being depth-charged hour after hour by the Japanese are especially harrowing.

"Orion" a short story by Craig Zimmerman

After an especially bad beating from his father, Brian ran out the door and into the forest behind his house. For hours, he walked among the trees.

Eventually, Brian came to a clearing where he noticed a tall man cutting leaves off plants and putting them in containers. Brian watched the man for several minutes before he  mustered the courage to talk with him.

Brian shyly walked up to the man. "What are you doing Mister?" Brian asked. Bright blue eyes turned on him and the tall man smiled. "I am collecting samples for my work." he said. "Are you a scientist or something?"

"You might say that." the man said.  "Can I  help you find plants?" Brian asked "My name is Orion." the man said " and yes you can help me." What is your identity?" Orion asked. Brian held out his hand "Brian Wagner." Orion  frowned for a moment and then shook Brian's hand. For the rest of the day, Brian showed the tall stranger where  the best plants were. 

Brian was having so much fun that he forgot how late it was . His father would be very angry if he were late. Brian said goodbye to Orion and ran for home.

When Brian ran in the door, he saw his father sitting in front of the TV.  Brian tried sneaking up to his room, but his father grabbed his arm and pulled him into the living room. The beating went on until his father was too drunk to continue.

In the morning, Brian crawled into the woods. It took hours, but he finally found Orion  once again  clipping the leaves from plants. The bright blue eyes turned to him and the stranger rushed to Brian's side. "What has happened to you?" he asked  "I fell." Brian replied automatically. It was an excuse he had used dozens of times before.

Orion nodded and pulled a small device from a satchel he was carrying and pointed it at Brian. "Do not be afraid. This is a tool for healing." he said. In a few moments, the pain from the beating was gone and Brian could stand again.

"How did you do that?" Brian asked amazed "It was invented by one of our scientists a couple of centuries ago in your measure of time." Orion said.

"Where are you from Orion?" Brian asked. Orion hesitated for a moment and then answered. "I am from a planet circling one of the stars you see at night. I was sent to this planet to do research."

"You don't look like those aliens in the movies." Brian commented. Orion laughed. "I'm sorry that I am so disappointing." 

"When you leave can you take me with you?" Brian asked suddenly. Orion frowned. "What about your family?"   "I have no family. My father beats me every chance he gets." Brian answered bitterly. "So it was your father that caused your injuries." Orion surmised. Brian nodded.

"It is generally not permitted to remove sentient beings from their home world. but perhaps we can make an exception in this case." Orion said. 

"When do we leave?" Brian asked. " Today. I have a few more samples to collect and then we can go. Is there anything you wish to get from your home?" Orion asked. "My Mother's photo" Brian replied.

Brian looked at his house from the woods. With any luck, his father was seriously drunk. As quietly as he could, Brian entered the house and gathered his mothers photo. Suddenly, a fist came out of the darkness and sent him sprawling. Brian's father screamed in anger as he brutally  whipped his son with a belt.

Brian was about to lose consciousness when Orion lifted his father from the ground and tossed him like a rag doll. "It is time to go." he said. In less then an hour, Brian watched the blue planet called Earth recede into the blackness. 

Film Review- "Victims for Victims: The Theresa Saldana Story."

In the 1984 TV film "Victims for Victims: The Theresa Saldana Story." Actress Theresa Saldana gives the performance of a lifetime as herself just a couple of years earlier.

On March 5, 1982, Ms. Saldana was attacked and nearly killed by a mentally ill stalker. Theresa spent months in the hospital recovering from her injuries and in that time she not only endured terrible physical pain, but also crushing depression and the terror of the attack.

During her recovery, Saldana is not always a  sympathetic figure. She complains, she is demanding at times, and at one point, gets into a serious argument with a nurse. It takes a brave person and actress to be willing to show themselves in such a negative light.

Theresa Saldana is well known for her performance in "Raging Bull" but in my opinion, her best work as an actress was as herself in "Victims for Victims."

Theresa Saldana passed away on June 6, 2016 at the age of 61.