A flash fiction by J. Richard Jacobs In Vienna the streets fall vacant and death silent several hours before two o’clock in the morning. Dr. Schiller, one of the ‘new’ psychiatrists of the Freudian school, unable to hide his aggravation over such a late night—or should that be early morning—appointment, scowled at his visitor and …
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Secrets in the Mist
by J. Richard Jacobs 5 May 1861 – Liverpool She moves quietly through the shadowed passages, this lady of the night. Few occupy the streets after sunset, except for those spilling from the pubs seeking a bit of comfort for a short time. She can provide that, and it puts food on the table. She …
Bucking the System
Second installment in the Stich in Time series by J. Richard Jacobs The Visitors “Number three hundred and seventy-four. Three-seven-four,” a gravelly female voice rattled through the room. Carmen Flores glanced absently at the small red tag in her hand. Three hundred and seventy-four, that was her number. She stood, noticed with some trepidation that …
What Science Fiction is and what it is not
It might surprise you to know that the first Science Fiction story–that is, a story that could be defined broadly as Science Fiction–was written in the second century by a Greek speaking Assyrian. That’s right. A guy named Lucian of Samosata. That work, True Histories, dealt with many things. Among them were things like traveling …
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From The Before Times
by J. Richard Jacobs “Largot, water supply is slow. Check the traps.” “But, Mom, Persh is comin’ over. We were gonna go up to Last Strike.” “How many times I told you, don’t go hangin’ with that kid? He’s mostly trouble, Son. Now, go check the traps or we’ll be beggin’ water again. And don’t …
Failed Assassination
by J. Richard Jacobs First, understand that this is not an historical nor hysterical treatise. It is, rather, a whimsical look at one of the 20th century’s most inane attempts to change the social structure of the English-speaking nations of the world. Specifically, to neuter the English language. To reduce its gender to a mush …
There is a Monster Under My Bed
by J. Richard Jacobs He tried with all his considerable strength, but was unable to move a single digit. Certain his entire body had, through some magical means, been transformed into stone, he tried again, but to no avail. He was conscious and that told him they had not brought his being to the utter …
Sean O’Brien
by J. Richard Jacobs “Chief, do you have a few minutes to spare?” Detective Lawrence said through the open door. “Sure, Lawrence, come on in and close the door.” Detective Lawrence entered Chief Stafford’s office and pulled a chair back from the destk. He looked like he was nervous and uncomfortable. Maybe a bit frightened …
The Anchor Light Bar and the Stories Told There
Mr. Erectus First of the Gus Tucker Series by J. Richard Jacobs I am Elliot Cain, freelance writer. For the past two years I have been doing a series on bars around the city for the Morning Star. The Star is a legit weekly magazine that has gained enough status and reputation to wind up …
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Things
by J. Richard Jacobs Verdan Shak had not spoken since they left the bloodied Field of Honor. He just sat slumped over in the saddle, rocking with the rhythmic movement of his mount as it ambled along the cobbled trail. There was no sound but the feet of their mounts pounding on the stones and …
Just the Other Side of Reality 