Brian is having a very, very bad universe. While he has certain creature comforts, he isn't doing well with the ladies and he knows--just knows--that alternate Brians in other universes are enjoying loads of fame, riches, and success. But Brian has an idea on how to solve his problem, once and for all: in this universe.In this short story, author Anthony Horvath of 'Bard and Book' playfully explores the mysterious world of the multiverse.In another universe, this short story ...

So you've found an author or artist that you think is really great, so great, in fact, you have decided to appoint yourself his or her Biggest Fan. No longer thinking of only your own enjoyment, you want to give back. You want your new favorite artist to succeed, and produce even more works for you and the world to enjoy, but you know that the whole 'starving artist' shtick only goes so far: if they can't support themselves through their work, they are as likely to end up spending their ti...

You couldn't get Sid Cynic to believe anything he didn't see with his own eyes. You can imagine his dismay when cars started relying on computers. As a mechanic with a skeptical bent, there was a lot going on that one couldn't see. Sid Cynic knew that real life happened in full color. The rest was rubbish.In this tale exploring the limits of faith and empiricism, Anthony Horvath paints a picture of what can happen when one puts their trust in the wrong place.

What happens to a town when a man with a gun refuses to stop another man with a gun from killing people, just because it was against the law to bring the gun on school property?Sheldon Knapp was caught in a photograph calling 9-11 with a gun in his hand, while a vicious gunman enters the school behind him. Initially regarded as a hero, the accolades turn into contempt, as people begin saying that he could have, and should have, done more.Sheldon Knapp's defense: He is a law...

A budding scholar gets sent to a hidden building on the campus to meet Chronos, the keeper (and destroyer) of old facts. What he learns from Chronos will make him re-think everything he thinks he knows.Is it chronological snobbery, or is it just good scholarship?

Many joke about world domination but no one expected someone to actually try to get it. What happens if someone tries, and actually succeeds? In this short story, the attempt is described and the results are disconcerting, to say the least.Questions emerge: does might make right? Why not? Are our actions predetermined by the laws of nature? If so, can we be blamed for anything we do? Even if that something is trying to take over the world?Who are we to get in the way of the...

"Free bubblegum and suckers to everyone! Fudge and Cookies for all! Free health care, free drugs, free everything! Nobody pays and Everyone Benefits!" cry the children. In this short story coming on the Supreme Court decision on Obamacare, idealists grapple with reality, and youngsters take on old fogeys for the future of the country.

A pair of scientists perform a simple experiment and make not one, but two, earth-shattering discoveries that will transform society as they know it... or will it? It's hard to imagine anything 'better than sex' but this duo found it. Now what?With fame and fortune and the future progress of mankind on the line, the scientists have to piece together the ethical way to proceed. They have literally discovered something that is better than sex, but it turns out to be much more than th...

The police discover a gruesome scene: a pro-life advocate and his son are found dead in a road-side cabin. Perplexed, and without any obvious explanation, the detectives are forced to turn to the nightly news for clues. As well they should: last night the world learned of a miracle cure... for death itself.

Hannah and Carla are out to save the world, one person at a time. They are particularly pleased one day to find an old man, oppressed by society, who needs their saving. Never was a man so happy to be saved.

Mordecai is presented with a unique opportunity: the chance to kill Hitler, before he does his worst. A vision from God compels him to take action, but a second vision gives him pause. What will Mordecai do?Looking back, many people might say that if they had a chance to kill Hitler, they would do so. Hindsight is 20/20, as they say. Mordecai is one of the few allowed to see not only what will happen if Hitler is allowed to live, but also what will happen if Mordecai kills him.

Have you ever wondered what lurks in the deep, dark, abyss?No, we aren't talking about your toilet (hopefully)! We're talking about the human soul, the deepest part of the pit of hell, or the dead eyes of the local zombie. We're talking about the face looking back at you in the mirror, the seductive appeal of secret knowledge, and pleasure at any cost--even your life, or the lives of others.In this wicked collection of short stories that veer wildly between satire and strai...