A collection of 20 short, speculative fictions by William Mangieri: Finding Sanctuary The colonists of The Promise think they've finally found a home. But will this seemingly perfect world be their Sanctuary? #InWhoseReality? The all-conquering Veratis arrive on Earth, where they meet some unreal resistance. As in all wars, choosing the field of battle can determine the victor, and on this one appearances may be everything. Truth In Advertising A paranoid marketer finds himself down a dark alley, just as he expected. But is it always a bad thing when they're after you? Behind the 8-Ball Humanity struggles to find a new home; they've opened a gate into the unknown, but need evidence that their new world is on the other side before they go through. Moses can provide that proof, but how could anyone besides his wife believe him? Gladius Gladius has served his Betelgeusean owners faithfully since he was first abducted from Taurus, but he's about to find out that loyalty isn't always a two-way street, and not all slaves are willing to settle for their lot. Maybe he's not as bull-headed as he appears. Saturday He Fed the Cat What can a 9-pound westie do when faced with the injustices of a newly colonized world? Katy tries her darnedest, but learns that sometimes a dog's life just isn't fair, no matter what planet you're on. The Pipes An unexpected extraterrestrial visitation has an adverse effect on a Texas farmer's well. Think twice before you drink the water - there's something in the pipes. Good Luck! Sometimes the best laid plans don't quite work out. With the Zavian Empire bearing down on Earth, The Chairman gives a final speech on the value of having a Plan B. Ultimate Awareness Omnius has relied on his Ultimate Awareness to dominate the city as well as any supervillain could, but a prospective sidekick casts doubt on both his own limits and his career path. How much does he really know? Mating Rituals Manti has only one night left on Cuniculus - why not spice up a paid hit with a little romance? It's been so long... Obsolete Mr. Omega, the last unmodified "man", stands trial for unthinkingly preserving his own life over that of a superior being. Endangered Aliens create Hell on Earth and plan to put Humanity on the endangered list. Sending the park rangers to stop them may not be the best option - unless it's the only one. The best laid plans can be derailed by the smallest of things. The Collective is All The Collective is ALL! At least that's what Abbe's been told, but events lead him to wonder if there might just be some intelligent life "out there." Reflections What are we, really - the sum of our parts? What if those parts are at odds with each other? How much control do we have over what we turn into? Some Kind of Luck Henry Jacob Dawes is a cab driver with an ear that keeps him out of trouble -- until he has a run-in with someone who has a different kind of luck. L-O-V-E Among the Stars A space traveler wakes too soon and must leave the woman of his dreams to the ministrations of another, less-human caretaker. Burial Details An old farmer scraping by after the Sahrian invasion buries his most precious treasures to hide them from the aliens' "salvation". Immortal Riddled with a more than terminal disease, Commander Solitaire considers an extreme way to protect the Earth. There's more than one way to be immortal. Solid People A run-in with Mr. Topp's flatbed strands Sarah and her mother in Newbury. Despite her mother's warnings about becoming attached to things, Sarah spends her time with some Solid People (a mild, slightly romantic ghost story.) You Can't Question the Dead A father gives some timely advice as he hopes to apprentice his son in the family business. Blood is thicker than water, but whose blood will it be?