Image © Brian Malachy Quinn
Letter from the Editors Dear Reader, Every quarter a theme seems to emerge from the collective unconscious of the writers who submit stories to Electric Spec. This quarter's theme appeared to be the combination of science and magic. We offer two such stories, along with something for everyone else, including time travel, a post-apocalyptic future, and a bar worth fighting for. Tech Support by Toni Johnson: One Arcanexus Level One Help Desk customer service representative gives new meaning to 'on the job training'. The Blood Portal by Mary E. Lowd: When magic and space travel intersect, sometimes what you need finds you, instead of the other way around. Sigmund Seventeen by Chris Barnham: When a moment is lost, a connection broken, how many tries does it take to get it back? The Perchant by Bill Davidson: Sometimes, in order to regain your history, you have to forget everything you know. The Butcher of Swiffle Prime by Josh Taylor: Sometimes, all you want is a strong drink and a friendly face -- even if you have to name-drop to get it. And don't forget our Editors' Corner where associate editor Minta Monroe shares her short story The Hobnailed Sole. We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we did! Thanks for reading, The Electric Spec Team