Stories Starting with A

A collection of short stories that explore themes of lost love, disillusionment, and the complexities of wealth and social status.

A Sailor Steve Costigan Story
Sailor Steve Costigan loves a good clean fight. He'll deal with the not so clean fights too. Boxing humor from the author of Conan the Barbarian. First published in 1931 in the magazine "Fight Stories" and in the public domain.

Gordy and Weena
A corpse in Alice Springs; 500 cattle; a flash flood -- what a honeymoon for Gordy and Weena!

On the night of her mating ceremony, the heroine is publicly rejected by her fated mate, the most powerful Alpha in the region. Humiliated and cast out, she disappears… only to return years later as a stronger, richer, and completely changed woman with a secret that could destroy him.

The daughter of a close friend and neighbour is murdered by political activists at a protest march. the activist go on to riot and take control of part of the city near where he lives. The local authorities side with the activists as they cause damage to the properties in the area. Both families decide to fight back, as do many other locals. You need not live in Lexington or Concord to fight aggressive oppressors. Written in US English. 27,400 words.

Each year, I post a tribute to honor service. The aim is to highlight groups that might not otherwise be recognized. This year, I took it a step further. The Dickin Medal reminds us that humans are not the only species capable of honor and commitment. It has been awarded 74 times to animals for “acts of conspicuous gallantry and heroism in war.” That is the case with the subject of this story. He epitomizes valor and selfless devotion to duty, and that is why I’ve chosen to tell his story.

A Story in the Alternate Realities Universe
A group of paranormal researchers get magically transported to an alternate reality (alternity).

What does an old man do when confronted with a danger? He remembers what he is, he remembers his oath to "fight all enemies, foreign and domestic." The story title says it all.