One World, Infinite Possibilities: a collection of Earth-based science fiction — Ray Anselmo

We all want a happy future. We all need something to hope in. And we can find them �" sometimes in the unlikeliest ways, and in the most surprising places.

With stories ranging from an inquisition in 13th-century France to a planning session in a futuristic spaceport, from a teenage friendship shaken by technology to a frustrated bureaucrat remembering his time in space, the six stories in Ray Anselmo's “ONE WORLD, INFINITE POSSIBILITIES: A Collection of Earth-Based Science Fiction” are a wide-ranging sampler of top-notch, character-driven SF. And it's all centered around hope �" for love, for community, for answers, for safety, for rescue, for meaning �" in (or out of) our weird and wondrous world:

* “The Man from Calla Faurnia” �" The Church inquisitor wasn't expecting much when he interviewed the old woman about the visitor to her little village. But the more he questioned her, the more questions he found he had …

** “Differences” �" Lici had some idea why she'd been thrown in an empty room, but she certainly had no clue what her cellmate would show her about her circumstances �" or herself.

*** “A Prayer for Aunt Kathy” �" Over a decade before, Katherine Royce had saved Dorian Taylor's life. How far was Dorian willing to go to return the favor? Oh, over 1.5 billion miles …

**** “Trivia Question” �" Stuck in a dead-end job �" and a dead-end life �" David Prater wished he was back in the past. But he also wished everyone else would forget the past.

***** “It's All Right” �" Kyle's friend Wayne always did have a way with electronics. But neither one was ready for what could happen when electronics had their way with Wayne.

****** “The Wanted” �" She hated her life, hated it enough to at least think about ending it. Until circumstances intervene to provide a better solution …

The future is bright, and hope is alive. Let's explore!