Volume 27 Issue 1

Abstract

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal, published in Fall 2012, is a special speculative fiction issue dedicated to the memory of Ray Bradbury, Harry Harrison, and Neil Armstrong, three figures who profoundly shaped humanity’s vision of the future. The issue, archived as Volume 27, Issue 1, corresponds to the print edition labeled Volume 31, Issue 1. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals. In his editorial preface, James Ritchie explores the literary significance of science fiction, arguing for its place in the literary canon alongside other great works of fiction. He discusses how science fiction speculates on the future of humanity, examines what it means to be human, and questions our place in the universe. This issue of Nebo embraces these themes, featuring works of speculative fiction, futuristic poetry, and philosophical reflections on technology, time, and existence. Key highlights include: To the Stars by Tim Beirne, a narrative about a reluctant astronaut’s journey to Mars that takes an unexpected turn. Imagine the Moon by Arthur Gottlieb, a poetic meditation on space travel, time, and cosmic consequences. The Portals of Proximity by Stanley Lombardo, a mind-bending sci-fi story about teleportation, parallel worlds, and lost knowledge. CyberSonnet by Stanley Lombardo, a Shakespearean sonnet for the digital age, exploring love and artificial intelligence. The Time Traveling Cowboy by James Ritchie, a twist on Westerns and time travel, blending history with speculation. Six Reasons I Don’t Like Home Transporters by Terry Persun, a darkly humorous reflection on teleportation gone wrong. Epistles from the Year 2973 by Connor Sanchez, a dystopian letter series reflecting on humanity’s fate in the distant future. Letters to No One After the World Died by Craig McNeely, a haunting story about the last survivor of a cataclysmic event. This issue captures the spirit of classic science fiction, celebrating imagination, technological speculation, and human curiosity about the stars