Dedication
This volume is dedicated to my brother-in-arms, Captain Ralph J. Harting III (1976–2005), who rode honorably with the Blackhorse Regiment in the sands of Mesopotamia. You sacrificed your life so that others could live. One day, I hope to share a pint with you at Fiddler’s Green, where the souls of cavalrymen rest forever. Allons!
This anthology is also dedicated to Mike Resnick, who passed earlier this year. A legend in the genre, Mike always made a point of giving back to the science fiction and fantasy community by taking new writers and editors under his wing. I consider myself one of his “writer children” as do several of the authors in this collection. I owe a great deal of my publishing success to his mentorship and support. It is with both great pride and profound sadness that I have the honor and privilege of sharing one of his last stories in this anthology, my first as an editor. Mike’s advice and encouragement were instrumental in bringing this project to life. Without his guidance, this anthology would not have been possible. Fare thee well, old friend.