We're always pleased to introduce a new author or two, and this issue has our first offering from Caroline Palmer, "M. Klein Fashion Dolls," and it's not just about dolls. It's about life. For a very new twist on cultures, don't miss Griffin Barber's take on the Mughal Empire, "The Midnight Garden." Very different way of life there.

Terry Howard is back with "Sole Heir," a story about taking responsibility, among other things. Kerryn Offord offers "Accidental Heroes," and the responsibility there is huge.

David Carrico and Enrico Toro are continuing the Euterpe stories, this time with "Cadence," which has happiness, tragedy, and all sorts of emotions. Rainer Prem gives us Episode Six of his "Ein Feste Burg," in which we find out some of what else is going on in seventeenth-century Germany. And Garrett W. Vance is finalizing his serial "Second Chance Bird" with episode thirteen. Lots of exciting stuff going on!

Iver P. Cooper is investigating big guns in "Naval Armament and Armor, Part One, Big Guns at Sea. Kristine Kathryn Rusch is "Standing on the Shoulders of Giants" and isn't a bit averse to admitting it, either.

Another new author, this time in the Universe Annex, is Rebecca Birch, who presents "Guardian," another culture, another time, and all excitement.

Welcome back. We hope you enjoy the read!