Of Space & Time is a collection of exciting science fiction that honors the pulp era with its illustrations. Readers will be drawn to riveting and thought-provoking shorts like "Goliath IX" and "Batarakala." Stories that pay homage to classic writers of the genre and reveal deeper meanings and connections with repeated readings. Collection includes: "Goliath IX " - an L Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future 2022 Honorable Mention recipient - "The Invasion" - taken from Future Destiny , LeCara's first book in The Torn Timeline series, a 2008 2nd place Spinetinglingers (UK) Book of the Year "Science Fiction writer Ray LeCara JR brings the literary universe to life that includes many different layers in each of his compelling short stories. With relatable subjects, world events, and history, he gives readers a great SciFi short story compilation. I would recommend this collection for any SciFi lover. They would be great for older teens to adults who are interested in reading exhilarating short stories that take readers on an adventure through space and time. When readers have finished this collection, they are left with questions of their own to ponder and consider about the future of mankind and our exploration of space." —Literary Titan ★★★★ Dear Reader, I love science fiction.   More than the action, I am drawn to the opportunities the genre creates for exploring serious subject matter.  This was often the case in the original Star Trek series, where many episodes were driven by thought-provoking themes. "Rogue Moon" imagines the inspiration behind the immediate advancement of technology that would allow for earnest space exploration à la  Star Trek .  Here it is seen as a  need  more than a want for the protection of the planet, however.  An earlier global event has galvanized the entire globe to create a unified new world order for the betterment of humankind.  While there is a singular conflict addressed in the story, it becomes clear there are, like in life itself, other conflicts still in play.   At the story's core: a controversial evolutionary question that may be more grounded in reality than some would like to believe.   "Goliath IX," a 2022 L Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Q2 Contest Honorable Mention winner, follows a young female protagonist on her first day of teaching on the YUÀN BÓ. Growing unforeseen challenges plague a convoy on their journey, but protagonist Rachel is ready to inspire the upcoming generation who will lead the colony of ships to their new homeworld. What happens next could be a result of oxygen deprivation, space madness, or something imagined in a story that examines real-world modern-day themes regarding class, societal awareness, and what happens when equality is an empty word instead of an applied ideal.    Another story that received Honorable Mention this year (L Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest - Q4), "Batarakala" explores the joy and the pain of marriage, of aspirations, and shared shattered dreams. Taking place on an outer rim planet that is both beautiful and terrifying, it is also a story about how people deal with failure and disappointment.  The ripple effect of one selfish act can have devastating consequences.  If only we communicated more, so much pain and suffering could be avoided. Of Space & Time  combines storytelling with images reminiscent of the pulp era in the hopes of entertaining and exploring ideas worthy of further conversation. What do you think?  I welcome your thoughts in the reviews.   ~Ray A group of students come under attack by a military force from the future in INVASION . To survive they must put their faith and trust in the unlikeliest of all people, a teacher who also happens to be a secret agent from a different timeline. In GOLIATH IX , something has gone wrong. A space convoy finds itself in jeopardy after dropping out of FTL in a nebula while on their way to a new homeworld. Two teens seek out their friend while reflecting on how much things have changed as the world ends in TABITHA . Off-worlders are warned: outer rim planets are not safe. Dreams are dashed on a doomed outer rim planet that is both beautiful and terrifying in BATARAKALA . In ROGUE MOON , a new ship, a new captain, and an untested crew confront a galactic threat. A threat that may be intent on finishing what was first attempted twenty years earlier... the annihilation of the human race. A rabid fan of science fiction, Ray LeCara Jr, author of the science fiction YA Torn Timeline series, can be found consuming sci-fi movies and shows both old and new when not teaching. In this first collection of sci-fi short fiction, LeCara celebrates the genre in a classic way with pulp-era illustrations to complement the stories.    Once a New Englander, LeCara now lives in Washington state where UFO sightings are a common occurrence. According to 2022 National UFO Reporting Center data, these sightings outnumber those in any other state. This part