Sometimes small and cute doesn’t mean nice and helpful — The stink from the bubbling muddy bog made Carla crinkle her nose. “Tell me again why this is a good idea?” “I didn’t say it’s a good idea. It’s just the only one I have right now.” James yanked his booted foot free of the sludge and pulled himself up…

What happens when you mix a bird and a fish — Ariel looked up from the desk when a cold gust of air blew through her small science lab stirring the papers she had scattered there. “Shut that door.” She clamped her hands down flat on the papers trying to escape. Brian pulled the door shut and turned to her with…

The hunt for a deadly creature — The dampness from the cave made Tina shiver, or maybe it was the fact that they were searching for a creature that could potentially kill them. She sucked in a shaky breath and shined her flashlight as far into the corners as she could, chasing back the shadows. “Are you…

Sometimes you can put the pieces back together — Sally opened the door and paused, her mouth agape. “What in the…” She stepped inside and looked around at boxes thrown around the living room, an overturned couch, and what appeared to be a grape juice stain on the carpet. At least it better be a juice stain. “Mom!” A…

The real reason Rumpelstiltskin wanted a baby — Reporter: Rumpelstiltskin is a man of very few words, but we are lucky enough to have persuaded him to sit down and have a chat with us. Let’s see what he has to say. (Scuffling of chairs) Mr. Rumpelstiltskin, can you tell us why you would steal a baby? Rumpel…

What looked cute and cuddly turned out to be dangerous — “This is disgusting.” Sandy pulled her foot free from the slimy goo, then reached down and pulled her shoe, now full of mud, out of the goop that swallowed it. “I can’t believe I let you talk me into this.” “Stop complaining so much. We need to record a bunch…

What happens when you paint a snake — “Ned, wait.” Shelly gasped for breath as she climbed up the mountain after him. This was a stupid idea, and she wanted no part in it. Yet here she was climbing up this mountain to stop him from doing something that might get him hurt or killed. Ned turned around…

Always follow the rules — Coravazio was a desolate planet. Sand as far as the eye could see with a tree here and there to break up the white and gold color. Not Midge’s choice for an assignment. When they told her she would be going to the Morsan Quadrant, she was excited. Most of…

Sometimes you just need someone to be there — Sara paced the small room, phone mashed against her ear as she listened to it ring for the tenth time. She couldn’t fathom a reason why her best friend Lacy wouldn’t answer her phone. The voicemail picked up and Sara hung up and immediately dialed again. Once again, the voicemail…