In Issue 14, Liminal Encounters, we start with a look at long-range climate change and the greening cycles of the Sahara. Wulf Moon delivers more insight into storytelling with a look at the character arcs and why we hope for change. Then let’s hang out with the denizens of an all-night bookstore, enjoy a twist on the 8th Century Japanese legend of Ursashima Taro, learn that humanity may have run out of time, but not beans… or love, meet new neighbors who may be on a mission, watch Lucifer fall from heaven, and more!

The Sahara is expanding, a situation made worse by climate change. Historically, the Sahara was lush, supporting diverse flora and fauna, including human habitation. This greening, attributed to Earth's orbital shifts and axial precession, is a natural, millennia-spanning cycle. It will be coming again eventually, perhaps sooner if efforts like the Great Green Wall and massive solar power projects come to fruition.

An insightful article delving into the heart of storytelling— the transformation of characters from within. This piece explores the concept of the internal character arc, highlighting its crucial role in crafting multi-dimensional characters who resonate with readers. By examining the journey characters undergo as they confront and evolve through their internal struggles, the article reveals how these transformations not only drive the narrative but also mirror our own human experiences.

A poem portraying time as a continuous thread weaving through the cosmos, connecting the creation of planets and stars to the very essence of our lives. This piece explores the cycle of life and death, suggesting that our physical being is but a part of the universe's grand design. A reflection on the transient yet eternal nature of life.

"A Tale of Two Tarōs" by Marie Brennan delivers a variation on the 8th Century Japanese legend of Ursashima Taro. This version follows the journey of Tarō, an orphaned boy who survives through begging and petty theft. His life takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of a mysterious stranger, dressed unlike the local fishermen, sparking a series of events that intertwine their fates.

Overworked and longing for the comforts of home and her partner, Debby faces an unexpected challenge on planet Raindos. Here, she must confront her past and navigate complex interactions with the local inhabitants, including a former lover now making his living among members of a violent criminal gang. It’s all in a day’s work for a librarian from Central Stacks.

Set in a world where time becomes malleable, the narrative follows the experiences of Keeya and Guin, two lovers navigating a universe nearing its end, where the collapse of time creates unexpected separations and reunions. This touching tale blends elements of physics and romance, exploring the complexities of love in a world where basic continuity is no longer a given.

An offbeat romp set in a unique bookstore that transforms as the clock strikes midnight. Dean works the night shift, encountering an eclectic mix of characters, from the ordinary to the otherworldly. From the regulars like Al and Ed, who undergo strange transformations, to enigmatic visitors seeking rare books, the story immerses the reader in a surreal and lively nocturnal world. As the night progresses, the bookstore becomes a hub for both the eerie and extraordinary.

Lessons in both cunning and compassionate insight unfold when Lucifer, fallen from grace, meets Coyote. Set in a desolate, otherworldly landscape, this tale weaves a unique narrative where celestial and earthly realms collide. Coyote, intrigued by Lucifer's wings, proposes a daring exchange, leading to an unexpected and whimsical twist.

A mysterious tale that begins with a simple request for sugar from a new neighbor. The people who have moved in next door seem out of place in both the beachside town and the dilapidated house they’ve taken over. The story soon unfolds into a gripping narrative, blending elements of suspense and a history changing event that might be just around the corner.