26 short stories by David Kubicek, author of In Human Form. Included in this collection are: Games Machines Play—A computer holds a college student hostage until he complies with a peculiar request. Spare Parts—On the day of his wedding, Mike Thayer learns a shocking truth about himself when something odd falls out of his ear. Safety First—William Fawth’s car is programmed to help him develop safe driving skills, but its attitude grates on his nerves. The Last Bus—For $15, Local businessman Wilson Brakhage will take you on a tour of the wreckage remaining from the worst tornado disaster in Nebraska’s history. Blood—Is a cougar mutilating the cattle? Or is there a darker, supernatural force at work? Keeper of the Shrine—A college student working the night shift in a photofinishing plant learns a life lesson from a dead spider. With each story, the author gives his commentary on its background and how it came to be written.