Skimming Pebbles

This volume contains two short stories - Planetary Science S101 and Common Ground.

Planetary Science S101
Mars may once have had rivers and even oceans of liquid water on its surface. This short story is set in the late 20th Century and imagines an alternate reality where Mars has clung onto it's water. The story takes the form of notes for an introductory lecture to an undergraduate course in planetary science.

Common Ground
Are you somewhere safe? Are you sure? Really? Stop reading now and take a good look around. Are there any trees near you? If there are, you need to move away slowly. Try to stay calm. They can sense fear. Definitely don't do anything that they might see as a threat...
We've always underestimated plants. They move so slowly we forget that they are aware of what is going on around them, and we miss the intent behind their actions.