Another collection of six short speculative fictions by William Mangieri, in which we learn some life lessons: Alien is a relative termPerception may be all there isThere are things better left where they lieSometimes all you have is a leap of faithFreedom isn't just another wordNo matter how hard you try, a dog's life - is still a dog's lifeIncludes the short stories: Finding SanctuaryAfter generations searching for a home, the colonists of The Promise think they've found a it. But is this seemingly perfect world where they'll find Sanctuary?(A bit of sci-fi, a pinch of fantasy, a slice of horror; a good mix of what makes up speculative fiction. Add in alien spiders - how can you go wrong?)#InWhoseReality?Perception is reality. The all-conquering Veratis arrive on Earth, where they meet some unreal resistance. As in all wars, choosing the field of battle can determine the victor, and on this one appearances may be everything.Dredging Things UpSome things should be left where they lie. A predatory gigolo tries to cut his losses by retrieving a discarded piece of jewelry his victim threw into a lake. What he finds instead has him wondering about the wisdom of seeking riches. Behind the 8-BallThe clock is running down as humanity struggles to find a new home; they've opened a gate into the unknown, but need evidence that their new world is on the other side before they go through. Moses can provide that proof, but how could anyone besides his wife believe him? Sometimes, you have to take a leap of faith.GladiusWhat security is there in the loyalty of slaves? Gladius has served his Betelgeusean owners faithfully since he was first abducted from Taurus, but he's about to find out that loyalty isn't always a two way street, and not all slaves are willing to settle for their lot. Maybe he's not as bull-headed as he appears.Saturday He Fed the CatIt's a dog's life. What can a 9-pound westie do when faced with the injustices of a newly colonized world? Katy tries her darnedest, but learns that sometimes a dog's life just isn't fair, no matter what planet you're on.