The Villain & The Golden Apple

A story collection: one novette, a short story, and a satirical short-short.

In "THE VILLAIN," the Enclave of the Villainy has few rules, but Marcus Legend manages to break one, putting his life at risk. At first, using his power for just the "party displays" let his practice his skill in creating Illusions.  Eventually he violates the rules of society itself, and after years on the run, he must finally use his illusions and all of his skill to defend himself against its power.

"THE SECRET OF LIFE, THE UNIVERSE, AND EVERYTHING" is a short-short that explains pretty much all of it, our whole existence.  But don't take it too seriously.

"THE GOLDEN APPLE" is a prize asteroid fought over by both Earth and its former colony, Mars. But it appears that the squabbling factions have crossed paths with the wrong man. After he loses everything to the war, he finds a drastic way to end it.