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When the Stars Are Right
A new form of propulsion has the military excited. But why do they need an expert in ritual magic on board their new flagship spacecraft? And why do they need an exorcist? It is soon apparent they are meddling with forces they don't understand. But can they be controlled?
A Lovecraftian short story.
A Lovecraftian short story.
16 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2013
31 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
William Meikle
408 books1,848 followersI'm a Scottish writer, now living in Canada, with more than thirty novels published in the genre press and over 300 short story credits in thirteen countries.
My work has appeared in a number of professional anthologies and I have recent short story sales to NATURE Futures and Galaxy's Edge. When I'm not writing I play guitar, drink beer and dream of fortune and glory.
For an intro to me, my writing and my accent see my Youtube channel
My work has appeared in a number of professional anthologies and I have recent short story sales to NATURE Futures and Galaxy's Edge. When I'm not writing I play guitar, drink beer and dream of fortune and glory.
For an intro to me, my writing and my accent see my Youtube channel
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 1, 2025
En "When The Stars Are Right" de William Meikle, Megan Dowles, una historiadora medieval, es reclutada para una misión secreta a bordo de la USS Poldakayne, una nave espacial de última generación. Inicialmente desconcertada por su papel en un proyecto de alta tecnología, Megan descubre que su experiencia en textos antiguos es clave para un experimento militar que busca aprovechar energía paranormal mediante rituales arcanos. A medida que se adentra en un proyecto que combina ciencia, ocultismo y ambición militar, Megan enfrenta dilemas éticos y peligros inesperados, mientras el equipo intenta utilizar fuerzas desconocidas para propulsar la nave hacia Marte, desafiando los límites entre lo científico y lo sobrenatural.
El relato "When The Stars Are Right" de William Meikle es una fascinante mezcla de ciencia ficción y horror cósmico que evoca el espíritu de las películas de serie B de los años 50, con un toque moderno. A través de las grabaciones personales de Megan Dowles, Meikle construye una narrativa envolvente que combina la intriga científica con el terror de lo desconocido, inspirándose en el mito de Cthulhu de Lovecraft.
El relato "When The Stars Are Right" de William Meikle es una fascinante mezcla de ciencia ficción y horror cósmico que evoca el espíritu de las películas de serie B de los años 50, con un toque moderno. A través de las grabaciones personales de Megan Dowles, Meikle construye una narrativa envolvente que combina la intriga científica con el terror de lo desconocido, inspirándose en el mito de Cthulhu de Lovecraft.
October 5, 2016
Another great short from Mr Meikle. I am beginning to become a fan of these short stories.
Dealing with alternative energy, space and Cthulhu; well, it just doesn't get better than that.
Dealing with alternative energy, space and Cthulhu; well, it just doesn't get better than that.
December 30, 2016
I absolutely love this mixture of science-fiction, horror and mediaeval occultism.
February 13, 2017
Demons or another dimension? Is there any difference?, October 16, 2016
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This review is from: When the Stars Are Right (Kindle Edition)
Lovecraft, demons and space travel make a strange but entertaining mix in this story. Of course those in power ignore all warnings. I noticed in my law enforcement career that there must be something about having power which tends to destroy common sense.
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: When the Stars Are Right (Kindle Edition)
Lovecraft, demons and space travel make a strange but entertaining mix in this story. Of course those in power ignore all warnings. I noticed in my law enforcement career that there must be something about having power which tends to destroy common sense.
July 2, 2018
Superbly crafted story
I loved this story - right from the opening paragraphs, you are in an alien environment, yet it's all too 'human', with an immediate feeling of impending fear, uncertainty, and people messing with ancient demonic forces that they should be leaving alone. Thankfully, for the story, (if not those characters who meet gruesome ends!) the ancient force brought through into their dimension, proves to be awesomely powerful. Exactly how powerful, is left tantalisingly open, at the end of a story I didn't want to finish, because I was enjoying it so much... I devoured it and was left hungry for more.
The darkness of the whole piece is superbly handled, and it reminded me in many ways of watching 'Quatermass and The Pit' as a child, and being terrified as the devastating impact of alien forces being (inadvertently) conjured into our human world wrought their horrors.
The art of short story writing is far more difficult to get 'right' than being able to build characters, storylines, and plot in the space provided by a novel. Many writers don't have that magical short story touch, yet a few (for example, Stephen King) get it perfectly all in there, in a brief glimpse into another moment of time or space that lingers in the mind, long after you have closed the book.
William Meikle is an awesome author, whose work I will be searching out with great interest. Long may he continue to give me nightmares...and that is a compliment, by the way! I have loved horror in all its media forms, since I was first allowed to sit up to watch Hammer horror films with my Dad, and the chills and thrills of finding a new voice in the world of the horror genre is wonderful. Thank you, Mr. Meikle, for a superbly crafted story, I can't wait to read more of your work!
I loved this story - right from the opening paragraphs, you are in an alien environment, yet it's all too 'human', with an immediate feeling of impending fear, uncertainty, and people messing with ancient demonic forces that they should be leaving alone. Thankfully, for the story, (if not those characters who meet gruesome ends!) the ancient force brought through into their dimension, proves to be awesomely powerful. Exactly how powerful, is left tantalisingly open, at the end of a story I didn't want to finish, because I was enjoying it so much... I devoured it and was left hungry for more.
The darkness of the whole piece is superbly handled, and it reminded me in many ways of watching 'Quatermass and The Pit' as a child, and being terrified as the devastating impact of alien forces being (inadvertently) conjured into our human world wrought their horrors.
The art of short story writing is far more difficult to get 'right' than being able to build characters, storylines, and plot in the space provided by a novel. Many writers don't have that magical short story touch, yet a few (for example, Stephen King) get it perfectly all in there, in a brief glimpse into another moment of time or space that lingers in the mind, long after you have closed the book.
William Meikle is an awesome author, whose work I will be searching out with great interest. Long may he continue to give me nightmares...and that is a compliment, by the way! I have loved horror in all its media forms, since I was first allowed to sit up to watch Hammer horror films with my Dad, and the chills and thrills of finding a new voice in the world of the horror genre is wonderful. Thank you, Mr. Meikle, for a superbly crafted story, I can't wait to read more of your work!
June 28, 2021
“I can see at least three of the tentacles piercing [his] body, the blood failing to the floor to hiss and bubble . . .”
Megan Dowles is a consultant in medieval history in 2045 on the “USS Poldakayne”, and she is a first curious as to why she is there with so many other more qualified personal. The “USS Poldakayne” is a flying saucer (?) that was specifically built to test and experiment a new power source. Initially the power source came from captured spirits, but the military find that the power generated isn’t enough. So, the military start experimenting with Ceremonial Magic and Demonology (??) which will include bringing in a Roman Catholic priest from the Vatican who specializes in exorcism (???).
But, still, the idea has come up to try to resurrect Cthulhu (?!?) as a power source so that the “USS Poldakayne” will have enough power to travel to Mars. Yeah, really, and when you come right down to it, what could go wrong?
Three guesses, and the last two don’t count.
When the Stars Are Right by William Meikle is not a bad story, although it is told in such an epistolary manner that this story has a found footage fan fiction feel to it. It’s not hard to believe that this is the type of story that would have appeared in the back pages of a seventies small-press fan magazine.
All-in-all, this is a fun, if a bit bland, piece formulaic fan fiction peppered with fan references like those of Asimov, Heinlein, Lovecraft, Cthulhu Mythos, flying saucers, and Ghostbusters.
Not a story for the ages, and the ending is predictable, but I wasn’t bored, and that was a plus.
Megan Dowles is a consultant in medieval history in 2045 on the “USS Poldakayne”, and she is a first curious as to why she is there with so many other more qualified personal. The “USS Poldakayne” is a flying saucer (?) that was specifically built to test and experiment a new power source. Initially the power source came from captured spirits, but the military find that the power generated isn’t enough. So, the military start experimenting with Ceremonial Magic and Demonology (??) which will include bringing in a Roman Catholic priest from the Vatican who specializes in exorcism (???).
But, still, the idea has come up to try to resurrect Cthulhu (?!?) as a power source so that the “USS Poldakayne” will have enough power to travel to Mars. Yeah, really, and when you come right down to it, what could go wrong?
Three guesses, and the last two don’t count.
When the Stars Are Right by William Meikle is not a bad story, although it is told in such an epistolary manner that this story has a found footage fan fiction feel to it. It’s not hard to believe that this is the type of story that would have appeared in the back pages of a seventies small-press fan magazine.
All-in-all, this is a fun, if a bit bland, piece formulaic fan fiction peppered with fan references like those of Asimov, Heinlein, Lovecraft, Cthulhu Mythos, flying saucers, and Ghostbusters.
Not a story for the ages, and the ending is predictable, but I wasn’t bored, and that was a plus.
June 10, 2019
The military's ingenious idea, inspired by someone's watching too much "Ghostbusters," featuring three men trying to vacuum suck up supernatural entities' energy into a closed container. Such energy, it's theorized, could fuel a small village. Get a large enough entity, and you could fuel a spaceship to another planet.
This awesome story is told in epistolary style, as a medieval scholar describes the circumstances of summoning demons, filling energy fuel cells, and then dismissing the demons. Upon the arrival of a Vatican exorcist, however, its decided that the crew should go for the real liquid gold - the Great Cthulhu himself.
Yup. Awesome stuff. Try stuffing that in a bag.
This awesome story is told in epistolary style, as a medieval scholar describes the circumstances of summoning demons, filling energy fuel cells, and then dismissing the demons. Upon the arrival of a Vatican exorcist, however, its decided that the crew should go for the real liquid gold - the Great Cthulhu himself.
Yup. Awesome stuff. Try stuffing that in a bag.
April 20, 2018
What went wrong?
The story had a somewhat interesting idea behind it. What if summoning supernatural beings like ghosts and demons could be used to power spacecraft. But the style it’s written in, someone talking into a camera for a video diary, but in a way that nobody really speaks, just turns it to crap.
That’s without mentioning how it’s filled with editorial errors like the year it take place changing from first to second “chapter”. Past and present tense being used interchangeably, etc.
I know this author can do better, what went wrong?
The story had a somewhat interesting idea behind it. What if summoning supernatural beings like ghosts and demons could be used to power spacecraft. But the style it’s written in, someone talking into a camera for a video diary, but in a way that nobody really speaks, just turns it to crap.
That’s without mentioning how it’s filled with editorial errors like the year it take place changing from first to second “chapter”. Past and present tense being used interchangeably, etc.
I know this author can do better, what went wrong?
April 29, 2019
This was my first William Meikle story that I've read. I've had him bookmarked for a long time to read, and finally did.
A quick, short story, combining many different genre's, I applaud Meikle for leaving me wanting to read more of this story. I wish it were just the first couple chapters of a novel.
Touches of sci-fi and Lovecraft combined together perfectly to tell a futuristic tale involving the magic of conjuring up demons.
I look forward to reading more from Meikle.
A quick, short story, combining many different genre's, I applaud Meikle for leaving me wanting to read more of this story. I wish it were just the first couple chapters of a novel.
Touches of sci-fi and Lovecraft combined together perfectly to tell a futuristic tale involving the magic of conjuring up demons.
I look forward to reading more from Meikle.
January 10, 2020
I enjoyed this quick read. Being a Cthulu-head, this was right up my alley. Space travel, demon summoning and family, what else could a Lovecraftian tale need?
I have two criticisms:
One) it is far too short, hence the 4 stars.
Two) The first vid is dated August 1, 2025. The second vid is dated August 2, 2045. I figure this has to be a Typo as 20 years have not passed in the story.
Beyond that, good stuff!
I have two criticisms:
One) it is far too short, hence the 4 stars.
Two) The first vid is dated August 1, 2025. The second vid is dated August 2, 2045. I figure this has to be a Typo as 20 years have not passed in the story.
Beyond that, good stuff!
November 28, 2022
Entertaining supernatural listening 🎶🔰
Another will written British 🏰 supernatural paranormal haunting horror demon space adventure thriller short story by William Meikle. A man 🚹 is asked to help power 🔋 a spaceship to Mars. After several failures they are successful. Now for the next trip. I would recommend this novella to anyone looking for a quick space supernatural read. Enjoy the adventure of reading or listening to books 📚. 2022 😮😈
Another will written British 🏰 supernatural paranormal haunting horror demon space adventure thriller short story by William Meikle. A man 🚹 is asked to help power 🔋 a spaceship to Mars. After several failures they are successful. Now for the next trip. I would recommend this novella to anyone looking for a quick space supernatural read. Enjoy the adventure of reading or listening to books 📚. 2022 😮😈
November 7, 2017
To be such a short story, this packed quite a punch. I liked the way that the story was told in communications being sent home. It was too short to develop any feelings for the characters, but the plot line was intense with just the right amount of creepiness. I am a fan of the author's writings and really like his short stories. They contain just enough to get your brain working!
November 4, 2020
Intriguing
This is not your usual scifi book as it also has a very interesting twist on the occult... I've read alot of scifi but this is an unusual twist along the lines of heilien...an excellent read I highly recommend it short but well put togather...the ending begs for a sequel
This is not your usual scifi book as it also has a very interesting twist on the occult... I've read alot of scifi but this is an unusual twist along the lines of heilien...an excellent read I highly recommend it short but well put togather...the ending begs for a sequel
July 6, 2023
A Fast and Entertaining Read
What do you do when you discover paranormal activity is a source of untapped energy?
Why, you summon greater demons and beings for more.
And if you have to power a spaceship to Mars and back?
Simple. You summon a cosmic horror and deal with the consequences.
What do you do when you discover paranormal activity is a source of untapped energy?
Why, you summon greater demons and beings for more.
And if you have to power a spaceship to Mars and back?
Simple. You summon a cosmic horror and deal with the consequences.
September 13, 2017
Doom, or more likely a prequel to doom?
This is basically the plot of Doom, the video game. Hell/demons for power. Written well. Executed as a series of voice recordings. I enjoyed it, but didn't feel a connection to the characters.
This is basically the plot of Doom, the video game. Hell/demons for power. Written well. Executed as a series of voice recordings. I enjoyed it, but didn't feel a connection to the characters.
December 14, 2017
Lovecraftian Style but more emotional power needed
The book captured the haunting feeling of a Cathulu story. It also was written in a Lovecraftian way. However, there wasn't as much suspense and horror experienced through the main protagonist or the theme of madness that is present in many Lovecraft tales. I think I would have preferred something with a more powerful emotional draw with greater characterization.
Still an intriguing read.
CONTENT REVIEW
There was mild swearing as I recall.
The book captured the haunting feeling of a Cathulu story. It also was written in a Lovecraftian way. However, there wasn't as much suspense and horror experienced through the main protagonist or the theme of madness that is present in many Lovecraft tales. I think I would have preferred something with a more powerful emotional draw with greater characterization.
Still an intriguing read.
CONTENT REVIEW
There was mild swearing as I recall.
Read
February 27, 2017A Wonderful Short Story With Unusual Imagination
Meikle has created one of the most imaginative short stories that I have ever read. Make no mistake, this IS a short story. Meikle's "power source" for interplanetary flight is one I have never before seen (in several thousand SF books and stories).
This reminds me of those great science fiction shorts we read in the old monthly magazines: highly imaginative, highly creative and written as a series of very short progress reports.
Meikle has created one of the most imaginative short stories that I have ever read. Make no mistake, this IS a short story. Meikle's "power source" for interplanetary flight is one I have never before seen (in several thousand SF books and stories).
This reminds me of those great science fiction shorts we read in the old monthly magazines: highly imaginative, highly creative and written as a series of very short progress reports.
September 23, 2015
The military is agog over a new form of energy, and plan to use it for space ship propulsion. But, why do they need an exorcist aboard the ship as it prepares for its maiden voyage?
Read William Meikle’s short story, When the Stars are Right, and find out. A chilling story of adventure and paranormal phenomena that involves religion, politics, power plays, and ritual magic that sneaks up on you before you know what hit you.
Meikle’s story has only one flaw in my opinion—it ended too soon. I was just getting into it when his ending, though excellently crafted, came at me out of the blue.
Read William Meikle’s short story, When the Stars are Right, and find out. A chilling story of adventure and paranormal phenomena that involves religion, politics, power plays, and ritual magic that sneaks up on you before you know what hit you.
Meikle’s story has only one flaw in my opinion—it ended too soon. I was just getting into it when his ending, though excellently crafted, came at me out of the blue.
December 7, 2015
Interesting Short
This story makes you wonder what really is happening at Area 51, although there is nothing pertaining to it in the story.
At 18 pages, this was pretty cool reading.
This story makes you wonder what really is happening at Area 51, although there is nothing pertaining to it in the story.
At 18 pages, this was pretty cool reading.
February 6, 2017
glad it was free on kindle
August 24, 2015
Fun short story.
December 1, 2015
Decent short story.
August 29, 2016
Fans of the Laundry Files books will enjoy this fun story.
October 24, 2016
Not a bad Lovecraftian tale. I like that it takes place in the future but did not care for Cthulhu's description.
Read
June 11, 2017A short story in email format.
When I began reading, I was worried I’d have to remember the times and dates for each entry because they were important to the plot. Once I realised they weren’t, I skimmed over them, which left me to concentrate on the story.
This format of storytelling by sending emails (or messages) to a loved one makes it difficult to show what happened instead of telling what went on. So there is plenty of telling and because of this, I did not connect with the characters.
It was an interesting story that mixed magic, demons, science fiction, space travel and religious rituals. The concept was new to me, and made me wonder about the possibilities (since my imagination is quite wild).
When I began reading, I was worried I’d have to remember the times and dates for each entry because they were important to the plot. Once I realised they weren’t, I skimmed over them, which left me to concentrate on the story.
This format of storytelling by sending emails (or messages) to a loved one makes it difficult to show what happened instead of telling what went on. So there is plenty of telling and because of this, I did not connect with the characters.
It was an interesting story that mixed magic, demons, science fiction, space travel and religious rituals. The concept was new to me, and made me wonder about the possibilities (since my imagination is quite wild).
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews