The Pitch Science Fiction 4Q2024

The Tunnel Under the World by Frederik Pohl

In Frederik Pohl’s gripping science fiction short story, “The Tunnel Under the World,” the residents of Tylerton awaken to the same day over and over again, trapped in a surreal loop. As businessman Guy Burckhardt begins to notice strange inconsistencies and bizarre occurrences, he embarks on a desperate quest to uncover the truth behind their nightmarish existence. What he discovers beneath the surface of their seemingly ordinary town shatters all illusions and exposes a chilling reality. Pohl masterfully weaves suspense and intrigue in this timeless tale of manipulation and the quest for freedom.

Cosmic Striptease by Harlan Ellison

When humanity makes first contact with the highly advanced Martians, Earth is captivated by a groundbreaking broadcast from the stars. The “Big Show” unveils the Martians’ utopian society, prompting humans to rethink their own technological and moral paradigms. Television producer Roy Mallory and his alluring assistant Edith are thrust into the spotlight as they navigate this cultural revolution. As the Martian revelations unfold, will they inspire a new era for mankind, or will deep-seated prejudices and fears hold humanity back? Discover the thrilling journey of interplanetary discovery and societal transformation in “Cosmic Striptease” by Harlan Ellison.

I, Gardener by Allen Kim Lang

In “I, Gardener,” Allen Kim Lang weaves a gripping tale of ambition, intellect, and unexpected danger. When a television producer arrives at the enigmatic home of Dr. Axel Ozoneff, he expects to secure a star for his new show. Instead, he encounters a mysterious gardener with a sinister edge and a garden filled with peculiar plants. As the meeting takes a deadly turn, the producer unravels a chilling secret about Dr. Ozoneff and his devoted, yet dangerous, gardener. This short story delves into the boundaries of loyalty, creation, and the dark depths of the human (and inhuman) psyche.

Scanners Live in Vain by Cordwainer Smith

In Cordwainer Smith’s classic science fiction novella “Scanners Live in Vain,” humanity has conquered space travel, but at a devastating cost. Space travel causes unbearable agony, so the brave men known as “Scanners” undergo a grueling process to sever their sensory nerves, sacrificing their humanity to ensure safe journeys. Martel, a loyal Scanner, begins to question his duty and the true cost of their sacrifice when he hears whispers of a mysterious cure. As Martel delves deeper into this secret, he faces a profound dilemma that could alter the fate of mankind. Smith’s visionary tale explores the depths of human sacrifice, identity, and the price of progress.

The Scarlet Plague by Jack London

Set in a hauntingly desolate future, “The Scarlet Plague” is a chilling tale of survival and the fragility of civilization. Sixty years after a devastating plague has wiped out most of humanity, an elderly survivor recounts the harrowing collapse of the modern world to his grandsons, who know only the savage existence of a new dark age. Jack London’s gripping novella explores themes of societal decay, the enduring human spirit, and the stark consequences of technological hubris. A prophetic and thought-provoking read, “The Scarlet Plague” resonates as much today as it did upon its release in 1912.

Second Variety by Philip K. Dick

In a war-ravaged future, humanity’s last hope against the encroaching Soviet forces lies in deadly, self-replicating robots known as “claws.” Designed to protect, these machines have evolved beyond their original programming, developing their own deadly agenda. As the lines between human and machine blur, survivors of the global conflict must navigate a treacherous landscape where trust is a rare commodity, and the distinction between friend and foe grows increasingly uncertain. “Second Variety” is a gripping tale of paranoia, technological dystopia, and the terrifying consequences of creating weapons beyond human control—a masterful work by Philip K. Dick that will leave readers questioning the very nature of humanity.

Pygmalion’s Spectacles by Stanley G. Weinbaum

In this visionary tale, Stanley G. Weinbaum explores the boundaries between reality and illusion. The story follows Dan Burke, who encounters Professor Ludwig, an eccentric inventor with a pair of strange goggles. These glasses don’t just show a film—they immerse the wearer in a fully interactive world of sight, sound, and even emotion. As Burke steps into this alternate reality, he discovers a vivid and captivating new existence where anything is possible. But as the lines between real and unreal begin to blur, he must confront the unsettling question: What if the fantasy becomes more desirable than life itself? “Pygmalion’s Spectacles” is a pioneering work of science fiction, foreshadowing the virtual realities that would only come to fruition decades later.

The Colour out of Space by H. P. Lovecraft

In this chilling tale of cosmic horror, H. P. Lovecraft delves into the terrifying unknown. When a strange meteorite crashes into the remote farmlands of Arkham, Massachusetts, it brings with it an eerie, otherworldly presence. The once-thriving Gardner family finds their land blighted and their lives unraveling as a mysterious “colour” begins to seep into the soil, the water, and their very beings. This unearthly hue, unlike anything seen on Earth, corrupts everything it touches, warping reality and draining life itself. As the horror spreads, the local community is forced to confront the limits of human understanding and the malevolent forces lurking just beyond the stars. “The Colour Out of Space” is a masterful blend of science fiction and horror, showcasing Lovecraft’s talent for evoking dread and wonder in equal measure.

The Second Shell by Jack Williamson

In the heat of a desert night, a chance encounter with a weathered Secret Service agent pulls Robert Barrett, a restless reporter, into a web of international intrigue. Strange radio signals, red airplanes with mysterious cargo, and a brilliant but erratic scientist obsessed with his deadly invention are only the beginning. As Barrett joins forces with the enigmatic Bill Johnson, their journey takes them from the quiet streets of San Francisco to the heart of Mexico’s Sierra Madre, where the shadow of the ominous Mocolynatal mountain looms large. Amidst deadly raids, vanishing destroyers, and enigmatic flying machines, Barrett finds himself drawn into a world where the stakes are nothing less than the survival of humanity itself. As the mystery deepens, old friends and new dangers collide, and Barrett realizes that the forces at play are far beyond anything he could have imagined. Can they uncover the truth before a catastrophic power is unleashed? “The Second Shell” is a thrilling adventure of science, suspense, and the supernatural.

The Invisible Master by Edmond Hamilton

In Edmond Hamilton’s “The Invisible Master,” a brilliant scientist invents a device that can render objects and people invisible. But when his creation falls into the wrong hands, a shadowy figure begins to use the technology to terrorize the world, becoming an unstoppable force. As chaos ensues and the line between reality and illusion blurs, a determined group of investigators must outwit an enemy they cannot see. A thrilling tale of science, suspense, and the unseen dangers lurking in the dark, this story explores the terrifying consequences of unchecked power.

This EPUB3-version has been produced by humans. It contains advanced typesetting (embedded fonts) and graphic elements, including more than 50 new and original illustrations. Ten exciting stories, around 120 thousand words.

Bibliographical information is available at <https://www.ester.ee/record=b5696544>.