The Pitch Science Fiction 2Q2024

Out of the Iron Womb! by Poul Anderson

In the cold expanse of space, Bo Jonsson waits on a desolate asteroid, knowing his murderer is closing in. As the rarefied silence of the cosmos surrounds him, Bo reflects on the perilous journey that brought him to this moment—a deadly chase sparked by the untimely death of his partner, Johnny Malone. Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous Trojan asteroids, this gripping sci-fi thriller explores the thin line between survival and annihilation. In a world where rogue miners and rebellious philosophers clash, Bo must navigate treacherous terrain, both physical and moral, to confront his hunter and his own darkest fears. Will he find redemption among the stars, or will he be consumed by the void?

Youth by Isaac Asimov

Slim, the son of an astronomer, becomes involved in an extraordinary situation when an industrialist’s son, Red, discovers two mysterious creatures on their estate. Meanwhile, the astronomer informs the industrialist about contact with aliens who seek help to save their regressing civilization. When they find a crashed spaceship with deceased aliens, they realise the creatures Red found are actually surviving aliens. The industrialist agrees to aid them, and the aliens repair their ship to return home. This story subtly critiques the 20th-century enthusiasm for nuclear energy, highlighting the consequences of its irresponsible usage, which ultimately poses an existential threat to humankind.

Last Call from Sector 9G by Leigh Brackett

This thrilling blend of science fiction and espionage is following the journey of Lloyd Durham, a down-and-out individual given a second chance at redemption. When offered a diplomatic mission to Nanta Dik, an alien planet in Sector 9G, Durham sees it as an opportunity to turn his life around. Little does he know, he was chosen for the mission precisely because of his reputation as a failure. As Durham navigates the complexities of Sector 9G, he inadvertently embroils his ex-girlfriend, Susan, who happens to be the daughter of the senior diplomat overseeing the mission. With high stakes and unexpected twists, this gripping tale explores themes of redemption, loyalty, and the consequences of second chances.

The Monster Maker by Ray Bradbury

Newsreel photographer Click Hathaway and Interplanetary Patrolman Irish Marnagan find themselves stranded on an asteroid after their spaceship is hit by a meteor. With only sixty minutes of oxygen, they embark on a perilous journey to uncover the truth behind the mysterious attacks orchestrated by the notorious space pirate Gunther. As they confront telepathic monsters and outwit their enemies, Click and Irish must rely on their wits and teamwork to survive. With unexpected twists and clever deception, Bradbury delivers a pulse-pounding tale of courage and cunning in the depths of outer space.

The Hanging Stranger by Philip K. Dick

The idyllic town of Pikeville is shaken by a chilling discovery: a lifeless body hanging from a lamppost in the town square. When Ed Loyce, an ordinary citizen, witnesses this gruesome sight, he is thrust into a nightmarish world where paranoia and fear reign supreme. As he grapples with the horrifying realization that the townsfolk seem eerily unfazed by the macabre event, Ed embarks on a desperate quest for truth in a town consumed by madness. Dick’s atmospheric narrative delves into themes of alienation, conformity, and the fragility of reality, offering readers a spine-tingling journey into the darkest corners of the human psyche.

Tongues of the Moon by Philip José Farmer

In a galaxy where humanity has colonised distant planets, their once-promised birthright has been lost amidst a desolate expanse of space stations haunted by fear. Enslaved by the Empire’s terror-inducing weapon, pioneers cling to the dream of reclaiming their homeworld, Earth. Yet, their hopes are shattered by a cataclysmic holocaust that engulfs the planet in flames. From the ashes of their destroyed home, a revolutionary fervor ignites among the exiles, fueled by the remnants of Earth’s legacy. In this alien universe, where despair reigns supreme, they embark on a daring quest for freedom – for they have nothing left to lose.

The Fifth-Dimension Tube by Murray Leinster

Settle in for a rollicking science-fiction adventure. A prominent scientist and his beloved daughter have become stranded in another dimension. In order to survive, they must cast their lot with rogue mathematician Tommy Reames. To succeed in this life-or-death endeavor, Reames has to overcome not only his own gadabout ways, but also the thugs who are pursuing him. Leinster’s imaginative tale explores the boundaries of science and the human thirst for discovery, offering readers a thrilling glimpse into a world where reality bends and reality itself becomes the ultimate puzzle to solve.

The Game of Rat and Dragon by Cordwainer Smith

Humanity faces a deadly threat from the depths of space: the insidious creatures known as “Dragons” that lurk in the interstellar void. To combat this menace, specially trained pilots team up with telepathic cats under the guidance of the central government of humanity called the “Instrumentality.” Together, these unlikely partners engage in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, defending against the elusive Dragons that strike without warning. As the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance, the pilots and their feline companions must rely on courage, instinct, and the unbreakable bond between human and animal. Smith’s visionary tale blends elements of science fiction and fantasy, offering readers a thrilling journey through a universe where the line between ally and adversary is drawn in the stars themselves.

The Vortex Blaster by E. E. “Doc” Smith

The galaxy teeters on annihilation as self-sustaining vortices of atomic energy unleash chaos and destruction throughout the cosmos. Enter legendary physicist Neal Cloud, a high level genius and a lightning calculator. With countless worlds at stake, Cloud embarks on a relentless quest to blowing out the atomic vortices and becoming the Vortex Blaster. Smith’s epic tale of cosmic heroism is a thrilling ride through a universe where danger lurks at every turn and gives the reader a glance into the author’s famous Lensman series.

Sjambak by Jack Vance

Join our protagonist, a television program employee from Earth, as he ventures to a planet infused with a vibrant Mid-Eastern ambiance. Along the way, he encounters an array of eccentric characters and finds himself entangled in quirky situations. But the real intrigue lies in a groundbreaking scientific discovery: the ability to travel through space without the need for a cumbersome spacesuit. Prepare for a journey filled with wonder, humour, and the unexpected in this captivating tale of exploration and discovery.

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, more than 123 thousand words.

Bibliographical information is available at https://www.ester.ee/record=b5685174.