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Dueling Machine

Ben Bova

Step into a world where disputes are settled without injury in The Dueling Machine. In this thrilling tale, you and your opponent choose weapons and environments, entering an artificial reality to engage in battles to the virtual death‚Aîwithout any real harm. However, the stakes rise when a cunning warrior from the Kerak Empire discovers a way to translate these virtual confrontations into deadly reality. Now, the machines inventor, Dr. Leoh, must race against time to stop his creation from becoming a weapon of conquest. Originally written with Myron R. Lewis, this gripping story first appeared in the May 1963 issue of Analog Science Fact & Fiction. (Summary by Gregg Margarite)

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  • 21 episodes
  • daily
  • Avg 3 hr 52 min
  • English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • Yesterday · 1 hr 50 min

    Sentimentalists-Murray Leinster

    "Sentimentalists" by Murray Leinster invites listeners into a narrative that captures the essence of human emotions and relationships. This thought-provoking work explores the complexities of sentimentality, examining how it shapes our perceptions and...

  • Saturday · 2 hr 2 min

    Hate Disease-Murray Leinster

    "Hate Disease" by Murray Leinster explores the profound impact of a mysterious ailment that incites intense hatred among its victims, leading to chaos and conflict. This gripping narrative delves into the darker aspects of human nature and the...

  • Friday · 1 hr 55 min

    Naudsonce-H. Beam Piper

    Naudsonce by H. Beam Piper invites listeners into a thought-provoking exploration of a world shaped by the complexities of human nature and societal structures. This captivating tale examines themes of conflict, morality, and the consequences of...

  • Thursday · 9 hr 22 min

    Skylark of Space-Lee Hawkins Garby, E. E. Smith

    "Skylark of Space" by E. E. Smith is a pioneering work in the science fiction genre that transports listeners to the far reaches of the cosmos. This thrilling tale explores themes of adventure, exploration, and the boundless potential of human...

  • Tuesday · 2 hr 12 min

    Jewel of Bas-Leigh Douglass Brackett

    "Jewel of Bas-Leigh" by Douglass Brackett invites listeners into a richly woven narrative that captivates with its exploration of timeless themes. This compelling tale delves into the intricacies of human experience, showcasing the enduring quest for...

  • September 14 · 1 hr 12 min

    Machine Stops-E. M. Forster

    "Machine Stops" by E. M. Forster explores a future where humanity lives underground, relying entirely on a vast machine for all their needs. This thought-provoking tale examines the consequences of over-dependence on technology and the loss of human...

  • September 13 · 5 hr 23 min

    Deathworld-Harry Harrison

    "Deathworld" by Harry Harrison transports listeners to a planet where survival is a relentless challenge, highlighting the struggle of humanity against an environment that seems determined to eradicate them. This gripping narrative explores themes of...

  • September 12 · 4 hr 35 min

    Worlds Within-Rog Phillips

    "Worlds Within" by Rog Phillips invites listeners into a captivating exploration of the intricate layers of existence and consciousness. This thought-provoking narrative delves into the complexities of human experience, prompting reflections on the...

  • September 11 · 1 hr 59 min

    Rastignac The Devil-Philip José Farmer

    Rastignac The Devil by Philip José Farmer is a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, blending elements of fantasy and philosophy. The narrative delves into the struggles of its characters as they navigate moral dilemmas and the...

  • September 10 · 1 hr 32 min

    Asteroid of Fear-Raymond Z. Gallun

    Asteroid of Fear by Raymond Z. Gallun invites listeners into a gripping narrative that explores the profound themes of human resilience and the nature of fear in the face of cosmic threats. As humanity grapples with the unknown dangers posed by an...

  • September 9 · 1 hr 19 min

    Security-Poul William Anderson

    "Security" by Poul William Anderson delves into the intricate themes of trust, safety, and the delicate balance between freedom and control. As society grapples with the implications of security in our daily lives, Anderson’s exploration of these...

  • September 8 · 2 hr 34 min

    Black Amazon of Mars-Leigh Douglass Brackett

    "Black Amazon of Mars" by Leigh Douglass Brackett is a captivating tale set against the backdrop of a richly imagined Martian landscape. This story explores themes of strength, resilience, and the complexities of identity, making it a timeless...

  • September 7 · 1 hr 31 min

    Knights of Arthur-Frederik Pohl

    "Knights of Arthur" by Frederik Pohl invites listeners into a richly imagined world where themes of honor, loyalty, and the complexities of human nature are explored through the lens of chivalric ideals. This thought-provoking narrative delves into...

  • September 6 · 4 hr 2 min

    Arqtiq A Study of the Marvels at the North Pole-Anna Adolph

    "Arqtiq: A Study of the Marvels at the North Pole" by Anna Adolph invites listeners on a captivating exploration of the wonders and mysteries that lie at the Earth's northernmost reaches. This intriguing work delves into the unique phenomena and...

  • September 5 · 4 hr 9 min

    Ethical Engineer (Deathworld 2)-Harry Harrison

    "Ethical Engineer" by Harry Harrison delves into the complexities of morality and technology in a world where the line between right and wrong is often blurred. As the narrative unfolds, it challenges listeners to consider the ethical implications of...

  • August 30 · 6 hr 16 min

    Pirates of Ersatz-Murray Leinster

    Step into a world where disputes are settled without injury in The Dueling Machine. In this thrilling tale, you and your opponent choose weapons and environments, entering an artificial reality to engage in battles to the virtual death‚Aîwithout any...

  • August 29 · 8 hr 16 min

    Radio Beasts-Ralph Milne Farley

    Step into a world where disputes are settled without injury in The Dueling Machine. In this thrilling tale, you and your opponent choose weapons and environments, entering an artificial reality to engage in battles to the virtual death‚Aîwithout any...

  • August 24 · 6 hr 4 min

    Bring the Jubilee-Ward Moore

    Step into a world where disputes are settled without injury in The Dueling Machine. In this thrilling tale, you and your opponent choose weapons and environments, entering an artificial reality to engage in battles to the virtual death‚Aîwithout any...

  • August 23 · 3 hr 44 min

    Destiny Times Three-Fritz Leiber

    Step into a world where disputes are settled without injury in The Dueling Machine. In this thrilling tale, you and your opponent choose weapons and environments, entering an artificial reality to engage in battles to the virtual death‚Aîwithout any...

Showing 1–20 of 21 episodes