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Second Variety

Philip K. Dick

In a world ravaged by a global nuclear war, the early triumphs of the USSR force the United Nations government to retreat to the moon, abandoning troops and fearsome autonomous robots known as “Claws.” These relentless machines reproduce and evolve in hidden subterranean factories. After six grueling years of conflict, an urgent conference is called by the Soviets, prompting UN Major Joseph Hendricks to embark on a perilous journey to meet them. What he uncovers about the Claws along the way is far more alarming than he could have ever imagined. Originally published in the May 1953 edition of Space Science Fiction Magazine, this gripping tale is narrated by Gregg Margarite.

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  • 20 episodes
  • daily
  • Avg 3 hr 51 min
  • English
  • Yesterday · 7 hr 50 min

    Last Man, Volume I-Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

    "Last Man, Volume I" by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley delves into a dystopian future where humanity faces the devastating consequences of isolation and despair. As the narrative unfolds, it explores themes of loneliness, survival, and the fragility of...

  • September 13 · 1 hr 55 min

    Naudsonce-H. Beam Piper

    Naudsonce by H. Beam Piper explores the complexities of human nature and the consequences of technological advancement in a thought-provoking narrative. This enduring tale delves into themes of survival and adaptation, showcasing the struggles faced...

  • September 12 · 1 hr 29 min

    I Was a Teen-Age Secret Weapon-Richard Sabia

    "I Was a Teen-Age Secret Weapon" by Richard Sabia delves into the complexities of adolescence and the unique challenges faced by teenagers as they navigate their formative years. This compelling narrative captures the essence of youthful rebellion,...

  • September 6 · 43 min

    Eyes Have It & Tony and the Beetles-Philip K. Dick

    "Eyes Have It & Tony and the Beetles" by Philip K. Dick presents a fascinating exploration of perception and reality through its unique narratives. These stories delve into the intricacies of human experience, questioning how much of what we see and...

  • August 24 · 9 hr 40 min

    City of Endless Night-Milo Hastings

    In a world ravaged by a global nuclear war, the early triumphs of the USSR force the United Nations government to retreat to the moon, abandoning troops and fearsome autonomous robots known as “Claws.” These relentless machines reproduce and...

  • August 23 · 7 hr 5 min

    Plague Ship-Andre Norton

    In a world ravaged by a global nuclear war, the early triumphs of the USSR force the United Nations government to retreat to the moon, abandoning troops and fearsome autonomous robots known as “Claws.” These relentless machines reproduce and...

  • August 22 · 2 hr 34 min

    Beyond the Black River-Robert E. Howard

    In a world ravaged by a global nuclear war, the early triumphs of the USSR force the United Nations government to retreat to the moon, abandoning troops and fearsome autonomous robots known as “Claws.” These relentless machines reproduce and...

  • August 21 · 6 hr 49 min

    Onslaught from Rigel-Fletcher Pratt

    In a world ravaged by a global nuclear war, the early triumphs of the USSR force the United Nations government to retreat to the moon, abandoning troops and fearsome autonomous robots known as “Claws.” These relentless machines reproduce and...

  • August 20 · 1 hr 50 min

    Sentimentalists-Murray Leinster

    In a world ravaged by a global nuclear war, the early triumphs of the USSR force the United Nations government to retreat to the moon, abandoning troops and fearsome autonomous robots known as “Claws.” These relentless machines reproduce and...

  • August 19 · 1 hr 23 min

    Stars, My Brothers-Edmond Hamilton

    In a world ravaged by a global nuclear war, the early triumphs of the USSR force the United Nations government to retreat to the moon, abandoning troops and fearsome autonomous robots known as “Claws.” These relentless machines reproduce and...

  • August 18 · 1 hr 48 min

    Creature from Cleveland Depths-Fritz Leiber

    In a world ravaged by a global nuclear war, the early triumphs of the USSR force the United Nations government to retreat to the moon, abandoning troops and fearsome autonomous robots known as “Claws.” These relentless machines reproduce and...

  • August 17 · 3 hr 6 min

    Variable Man (Version 2)-Philip K. Dick

    In a world ravaged by a global nuclear war, the early triumphs of the USSR force the United Nations government to retreat to the moon, abandoning troops and fearsome autonomous robots known as “Claws.” These relentless machines reproduce and...

  • August 16 · 4 hr 43 min

    Syndic-C. M. Kornbluth

    In a world ravaged by a global nuclear war, the early triumphs of the USSR force the United Nations government to retreat to the moon, abandoning troops and fearsome autonomous robots known as “Claws.” These relentless machines reproduce and...

  • August 15 · 9 hr 5 min

    Chessmen of Mars (version 2)-Edgar Rice Burroughs

    In a world ravaged by a global nuclear war, the early triumphs of the USSR force the United Nations government to retreat to the moon, abandoning troops and fearsome autonomous robots known as “Claws.” These relentless machines reproduce and...

  • August 11 · 3 hr

    Enchantress Of Venus-Leigh Douglass Brackett

    In a world ravaged by a global nuclear war, the early triumphs of the USSR force the United Nations government to retreat to the moon, abandoning troops and fearsome autonomous robots known as “Claws.” These relentless machines reproduce and...

  • August 10 · 1 hr 42 min

    Runaway Skyscraper-Murray Leinster

    In a world ravaged by a global nuclear war, the early triumphs of the USSR force the United Nations government to retreat to the moon, abandoning troops and fearsome autonomous robots known as “Claws.” These relentless machines reproduce and...

  • August 10 · 1 hr 31 min

    Knights of Arthur-Frederik Pohl

    In a world ravaged by a global nuclear war, the early triumphs of the USSR force the United Nations government to retreat to the moon, abandoning troops and fearsome autonomous robots known as “Claws.” These relentless machines reproduce and...

  • August 8 · 1 hr 40 min

    Comet Doom-Edmond Hamilton

    "Comet Doom" by Edmond Hamilton explores the thrilling and perilous consequences of a cosmic catastrophe that threatens humanity's existence. As a powerful comet approaches Earth, the story delves into themes of survival, resilience, and the human...

  • August 7 · 7 hr 46 min

    Drop in Infinity-Gerald Grogan

    "Drop in Infinity-Gerald Grogan" invites listeners into a thought-provoking exploration of existence and perception. Through its unique narrative, the book challenges our understanding of reality and the infinite possibilities that lie within it....

  • August 6 · 1 hr 21 min

    Return-John J. McGuire, H. Beam Piper

    "Return" by John J. McGuire and H. Beam Piper invites listeners into a thought-provoking narrative that explores themes of identity, legacy, and the cyclical nature of human experience. This gripping tale delves into the consequences of past actions...

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