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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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  • 33 episodes
  • Avg 3 hr 45 min
  • English

Episodes 33

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  • Today · 3 hr 6 min

    Variable Man (Version 2)-Philip K. Dick

    Variable Man (Version 2) by Philip K. Dick. Philip K. Dick wrote some great Science Fiction and here is an example. Published in 1953, in Space Science Fiction, t his story explores an earth that is rigidly bound both by centuries of single minded...

  • October 31 · 5 hr 23 min

    Deathworld-Harry Harrison

    "Deathworld" by Harry Harrison immerses listeners in a vividly crafted universe where survival is a constant battle against a hostile environment. This gripping tale explores themes of adaptation, resilience, and the lengths to which humanity will go...

  • October 25 · 2 hr 12 min

    Greylorn-Keith Laumer

    "Greylorn" by Keith Laumer is a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of human nature and the consequences of advanced technology. This gripping narrative delves into themes of identity, morality, and the struggle for survival in a world...

  • October 24 · 6 hr 49 min

    Onslaught from Rigel-Fletcher Pratt

    Onslaught from Rigel-Fletcher Pratt is a gripping tale that delves into the complexities of interstellar conflict and the human spirit's resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. This story captures the essence of struggle and survival, as it...

  • October 18 · 1 hr 55 min

    Second Variety (Version 2)-Philip K. Dick

    "Second Variety" by Philip K. Dick explores a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by war, where humanity grapples with the consequences of its own creations. As society attempts to rebuild, the emergence of deadly, autonomous clones raises profound...

  • October 17 · 1 hr 56 min

    Scarlet Plague-Jack London

    "Scarlet Plague" by Jack London presents a haunting tale set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a devastating plague that has wiped out most of humanity. The story explores themes of survival, the fragility of civilization, and the enduring nature...

  • October 10 · 1 hr 36 min

    Machine that Saved the World-Murray Leinster

    "Machine that Saved the World" by Murray Leinster explores the profound implications of technology and its potential to reshape humanity's future. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into the complexities of dependence on machines and the moral...

  • October 4 · 9 hr 5 min

    Chessmen of Mars (version 2)-Edgar Rice Burroughs

    "Chessmen of Mars" by Edgar Rice Burroughs invites listeners into a thrilling adventure set on the red planet, where the stakes of life and death are determined by the ancient game of chess. This captivating tale explores themes of strategy, loyalty,...

  • October 3 · 3 hr 33 min

    Ultimate Weapon (Version 2)-John Wood Campbell, Jr

    "Ultimate Weapon (Version 2)" by John Wood Campbell, Jr. delves into the profound implications of technological advancements in warfare and the moral dilemmas they present. This gripping narrative explores the consequences of humanity's relentless...

  • September 27 · 3 hr 55 min

    Wolfbane-C. M. Kornbluth, Frederik Pohl

    "Wolfbane" by C. M. Kornbluth and Frederik Pohl is a thought-provoking exploration of a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by war and the consequences of human actions. The narrative delves into themes of survival, morality, and the complexities of human...

  • September 26 · 1 hr 28 min

    Happy Unfortunate-Robert Silverberg

    "Happy Unfortunate" by Robert Silverberg invites listeners into a thought-provoking exploration of human resilience and the complexities of fate. This compelling narrative delves into the paradoxes of happiness and misfortune, prompting reflections on...

  • September 20 · 2 hr 24 min

    Moon Hoax-Richard Adams Locke

    "Moon Hoax" by Richard Adams Locke is a fascinating exploration of the imaginative possibilities surrounding lunar exploration and the human desire to understand the cosmos. Originally presented as a series of articles, Locke's work captures the...

  • September 19 · 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...

Showing 1–20 of 33 episodes