FictionScience FictionTechnology

Variable Man

Philip K. Dick

In a future where predictability reigns supreme, advanced computers can forecast the outcomes of wars before a single shot is fired. However, they foresee a grim stalemate between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they desperately require is an element of unpredictability, and that‚Äôs precisely what they get when Thomas Cole, a man from the past, is inadvertently thrust into their time. Can he disrupt their calculated predictions, or is he merely another variable in a game of chance? Discover the thrilling tale of The Variable Man, originally published in the September 1953 issue of Space Science Fiction magazine. (Summary by Gregg Margarite)

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20 episodes
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Sunday · 4 hr 45 min
Man on the Meteor-Ray Cummings
"Man on the Meteor-Ray Cummings" explores the intriguing concept of a man caught in the cosmic dance of fate and destiny. This thought-provoking tale examines the intersections of human ambition and the vastness of the universe, inviting listeners to...
Saturday · 2 hr 34 min
Black Amazon of Mars-Leigh Douglass Brackett
"Black Amazon of Mars" by Leigh Douglass Brackett transports listeners to a vividly imagined Martian landscape, where themes of resilience and empowerment resonate deeply. This gripping tale explores the strength of its central character as she...
October 4 · 1 hr 48 min
Creature from Cleveland Depths-Fritz Leiber
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October 3 · 4 hr 33 min
Crack of Doom-Robert Cromie
"Crack of Doom" by Robert Cromie invites listeners into a gripping narrative that explores the depths of human experience against the backdrop of fate and consequence. As the characters navigate their challenges, the story delves into timeless themes...
September 27 · 7 hr 3 min
Time Traders-Andre Norton
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September 26 · 4 hr 23 min
Green Girl-Jack Williamson
"Green Girl" by Jack Williamson invites listeners into a world of exploration and discovery, showcasing themes of identity and the human experience. This thought-provoking tale resonates with timeless questions about what it means to be truly alive...
September 20 · 4 hr 12 min
Out of Time's Abyss (version 2)-Edgar Rice Burroughs
"Out of Time's Abyss," a captivating tale by Edgar Rice Burroughs, transports listeners to a world where time and adventure intertwine in extraordinary ways. This gripping narrative explores themes of heroism, survival, and the relentless quest for...
September 19 · 59 min
Defenders-Philip K. Dick
"Defenders-Philip K. Dick" invites listeners into the thought-provoking universe of one of science fiction's most influential authors. This collection delves into the complexities of human existence, exploring themes of reality, identity, and the...
September 13 · 1 hr 43 min
Second Variety-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. This thought-provoking narrative delves into the themes of identity, the nature of humanity, and...
September 12 · 1 hr 19 min
Security-Poul William Anderson
"Security" by Poul William Anderson delves into the complexities of human nature and societal structures in a world where personal freedoms are often sacrificed for safety. This thought-provoking narrative explores the balance between security and...
September 6 · 3 hr 35 min
This Crowded Earth-Robert Bloch
This Crowded Earth by Robert Bloch explores a world overwhelmed by the consequences of overpopulation and the resulting societal tensions. As humanity grapples with its limitations and the struggle for survival, the narrative delves into themes of...
September 5 · 3 hr 6 min
Variable Man (Version 2)-Philip K. Dick
"Variable Man" by Philip K. Dick explores the complexities of technology and human agency in a world where a single individual's actions can disrupt the fabric of society. This thought-provoking narrative delves into themes of identity, free will, and...
August 30 · 1 hr 34 min
Devil in Iron-Robert E. Howard
In a future where predictability reigns supreme, advanced computers can forecast the outcomes of wars before a single shot is fired. However, they foresee a grim stalemate between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they desperately require is an...
August 29 · 4 hr 8 min
Hartmann the Anarchist, or the Doom of a Great City-Edward Douglas Fawcett
In a future where predictability reigns supreme, advanced computers can forecast the outcomes of wars before a single shot is fired. However, they foresee a grim stalemate between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they desperately require is an...
August 24 · 6 hr 9 min
Talents, Incorporated-Murray Leinster
In a future where predictability reigns supreme, advanced computers can forecast the outcomes of wars before a single shot is fired. However, they foresee a grim stalemate between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they desperately require is an...
August 23 · 2 hr 28 min
Menace from Below-Harl Vincent
In a future where predictability reigns supreme, advanced computers can forecast the outcomes of wars before a single shot is fired. However, they foresee a grim stalemate between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they desperately require is an...
August 22 · 4 hr 9 min
Ethical Engineer (Deathworld 2)-Harry Harrison
In a future where predictability reigns supreme, advanced computers can forecast the outcomes of wars before a single shot is fired. However, they foresee a grim stalemate between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they desperately require is an...
August 21 · 2 hr 16 min
Martian Odyssey & A Valley of Dreams-Stanley G. Weinbaum
In a future where predictability reigns supreme, advanced computers can forecast the outcomes of wars before a single shot is fired. However, they foresee a grim stalemate between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they desperately require is an...
August 20 · 8 hr 36 min
Tarrano the Conqueror-Ray Cummings
In a future where predictability reigns supreme, advanced computers can forecast the outcomes of wars before a single shot is fired. However, they foresee a grim stalemate between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they desperately require is an...
August 19 · 5 hr 31 min
Creature from Beyond Infinity-Henry Kuttner
In a future where predictability reigns supreme, advanced computers can forecast the outcomes of wars before a single shot is fired. However, they foresee a grim stalemate between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they desperately require is an...

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