Short stories | Lecturia

Harry Harrison: The Streets of Ashkelon

“The Streets of Ashkelon” is a science fiction short story by Harry Harrison, published in September 1962 in New Worlds Science Fiction magazine. In the remote world of Wesker, Gath, an atheist merchant, lives alongside a society of intelligent amphibians who are unfamiliar with religion and any form of superstition. The harmony is shattered when Father Mark arrives, a missionary determined to evangelize the natives. His presence triggers a conflict that threatens to disrupt the fragile coexistence on the planet.

Harlan Ellison: A Boy and His Dog

“A Boy and His Dog” is a stark tale by Harlan Ellison, published in April 1969 in New Worlds magazine. It follows Vic, a teenager who roams a post-apocalyptic world in the company of a dog with psychic abilities, with whom he shares a close bond. In a devastated city, Vic searches for food for them both, while the dog tracks down women so the boy can satisfy other appetites. One day, inside a ruined movie theater, the animal detects the scent of a young woman who should not be there. Following that trail leads Vic into unfamiliar territory, filled with dangers and an unexpected mission.

Clifford D. Simak: Desertion

“Desertion” is a short story by Clifford D. Simak, published in November 1944 in Astounding Science Fiction magazine. At a base on Jupiter, Kent Fowler leads a project aimed at discovering how to enable Earthlings to survive on a planet whose conditions make human life impossible. He has sent four expeditions, none of which have returned, fueling fears of irreversible failure. Now he must undertake a fifth attempt while facing the critical gaze of those around him, who are convinced that his efforts only lead men to their deaths.

Isaac Asimov: First Law

“First Law” is a short story by Isaac Asimov published in October 1956 in Fantastic Universe magazine. The story follows Mike Donovan, a veteran robotics engineer, who recounts an unusual situation that occurred on Titan, one of Saturn’s moons. There, during a mining mission, an experimental robot model from the MA series exhibits unexpected behavior that seems to contradict the First Law of Robotics: “A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.” The story presents an intriguing situation that challenges the fundamental principles of artificial intelligence.

Arthur C. Clarke: The Sentinel

“The Sentinel” is a science fiction short story by Arthur C. Clarke published in 1951 in the magazine Ten Story Fantasy, which served as inspiration for the film 2001: A Space Odyssey. It tells the story of a group of lunar explorers led by a geologist who discover a mysterious pyramid-shaped structure on a mountain plateau in Mare Crisium. The expedition, initially focused on collecting minerals and studying the terrain, is interrupted by this unexpected find. The pyramid, which reflects sunlight with a metallic sheen, suggests that it is not a natural formation, arousing the team’s curiosity and sense of adventure.

Bob Shaw: Light of Other Days

“Light of Other Days” is a short story by Bob Shaw, published in August 1966 in Analog Science Fiction/Science Fact. A couple in crisis travels to a rural area of Scotland, where slow glass panels are manufactured — a peculiar material that delays the passage of light and captures scenes with astonishing clarity. Amid a haunting and silent landscape, they visit a remote farm and meet the eccentric maker, who offers them a high-quality panel that has been storing light for ten years. However, what initially seems like a simple commercial transaction gradually reveals a deeper and more unsettling story.