Short stories | Lecturia

Alice Glaser: The Tunnel Ahead

“The Tunnel Ahead” is a short story by Alice Glaser, published in November 1961 in The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. In a claustrophobic, densely populated, and tightly controlled future, a family returns from the beach along an automated highway leading back to the city. Trapped inside a tiny car and surrounded by a multitude of other motorists, the parents and their children endure the discomfort of the journey as they approach the Tunnel—an unpredictable structure whose presence stirs anxiety and fear among travelers.

Arthur C. Clarke: The Possessed

“The Possessed” is a short story by Arthur C. Clarke, published in March 1953 in Dynamic Science Fiction. It recounts the odyssey of the Swarm, an alien lifeform that travels through stellar radiation storms in search of a planet where it can take refuge. Upon arriving at a young world, it explores the surface and examines its emerging forms of life, hoping to find a suitable host to ensure its survival. As it studies this primitive planet, the Swarm faces a critical decision that will shape its future in a vast and hostile universe.

Kurt Vonnegut: Harrison Bergeron

“Harrison Bergeron” is a dystopian short story by Kurt Vonnegut, published in 1961 in The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. In the year 2081, thanks to Amendments 211, 212, and 213 of the Constitution, the United States government has imposed total equality among people through the use of devices that limit individuals’ physical and intellectual abilities. In this world, anyone who stands out as being more intelligent, attractive, or talented than others must wear devices that make them mediocre. However, not everyone agrees with these policies. One of them, Harrison Bergeron, an extraordinarily talented and strong young man, rebels against these restrictions.

Murray Leinster: A Logic Named Joe

“A Logic Named Joe” is a short story by Murray Leinster, published in March 1946 in Astounding Science Fiction magazine. It tells the story of Ducky, a maintenance technician who repairs “logics,” domestic machines with screens and keyboards capable of answering any question by connecting to vast repositories of information. It all begins when one of these devices, Joe, leaves the factory slightly defective and starts making decisions on its own, offering answers that are too efficient and dangerous. While Ducky deals with his turbulent personal life and the arrival of an old girlfriend, he discovers that Joe’s unexpected ingenuity could become a threat to everyone.

Isaac Asimov: The Last Answer

“The Last Answer” is a short story by Isaac Asimov, published in January 1980 in Analog Science Fiction/Science Fact magazine. The story begins with the sudden death of Murray Templeton, an atheist physicist who, to his surprise, retains consciousness beyond life. In this strange and ethereal state, he enters into a dialogue with a mysterious Voice that seems to transcend all human understanding. The story delves into a philosophical exploration of eternity, knowledge, and the purpose of existence, as Templeton attempts to understand the meaning of his new reality.

Damon Knight: To Serve Man

“To Serve Man” is a short story by Damon Knight, published in November 1950 in Galaxy Science Fiction magazine. Aliens called Kanamites arrive on Earth with the promise of using their advanced technology to eradicate hunger, war, and disease. Although their grotesque appearance arouses suspicion at first, lie detector tests seem to confirm their sincerity. Amidst the general enthusiasm, a skeptical translator decides to study their language, convinced that there is a hidden motive behind such altruism.