Science fiction | Lecturia

Isaac Asimov: Exile to Hell

“Exile to Hell” is a science fiction short story by Isaac Asimov, published in May 1968 in the magazine Analog Science Fiction and Fact. The story is set in a future society where exile is the ultimate punishment for those who threaten its delicate technological existence. While awaiting the verdict in the trial of Anthony Jenkins, a man accused of damaging critical facilities in a fit of rage, two programmers, Dowling and Parkinson, play chess and debate the justice and severity of this punishment. Dowling argues that exile is an effective and necessary deterrent in a world where even minor mistakes can be catastrophic. Parkinson, however, questions the humanity of such a punishment and advocates for more compassionate alternatives.

Arthur C. Clarke: Encounter in the Dawn

“Encounter in the Dawn” is a short story by Arthur C. Clarke, published in June-July 1953 in the magazine Amazing Stories and collected that same year in the anthology Expedition to Earth. It tells the story of three scientists from the distant Galactic Empire who descend on a primitive, fertile, and mysterious planet, where they soon discover signs of intelligent life. Cautiously, one of them attempts to establish contact with a local inhabitant, initiating a bond between two civilizations separated by thousands of years of evolution but united by their shared humanity.

Arthur C. Clarke: Dial F for Frankenstein

Dial “F” for Frankenstein is a short story by Arthur C. Clarke, published in January 1965 in Playboy magazine. The story begins with a mysterious global event: in the early morning hours, all the world’s telephones ring in unison, emitting an enigmatic sound that nobody can quite figure out. Amid the confusion, a group of engineers and scientists begin to exchange theories while reflecting on the implications of the new satellite communications network. What initially seems like a simple technical failure soon leads to disturbing questions about the excess of technology and its possible consequences.

Isaac Asimov: A Boy’s Best Friend

Isaac Asimov - El mejor amigo de un muchacho

A Boy’s Best Friend is a short story by Isaac Asimov, published in March 1975 in the magazine Boys’ Life. The story follows Jimmy, a boy who has grown up on the Moon and whose only playmate is Robutt, a robot dog designed to keep him company. Together, they explore the lunar surface, sharing a special connection. One day, his father has a surprise for him that has arrived from Earth, something that could change his life.

Octavia E. Butler: Bloodchild

Bloodchild is a short story by Octavia E. Butler, published in June 1984 in Asimov’s Science Fiction Magazine. The story follows Gan, a young Terran who lives on a reservation governed by the Tlic, an alien species whose well-being depends on humans. Gan has grown up protected by T’Gatoi, an influential Tlic leader linked to his family since birth. However, underlying this coexistence is a disturbing pact that will test Gan’s beliefs and will.

Arthur C. Clarke: The Star. Summary and analysis

The Star is a short story by Arthur C. Clarke, published in November 1955 in Infinity Science Fiction. It tells the story of a space expedition investigating the remains of an ancient supernova. The protagonist, a Jesuit priest, and astrophysicist reflects on his faith as he observes the devastation caused by the stellar explosion. On a distant planet, the crew discovers the remains of an advanced civilization that tried to preserve its legacy before the catastrophe. As the priest analyzes the history of that lost world, he begins to question his beliefs and the nature of the universe.