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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.

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.

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.