Librivox Short Science Fiction Collection Vol. 003

 

Available for free download at:

Audio files: http://librivox.org/short-science-fiction-collection-vol-003/

 

 

I'm not sure why, but this series of anthologies repeats some stories in more than one volume.  When this is the case, it is noted at the end of the entry for the story.

 

 

1)

And All the Earth a Grave by C.C. MacApp - 00:16:30

 

Coffin manufacturer has massive ad campaign that makes coffins the must-have Christmas gift, a fashionable item, etc.  Populations begin to drop...

Humorous look at marketing and consumerism, but perhaps not so strong as an SF story.

 

2)

The Big Bounce by Walter S. Tevis - 00:19:47

 

Inventor makes big ball out of material that becomes more energetic with each bounce.  When a mishap occurs, the ball smashes out of the laboratory and starts bouncing towards the city, causing increasing damage.

A somewhat odd story, perhaps a parody on mad scientist stories.  Not to be taken too seriously.

 

3)

The Dark Door by Alan Edward Nourse - 00:48:33

 

A scientist is researching a trend of increasing numbers of insanity.  The people he hires to investigate go crazy.  The most recent believes he has discovered people who live in 4 dimensions – he thinks they are out to get him.  The scientist tries using a mind viewing machine to find out what the man really saw. 

Sort of more like a thriller with some future science elements.  And some questions about being able to distinguish what is real.

 

4)

Gambler’s World by Keith Laumer - 00:55:24

 

A Retief story.  The diplomatic services are preparing to sign an agreement with the leader of another world.  But Retief stumbles across plans for a coup about to take place on the day of the agreement.  He must talk his way through with the conspirators – while accompanied by a typical (no so clever) diplomat. 

Entertaining, but a bit on the formula-story side.

 

5)

An Incident on Route 12 by James H. Schmitz - 00:11:51

 

A car breaks down when a bank robber is driving it down the highway to meet with collaborators.  He gets another car to stop, then shoots the other driver, so he can take the car.  The other driver doesn't die so easy, and its human appearance gives way to a more roach-like appearance.

Interesting, but limited by its brevity.

 

6)

The Repairman by Harry Harrison - 00:29:56

 

An interstellar hyperspace beacon repairman.  He finds the broken beacon has been enclosed in a pyramid by the natives of the planet.  He must be a con man as well as a repairman to get the job done.

Should be entertaining for those who like the Stainless Steel Rat.

[Also appears in Librivox Short Science Fiction Collection Vol. 001]

[Also appears in Librivox Short Science Fiction Collection Vol. 004]

 

7)

Tight Squeeze by Dean Charles Ing - 00:35:09

 

A supply rocket going to a space station in Earth orbit has technical problems.  A crewman has difficulties making repairs in zero G, etc.

Story feels like early SF when a rocket going into orbit was exciting.  Will probably appeal more to those who appreciate stories of that era.

 

8)

Time and Time Again by H. Beam Piper - 00:48:48

 

43-year-old man injured in WWIII.  He wakes up in his 13-year-old body, but with 43-year-old mind, at end of WWII.  He tries to figure out what happened and what his options are. 

It presents the mind as a non-physical entity that can exist separate from the brain.  May appeal more to those who like stories set in an old-time folksy atmosphere.

 

9)

Warning from the Stars by Ron Cocking - 00:44:3

 

Military scientists are vanishing.  One receives a message telling him that extraterrestrials are going to take as many weapons scientists as needed to make the arms race grind to a halt.

For those who'd like something a bit like The Day The Earth Stood Still.

[Also appears in Librivox Short Science Fiction Collection Vol. 001]

 

10)

The White Feather Hex by Don Peterson - 00:32:57

 

Not science fiction.  Witchcraft / black magic of the old kind in Pennsylvania Dutch farm country.  Bad guy is searching to find someone who knows how a certain hex is done.  A farmer shows him how, but when he tries it himself, it doesn’t go as he intended. 

For those who like things like Tales From The Crypt.

 

.

 

.