Showing results by author "Robert Sheckley" in All Categories

Here are 10 stories from the May and June 2003 issues of The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, including a tribute to SF great Barry M. Malzberg.

Salvatore commands the battleship Endymion. He's seen his share of battles and fought them bravely, too. So he doesn't hesitate when beautiful Princess Hatari pleads for his help. She wants to regain her throne, but it may be more than Salvatore can accomplish, for the deadly race known as the Balderdash has taken over the planet Melchior--and now, even his own men have turned against him!

On a distant planet, a marooned man is joyous to see a ship landing. But what does the crew make of him? Based on a story by Robert Sheckley, this episode of X Minus One originally aired on September 26, 1957.

A lonely man accepts a free offer from a matchmaking service: success guaranteed. Based on a story by Robert Sheckley, this episode of X Minus One originally aired on January 9, 1958.

The colonists on New Delaware are told they need to be "civilized". That means they must have jails. The only problem is, they have no criminals. Based on a story by Robert Sheckley, this episode of X Minus One originally aired on February 15, 1956.

In Diplomatic Immunity by Robert Sheckley, Earth faces an enigmatic visitor from the stars whose very nature defies logic and science. A wry and suspenseful meditation on alien power, human defiance, and the fine line between diplomacy and domination, this classic sci-fi tale blends sharp satire with big-idea speculation. Perfect for fans of thought-provoking, twist-laden storytelling.

Step into a chilling future where warfare isn’t just fought with weapons—but with the mind. The Hour of Battle by Robert Sheckley delivers a gripping tale of suspense, set against the vast backdrop of deep space.

Step into the mind of Anders in Warm by Robert Sheckley—a hauntingly cerebral sci-fi tale that delves into the boundaries of love, perception, and identity. As a mysterious voice invades his thoughts, Anders is forced to question the very fabric of reality during what should be a simple evening with the woman he adores. Set against a backdrop of mid-century science fiction, Sheckley’s story masterfully blurs the line between the known and the unknowable, inviting readers into a surreal journey of existential unraveling.

In a future where therapy is automated and absurdity reigns, Bad Medicine by Robert Sheckley delivers a razor-sharp satire of mental health, technology, and the human condition.

Final Examination by Robert Sheckley is a gripping mid-century science fiction tale that delves into the psychological and societal unraveling sparked by an impending cosmic reckoning. As the stars begin to vanish from the night sky, humanity is given a chilling countdown to judgment.

Set in a futuristic world of interplanetary travel and moral regulation, this darkly humorous sci-fi tale explores the perils of trading authentic human connection for artificial pleasure. When Ralph Garvey activates his mysterious companion, he gets far more than he bargained for—sparking a suspenseful, satirical battle for survival.

One Man’s Poison by Robert Sheckley is a witty and suspenseful science fiction short story from the early 1950s that explores alien life and survival with a darkly comedic twist.

“Keep Your Shape” by Robert Sheckley is a thought-provoking science fiction short story from the early 1950s that blends satire, social commentary, and classic sci-fi themes. The tale follows Pid, a shape-shifting alien from the Grom species, on a mission to Earth using advanced Displacer technology. As the Grom crew confronts both the alien terrain and their own internal conflicts, the story dives into questions of conformity, identity, and rebellion against rigid societal roles.

First published in the early 1950s, the story follows beings from across the universe—especially Morran and Lingman—as they seek out the enigmatic Answerer, a near-omniscient entity designed to reveal the answers to any question. But as the seekers discover, the quality of the answer depends entirely on the quality of the question.

Prospector’s Special by Robert Sheckley is a gripping sci-fi adventure that blends biting satire with raw human determination. When Tom Morrison’s sandcar fails and his supplies dwindle, he must face Venus’s deadly terrain—and his own ambition—armed with nothing but grit and a bizarre robotic mailman.

Step into a haunting post-apocalyptic world where imagination is the only tool left to reshape reality. Proof of the Pudding by Robert Sheckley is a thought-provoking science fiction tale that explores the boundaries of creation, perception, and human connection.

Set in a world where every comfort and convenience comes at a staggering cost, the story follows Carrin, an ordinary man crushed beneath the weight of debt in a society obsessed with technological luxury. As he reflects on the tragic suicide of a neighbor and prepares for a visit from a relentless finance agent, Carrin confronts the unsettling truth about consumerism, inherited debt, and the price of happiness.

When two space travelers encounter a planet of proud warriors with a bizarre concept of honor, diplomacy takes an unexpected turn. Sheckley's signature wit and social commentary shine in this clever exploration of alien values and human folly.

Beside Still Waters by Robert Sheckley is a quietly powerful science fiction novella that explores the nature of companionship, memory, and human longing in the loneliness of deep space.

Are you a fan of science fiction and suspenseful short stories? Look no further than Robert Sheckley's Wild Talents, Inc. This audiobook takes you into a unique talent agency that deals with individuals possessing psychic abilities - some of whom are quite peculiar and on the fringe of lunacy.