Showing results by author "H Beam Piper" in All Categories

Dive into the imaginative worlds of H. Beam Piper, a pioneering voice in science fiction, with this collection of five captivating short stories that explore the boundaries of technology, society, and the human experience.

Conn Maxwell returns from Terra to his poverty-stricken home planet of Poictesme, “The Junkyard Planet”, with news of the possible location of Merlin, a military super-computer rumored to have been abandoned there after the last war. The inhabitants hope to find Merlin, which they think will be their ticket to wealth and prosperity. But is Merlin real or just an old rumor? And if they find it, will it save them - or tear them apart?

Uller Uprising delves into the gripping tale of a human overlord facing a rebellion from alien servants, culminating in an ironic twist that will leave you pondering its implications. Drawing inspiration from one of historys pivotal moments—the Sepoy Mutiny in British-held India—this narrative goes beyond a simple retelling. Instead, it offers a profound analysis of a historical event reframed in a distant future. As with much of Pipers acclaimed work, this story masterfully intertwines fiction with real-world themes that resonate across time. (Summary from John F. Carrs ...

Did you know that our little planet exists not just on a singular timeline but alongside countless others—thousands, even millions of parallel realities? Some timelines are primitive, while others are astonishingly advanced, yet they remain blissfully unaware of each others existence. But what happens when one of these timelines discovers the others and finds a way to traverse between them? Thats when chaos ensues. Enter the ParaPolice, who are tasked with untangling the mess that unfolds when these worlds collide. Join us as we explore the intricacies and challenges of this thrilling ...

In a galaxy where the Galactic Empire is gradually incorporating long-forgotten systems, the planet Aditya stands out for a disturbing reason—it thrives on slavery. For centuries, its economy has depended on the oppression of its inhabitants, with only a select few Lords holding power. As the Empire extends its hand with promises of civilization and governance, they impose their Constitution, which explicitly forbids slavery. What unfolds when the oppressed are finally offered freedom? Join us on a thought-provoking journey that explores the clash between an age-old society and the ...

In the far future, The Company has taken up the franchise for planet Uller and are employing the saurian natives. However, some native Ulleran leaders don't like how life is changing and seek to destroy the human company agents. There are desperate times ahead for the humans on Uller, with no one coming to help, they're surrounded and cut off.

H. Beam Piper (1904‚Aì1964) was a pioneering American science fiction author renowned for his imaginative storytelling. He crafted a multitude of short stories and several captivating novels, with his most celebrated works being the extensive Terro-Human Future History series and a fascinating collection of Paratime alternate history tales. (Summary from Wikipedia)

Set two hundred years after a devastating global nuclear war, Return follows two explorers from a resilient research outpost as they stumble upon a thriving human settlement. Against the backdrop of ferocious cannibal neighbors known as the Scowrers, these explorers must don their detective hats to unravel the enigmatic philosophy and religion that bind their newfound hosts. Will they uncover the secrets that have allowed this civilization to endure? (Description by Reynard)

On the distant planet of Kwannon, the inhabitants fear their world is on the brink of destruction. In their frantic attempts to prepare for the apocalypse, they may be unwittingly sealing their fate. With a bureaucratic government paralyzed by red tape and a military stretched thin, can one determined newsman turn the tide and save an entire civilization? Discover the gripping tale of hope and resilience in Oomphel in the Sky. (by Mark Nelson)

In todays world, theres a growing sentiment that places blame on scientists for the chaos of war. But let‚As explore this idea further What if the responsibility extends to book-learnin itself? Dive into this thought-provoking discussion inspired by a quote from Astounding Science Fiction, February 1953.

Join an extraordinary expedition to Mars as a team of explorers uncovers the remnants of a once-advanced civilization that vanished thousands of years ago. Among the ruins, they find ancient books and documents filled with mysteries. Will they be able to discover the elusive Rosetta Stone that unlocks the Martian language and reveals the secrets of this long-lost race? (Summary by Mark Nelson)

What does Naudsonce really mean? To uncover this mystery, dive into a fascinating tale where Pipers imaginative storytelling examines the essence of communication and its complexities. A joint expedition from the Space Navy and the Colonial Office has been on a quest for new worlds suitable for colonization for four long years. Having explored eleven systems and landed on eight planets, they faced disheartening setbacks‚Aîthree promising candidates were eliminated due to hostile wildlife or aggressive inhabitants. Now, theyve discovered what appears to be the perfect world; their last shot ...

Dive into the witty world of science fiction at its finest in this classic tale published in Astounding Science Fiction in December 1958. Piper masterfully delivers a sardonic critique of human nature as we explore a stagnant Empire scattered across countless planets around Earth. Despite Emperor Pauls awareness of the dire need for change, he finds himself powerless against the relentless grip of an age-old bureaucratic system. As whispers of a potential coup surface, the tension mounts in a story that promises an exhilarating climax. Experience Pipers unparalleled talent and imaginative ...

In a world ravaged by World War IV for over a decade, exhaustion and despair grip humanity as the relentless killing continues. Enter a high school chemistry teacher from St. Louis, thrust into the chaos as part of the UN forces. In a surreal twist of fate, he dies‚Aîor does he? What if he suddenly wielded the power to forge peace across the globe? This gripping tale delves into the unsettling journey through the darkest corners of human ambition and desire, revealing how they can lead us to unexpected and terrifying places.

Step into the intriguing world of the Terro-Human Future History, where the next 6,000 years of human evolution unfold. Beginning in 1942 with the construction of the first fission reactor, this era marks the dawn of the Atomic Era (1 A.E.). A nuclear war in 1973 reshapes the planet, setting the stage for the rise of a Terran Federation as humanity ventures into space and unlocks the secrets of antigravity technology. The Edge of the Knife, a gripping story collected in Empire, takes place just before this catastrophic war, following a man gifted with visions of the future. This narrative ...

Fenris may not be a hellish world, but it certainly comes with its challenges. With grueling 2,000-hour days and a staggering 8,000-hour year, this planet swings between scorching heat and bone-chilling cold. Such extreme conditions forge a unique breed of people‚Aîresilient enough to survive and clever enough to thrive. But when one of these tough individuals realizes hes being swindled out of the riches hes fought hard to obtain, the stage is set for a revolution in this unforgiving landscape. (Introduction from the Gutenberg text)

Welcome to New Texas, where the name says it all. The Solar League ambassador faces a daunting challenge convincing the fiercely independent New Texans that a sSrauff attack is not just a possibility, but an imminent threat. With a species evolved from canine ancestors, it‚As hard to instill fear in a population that sees talking dogs as little more than a curiosity. Time is running out, and unless he can rally the Texans to take swift action, their way of life‚Aîand their very existence‚Aîmay be at stake!

Conn Maxwell returns to his impoverished home planet of Poictesme, known as The Junkyard Planet, with tantalizing news about the potential whereabouts of Merlin‚Aîa legendary military super-computer believed to have been left behind after the last war. The desperate inhabitants see Merlin as their beacon of hope, a chance to transform their lives and escape poverty. But as they embark on this quest, they must grapple with the uncertainty of whether Merlin truly exists, and if found, whether it will be their salvation or their downfall. (by Mark Nelson)

In Little Fuzzy, join Jack Holloway, a tenacious prospector on the distant planet Zarathustra, as he stumbles upon a fascinating discovery‚Aîsmall, furry creatures that exhibit signs of intelligence. The question looms are they mere animals, or do they possess true sapience? If they are indeed sentient beings, the implications are monumental, threatening the commercial interests of a powerful corporation that seeks to exploit the planets resources. Will Jack fight to protect these creatures and challenge the corporate machine? (Summary by tabithat)

From Astounding Tales Published February and March 1955 The Paratime Police had a real headache this time! Tracing one man in a population of millions is easy—compared to finding one gang hiding out on one of billions of probability lines! This story from 1955 has rocket ships, time travel, slaves, post-hypnotic suggestions, drugged citizens, and a complete disregard for human rights. And those are the good guys. As a look back in time at "classic" science fiction, it's an interesting snapshot of a time when tobacco was common, sexism was unconscious, and female characters were a long way ...