This is not a short story! The 1960s saw the Hugos group all the non-novel writing awards under "short fiction" and at a whopping 56 pages, Gordon R. Dickson delivers "Soldier, Ask Not", a tale that is clearly aimed at people who are already familiar with his Dorsai series. Nevertheless, Sam and Jack take the plunge to learn about war correspondent Tam Olyn and his actions on the planet of St. Marie. Torn apart by a war between human splinter races, Tam surely breaks some ethical guidelines to tip things in his favor.

Recommendations:

The Childe Cycle by Gordon R. Dickson

Ethics in America produced by Columbia University

Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein

Nightcrawler directed by Dan Gilroy

Next Episode: 1997's "'The Soul Selects Her Own Society: Invasion and Repulsion: A Chronological Reinterpretation of Two of Emily Dickinson's Poems' A Wellsian Perspective" by Connie Willis

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This podcast is not affiliated with the Hugo Awards or Worldcon. Music provided by HookSounds.com, Pixabay.com, and Joel Steudler

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Content Warning for discussions of child abuse from 18:00-22:30

Hades game spoilers at 3:10

Scientific studies and organized religion have both benefited from each other and butted heads over the centuries, and science fiction is no different. Many writers have their takes on how greater understanding of our universe can shape our faiths. Arthur C. Clark opens the universe to one devout astrophysicist who finds a sign that doesn't disprove God, but makes him wonder about the kind of mercy the Almighty provides.

Recommendations:

The Book of Job translated by Robert Alter

Enders Game & Speaker of the Dead by Orson Scott Card

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask developed by Nintendo

Next Episode: 1965's "Soldier, Ask Not" by Gordon R. Dickson

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This podcast is not affiliated with the Hugo Awards or Worldcon. Music provided by HookSounds.com, Pixabay.com, and Joel Steudler

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's always a devil, a man, a deal to be made. For how sacred a soul is supposed to be, many don't seem to have issues with signing away their eternal fate for a bit of mortal pleasure. Martin is one such person, trying like many have before to get one over on the Adversary and avoid that Hell-Bound train. He can stop the ride at any time, but does he really want that? Sam and Jack discuss the iterations of the Faustian bargain, Halloween traditions, and one nominee that everyone seems to think really should have won.

Recommendations:

“Beat the Devil” by Kris Kristofferson

“Devil Went Down to Georgia” by The Charlie Daniels Band

“A Soldier’s Tale” by Igor Stravinsky

"Friends on the Other Side" from The Princess and the Frog

"The Devil's Hands are Idle Playthings" from Futurama

Puella Magi Madoka Magic animated by Shaft

Next Episode: 1956's "The Star" by Arthur C. Clark

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This podcast is not affiliated with the Hugo Awards or Worldcon. Music provided by HookSounds.com, Pixabay.com, and Joel Steudler

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.