Clarkesworld Magazine

This episode features "Tomorrow. Today." written by R.T. Ester. Published in the December 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/ester_12_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/clarkesworld/membership

This episode features "The Fire Burns Anyway" written by Kemi Ashing-Giwa. Published in the November 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/ashing-giwa_11_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/clarkesworld/membership

This episode features "Ratlines" written by Brent Baldwin. Published in the November 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/baldwin_11_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/clarkesworld/membership

Dive into a world where technology meets nostalgia as Akin explores simulated histories with Palm. Discover the intriguing business of recreating past futures through Curio 5's cutting-edge tech. Akin’s journey takes an unexpected turn at the Century 22 Exposition, where the simulated environment begins to falter. Florence uncovers conflicts in historical beliefs that threaten the integrity of their project. The tension builds as Akin addresses a concerned crowd, striving to stabilize the unfolding chaos. Join this captivating adventure into the art of world-building!

The story unfolds as Federico arrives at a sanatorium, quickly bonding with a mysterious librarian. They exchange insights about ancient ruins and swirl into theories of time travel. Federico shares haunting visions of dark, floating trees, leading to deeper exploration of his past experiences. The librarian's intrigue grows as they discuss the chilling consequences linked to strange creatures and the allure of the grotto. The narrative delves into transformation, ghostly returns, and the quest for truth as they contemplate the depths of their shared mysteries.

A brutal home invasion sparks a chilling murder investigation led by Detective Eve Stevens. As she unravels clues and mysterious organic substances, Eve finds herself trapped in an otherworldly house during a raid. Her pursuit of truth intertwines with the enigmatic apologists and their bizarre simulant creations. With the discovery of unsettling autopsy findings and the cryptic Book of Everything, Eve faces a life-altering trial that reshapes her understanding of humanity. A profound journey through crime, identity, and memory awaits!

Dive into a mesmerizing VR Tai Chi dojo where Ling trains not just for her aging father but also to discover her own strength. Encounter unique NPCs like Carmelita, who reveals her past lives and desires to escape the digital realm. Experience playful sparring, personal growth, and the merging of real and virtual skills. Carmelita's bold plan to leave her NPC life adds a thrilling twist, while a jade hairpin symbolizes trust and new possibilities. This journey challenges the boundaries between the real and the virtual, sparking reflections on identity and connection.

A celestial phenomenon creates a unique go board in the sky, captivating Hirata and his wife Suru. As they navigate the complexities of the game, Hirata reflects on his childhood lessons and his love for Suru, whose health is fading. The story intertwines scientific debate with spiritual omens, as go professionals ponder whether the stars respond to their moves. Tensions rise as the players question if they should continue or resign. Amidst this, personal grief and nostalgia shape their understanding of love and competition.

Alice navigates a challenging post-war world, grappling with isolation on frozen Lake Erie. She faces the conflict between La Mancha's orders and her desire to aid Earth, highlighting the moral dilemmas of duty versus belonging. In a high-gravity relief hub, tensions rise as an ambassador's visit looms, pushing Alice to assert her choice to resist repatriation. Ultimately, she embraces her mission to support survivors, symbolizing resilience and commitment in the face of adversity.

Navigating a web of bureaucratic chaos, Lyle Renzelli discovers a comms glitch and missing work orders that lead to a frightening emergency. As ore shipment demands surge, tensions rise and sabotage is revealed. With incoming threats from a mysterious audit ship, Lyle must take control of engineering systems and confront supervisors. Amid the chaos, a surprising job offer emerges, highlighting the precarious nature of her situation. This story dives deep into challenges of communication and authority in a high-stakes environment.