Clarkesworld Magazine

This episode features "Home Grown" written by Madeleine Vigneron. 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/vigneron_12_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/clarkesworld/membership

Aboard a derelict ship, Leander awakens to discover an alien sarcophagus and a haunting mystery unfolds. Jocasta, presumed dead, revives in a casket and learns the dark history of the ship. Their first meeting reveals the tensions between them, while Jocasta explores the ship's eerie architecture. As violence erupts under the ship's influence, secrets come to light, leading to a desperate search for a living occupant. When Deodora awakens, emotions clash, revealing themes of survival, morality, and the complex nature of control.

A tale of adventure unfolds as Kingfisher and his panware roommate Quirk embark on a mission across the cosmos. With a fragmented memory, Kingfisher grapples with his past and unexpected summons. They navigate the mysteries of a ship named Glory while encountering ominous secrets and alien visitors. Themes of curiosity, loyalty, and hidden truths resonate as Kingfisher's damaged mind becomes key to understanding the universe. The journey is fraught with tension and deep connections as they face the unknown.

Explore the haunting tale of a man’s unusual connection with a neighbour through a mysterious hole in his apartment. As they navigate a life filled with rogue golems and shadowy performances, secrets unravel and tensions rise. Delve into themes of trust, betrayal, and the impact of the city’s dark underbelly. A violent attack forces a reckoning with loyalty and survival amid shifting realities. In an unsettling blend of intimacy and suspicion, the characters confront their fates, raising questions about consciousness and human connection.

In a chilling tale, a narrator explores life in a dystopian world governed by a sinister supply chain. Working in a freezer facility, they grapple with rationed meals and family struggles while uncovering dark truths about frozen families. As reality unfolds, a desperate plan for liberation ignites hope. This gripping narrative combines suspense and social commentary, revealing the harsh cost of survival in a cold utopia. Prepare for a journey filled with twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

In a gripping tale, Killian uses his skills in probability to navigate a world of simulations and political unrest. Miss Zadie's warnings about winning lead him to abandon games for predictive modeling. As tensions rise with the discovery of a new habitable planet, Killian grapples with the consequences of his choices. Jules, advocating for the future, challenges him to reconsider his inaction. The story intertwines fate and free will as Killian weighs the risks while facing escalating chaos around him.

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!