Clarkesworld Magazine

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.

Explore a whimsical tale where evolution meets family ties as a grandmother transforms into a gigantic elephant. Experience her surprising journey as she navigates a world of change, grappling with memory and identity. Delight in her new pleasures, from cinema to ice cream, while confronting the moral complexities of evolution. The story dives deep into untranslatable knowledge and the bonds of family, culminating in a thought-provoking reflection on nature, morality, and personal evolution. A unique blend of science fiction and heartfelt connection awaits!

This episode features "Understudies" written by Greg Egan. Published in the October 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/egan_10_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/clarkesworld/membership

In a fantastical tale, a clerk recording the last moments of Earth slips through time, adopting a borrowed identity. Torn between duty and the allure of a human commuter, they grapple with ethics and personal desire. Amidst bureaucratic changes, they're drawn into a void encounter with a monstrous worm that threatens the archives. With a timely rescue and promotion, the clerk ultimately seeks solace as a crab, embracing love and solitude on Tea Garden. This poignant story explores the balance between responsibility and human connection.

This episode features "The Cancer Wolves" written by Fiona Moore. Published in the October 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/moore_10_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/clarkesworld/membership

A young woman navigates her complex relationship with her digital mother, Amy, in a world where emotional contagion shapes familial dynamics. Struggling with a sense of connection, she rebels against digital companions and immerses herself in vintage films and old tech. A night gone wrong leads to a confrontation with trauma and shame, propelling her toward a drastic decision: to delete her digital mother from existence. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of human connection, technology, and the quest for autonomy.