Author
Jerome Bixby
1923-1998
Jerome Bixby (1923-1998) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Jerome Bixby
Laboratory
"Laboratory" by Jerome Bixby is a science fiction short story originally published in the mid-20th century, specifically in the December 1955 issue of "Worlds of If Science Fiction." The narrative revolves around the complicated interactions between two alien scientists—a senior named Pud and his junior assistant Gop—and a pair of human explorers, Johnny and Helen Gorman, who unintentionally land on their secretive laboratory-planet. The story delves into themes of advanced intelligence, the implications of contact between different species, and the unintended consequences of scientific experimentation. In "Laboratory," the two alien scientists are engrossed in their experiments when they suddenly encounter the unexpected arrival of the human duo. Following a series of humorous and chaotic encounters, including the activation of various experimental energy fields, the Vegans find themselves revealing their presence to the humans. Pud and Gop wrestle with the regulations of Contact and the potential repercussions of their exposure to the aliens. Ultimately, they devise a method to erase the humans' memories of the event and send them back in time to avoid any disruptive knowledge of their existence. The story explores the idea of how civilizations at different levels of technological advancement interact and the ethical considerations involved in such encounters.
The Holes Around Mars
"The Holes Around Mars" by Jerome Bixby is a science fiction short story originally published in the January 1954 issue of Galaxy Science Fiction. The narrative revolves around a crew of astronauts who embark on an expedition to Mars, where they encounter mysterious holes in the landscape that challenge their understanding of natural phenomena. The story explores themes of discovery, curiosity, and the strange manifestations of alien worlds. In the story, the crew, led by commander Hugh Allenby, stumbles upon unusual four-inch holes present in various terrestrial objects on Mars, sparking a series of amusing yet serious speculations about their origins. As they investigate further, the team discovers that the holes align in a straight line across the Martian desert, leading to a Martian village inhabited by small, quirky creatures. The astronauts find themselves entangled in a series of humorous and dangerous encounters with the Martians, culminating in Allenby’s revelation about the nature of the holes, positing that they were created by a small body traveling at great speed, leading to unexpected scientific insights. The story cleverly combines humor with scientific inquiry, revealing the absurdity of human assumptions in the face of the unknowable universe.
The Battle of the Bells
"The Battle of the Bells" by Jerome Bixby is a short story published in the mid-20th century, specifically in 1954. This humorous tale explores the themes of practical jokes and moral introspection against the backdrop of a small town in western Pennsylvania. It contrasts the innocence of small-town life with the complexities of human nature and the divine. The story centers on Charley Mason, a town resident known for his practical jokes aimed at unsuspecting travelers who stop at his outhouse. Charley’s antics take an unexpected turn when a fat woman from the city becomes his latest victim, launching into a tirade about morality and sin, which catches the attention of heavenly and hellish beings. A young man representing good and a dark figure representing evil engage in a cosmic struggle initiated by Charley's prank, debating the nature of good and evil and the impact of such seemingly innocent jokes on the human soul. Ultimately, the story culminates in a humorous and unexpected resolution that emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the inner battle against temptation, leaving readers to ponder the fine line between humor and insensitivity.
Our Town
"Our Town" by Jerome Bixby is a science fiction novella written in the early 1950s. The story explores the aftermath of a devastating bombing in a small, fictional Tennessee town called Smoky Creek, where the majority of the population is killed, leaving only a group of elderly residents to remember their lives and the people they lost. The narrative addresses themes of war, loss, and the resilience of those left behind, portraying a haunting yet poignant reflection on the impact of conflict on ordinary lives. In the aftermath of the bombing, the elderly residents of Smoky Creek try to maintain some semblance of normalcy while grappling with their profound loss and isolation. They have fortified their town to look abandoned to the outside world while secretly salvaging what they can for survival. The story unfolds through conversations and reflections among the characters, revealing their collective grief and resolve to defend their home against any future threats. An enemy jet unexpectedly flies low over the town, prompting the old men to arm themselves and shoot it down, a moment of bitterness tinged with determination. Ultimately, the narrative captures the resilience and camaraderie of the survivors in a world that has forgotten them, exposing the cyclic nature of war and its destruction.
Tubemonkey
"Tubemonkey" by Jerome Bixby is a science fiction novella written in the 1940s. The story revolves around Rhiannon, a once brilliant pilot whose abilities have been severely compromised by radiation, leaving him with a childlike mentality. The narrative explores themes of heroism and deception against a backdrop of intergalactic conflict, as Rhiannon inadvertently becomes a pawn in a secret war involving rebels and a corrupt council. The plot centers on Rhiannon's journey as he navigates his altered reality and is manipulated by sinister figures, particularly Karrin, who sees in Rhiannon a means to an end. Rhiannon, donning the nickname "Tubemonkey," undergoes a series of betrayals and confrontations that culminate in a stealth mission against the Rebels. Amidst the chaos, he grapples with flashes of his former brilliance, culminating in twists that determine the fate of both allies and foes. The story weaves together moments of humor and tragedy, ultimately highlighting the innocence caught in the crossfire of war.
Cargo to Callisto
"Cargo to Callisto" by Jay B. Drexel is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative revolves around the escape of violent criminals from a Martian detention center and focuses on the themes of identity, alien possession, and psychic warfare. Set against the backdrop of an interplanetary society, it delves into the complexities of the mind and the extraordinary implications of external consciousness. The story follows Joe Caradac and his wife Sarah, who find themselves intertwined in a dangerous situation as four ruthless criminals, the Aarnians, escape captivity. These beings have the chilling ability to leave their bodies and occupy others, posing a unique threat to those around them. As Joe navigates his ordinary life, strange occurrences and the unsettling behavior of those close to him lead him to uncover a sinister plot involving his seemingly innocent companions. The climax reveals a battle of wills that tests the boundaries of human consciousness, identity, and survival as Joe confronts the chilling reality of the Aarnians' existence and their desire to reclaim their physical forms.
The Slizzers
"The Slizzers" by Jerome Bixby is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative revolves around an insidious species known as the "slizzers," who can disguise themselves as humans and feed off the positive emotions of their hosts. The story explores themes of identity, perception, and hidden danger in everyday social interactions. The protagonist, Jerry, becomes unwittingly aware of the slizzers during a poker night with friends, where he starts to notice peculiar changes in his friend Joe. As the night unfolds, Jerry experiences an unsettling sensation of déjà vu, suggesting a deeper connection to the slizzers' true nature. Through a blend of casual conversation and unexpected revelations, it's revealed that the slizzers need human energy to survive, raising questions about the nature of existence and the hidden threats among us. The story leaves readers pondering whom they can trust and the unseen forces that may manipulate their lives and emotions.
The Crowded Colony
"The Crowded Colony" by Jay B. Drexel is a science fiction story published in the early 1950s. The narrative unfolds on Mars, focusing on the interactions between a group of human colonizers, referred to as the Conquerors, and the indigenous Martians who inhabit the village of Kinkaaka. The story explores themes of imperialism, cultural misunderstanding, and the ethics of colonization, as the Conquerors grapple with their perceptions of the Martians and the consequences of their mission. The plot centers around Jack Burke, Barnes, and Randolph, three Conquerors who represent a blend of arrogance and naïveté towards the native Martians. While Burke and Barnes hold dismissive views towards the Martians, Randolph finds beauty in their culture and questions the moral implications of their colonization. Tensions escalate when they realize a group of Centaurians—a different alien species—has arrived, believing the human colonizers to be the remnants of Martian civilization. This misunderstanding sets the stage for a confrontation that unravels their expectations and challenges their predatory view of the Martians, revealing deeper themes of identity and perception between species.
Little Boy
"Little Boy" by Harry Neal is a science fiction short story penned during the mid-20th century. Set in a post-apocalyptic world after a catastrophic event that has devastated civilization, the narrative revolves around the survival instincts of children in a lawless society. The story captures the brutal transformation of humanity, particularly focusing on a young boy named Steven, whose experiences reflect both the savagery and innocence that coexist in children. The narrative follows Steven, an eleven-year-old boy navigating a ruined New York City where danger lurks at every corner. He survives by scavenging for food and avoiding adult predators who have descended into violence and chaos. His solitary existence changes when he encounters a girl of similar age. Their initial confrontation escalates into a tense moment that ultimately leads them to establish a bond through play, showing the flicker of innocence beneath their hardened exteriors. As they find laughter and companionship amidst the harshness of their reality, the story conveys a poignant message about the resilience of childhood and the deep-seated need for connection, even in a world that has nearly forgotten kindness.
Vengeance on Mars!
"Vengeance on Mars!" by D.B. Lewis is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s, reflecting the themes of desperation and moral conflict often found in space exploration narratives of its time. The story explores the complexities of friendship and betrayal against the backdrop of a dangerous Martian environment, as characters navigate their relationships and the harsh realities of frontier life. The plot centers around Hale, who must confront his former friend Randy, a looter who has killed a guardian in a Martian water temple. Caldwell is caught between his loyalty to Randy and the necessity of ensuring safety for the colonists threatened by Randy's desperation and violent actions. As Hale tries to reach out and persuade Randy to surrender, old memories and unresolved feelings resurface, leading to an intense confrontation where survival instincts prevail. Ultimately, Hale must come to terms with the dark transformation of his friend, highlighting the costs of betrayal and the relentless nature of life on Mars.
The God-Plllnk
"The God-Plllnk" by Jerome Bixby is a science fiction short story written in the early 1960s. The narrative unfolds on Phobos, one of Mars' moons, where two creatures known as Grg and Yrl await the arrival of a seemingly divine entity. The story explores themes of faith, expectation, and the harsh realities of life beyond Earth, showcasing a world where extraterrestrial beings are revered as gods. In the story, Grg and Yrl, representatives of their race, anticipate the arrival of a cosmic emissary, expecting profound revelations regarding their existence and purpose. However, their excitement turns to disillusionment when the god-like being crashes and is ultimately killed by a massive creature, known as a "plllnk". As the narrative unfolds, more gods arrive, but they too fall victim to the same fate as the first, revealing the vulnerability of what was once thought to be divine. The story concludes with a shift in belief among the inhabitants of Phobos, as they come to understand that their deities are not invulnerable, leading to significant changes in their religious perspectives.
Where There's Hope
"Where There's Hope" by Jerome Bixby is a science fiction novella written in the early 1950s. The story explores the struggles of a group of colonists on a newly discovered planet, New Earth, as they try to establish a safe and sustainable colony after leaving a dying Earth. The central theme revolves around the ethical implications of procreation in an unstable environment and the necessity of balancing survival with the desire for future generations. In this narrative, the Chief Medical Officer, Hugh Farrel, faces a dilemma when he encounters resistance from the colonist women, led by Mary Pornsen, regarding childbirth due to the dangerous conditions on the planet. As the men express a pressing need for children to ensure the colony's future, they grapple with the reality of their deteriorating health from the journey and Earth's radiation. In a controversial move, Farrel and his colleagues use hypnosis to influence couples into having children, believing that offspring are crucial for their survival and eventual colonization efforts. The story culminates twenty-one years later with a reflection on the successful establishment of the colony, albeit with a profound ethical cost that remains unexamined by its inhabitants.
The Draw
"The Draw" by Jerome Bixby is a short story that blends elements of Western fiction with a touch of science fiction, likely written during the mid-20th century. Set against the backdrop of the American West, the narrative revolves around themes of power, skill, and the implications of newfound abilities. The story explores the life of a young, self-proclaimed gunman, Buck Tarrant, and his quest to become the fastest gun in the West, discovering a unique ability that allows him to think his gun into his hand. The plot follows Joe Doolin, a cowhand who witnesses Buck's transformation from an awkward kid to an incredibly fast gunman seemingly overnight—a change attributed to his telekinetic ability to will his gun into his hand. As Buck challenges the town sheriff, Ben Randolph, the tension mounts, culminating in a confrontation that reveals the limits of his power and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Through a blend of action and psychological exploration, the story raises questions about courage, fear, and the nature of true strength, all culminating in a gripping climax where the stakes of gunfighting extend beyond mere speed.
Zen
"Zen" by Jerome Bixby is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative unfolds in a distant future where a team of scientists explores the asteroid Vesta, seeking signs of life and remnants of extraterrestrial civilizations. The story delves into themes of intelligence, isolation, and the longing for companionship, centering around a unique encounter between humans and a remarkable alien species known as the Zen. The protagonist, David Koontz, a paleontologist, discovers a singular Zen creature, the last of its kind, living in solitude after the destruction of its home planet, Sorn. Their poignant interaction reveals the Zen's struggle with loneliness and survival, as she yearns for companionship after three thousand years of isolation. Koontz learns about her incredible resilience and intelligence but is faced with her desperate request for death, unable to end her own suffering. Eventually, the arrival of another Zen offers a glimmer of hope for their species’ continuity. As the story unfolds, it not only highlights the intrinsic value of life but also raises questions about the responsibilities of advanced civilizations toward one another. The resolution of the tale leads to a surprising resurgence of the Zen population, emphasizing the unpredictability and beauty of life amidst adversity.