Author
Walter Kubilius
1918-1993
Walter Kubilius (1918-1993) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Walter Kubilius
Galactic Ghost
"Galactic Ghost" by Walter Kubilius is a science fiction novella published in the early 1940s, likely during the golden age of pulp fiction. The story revolves around themes of loneliness and existential despair in the vast emptiness of space, focusing on the legend of a ghost ship that haunts those who have been doomed to wander alone among the stars. The novella provides a poignant reflection on the human experience when faced with isolation and the ultimate fate of a long passage through the cosmos. The narrative centers on Willard, the sole survivor of the spaceship Mary Lou, who experiences profound loneliness after the death of his friend Dobbin. Over the years drifting in space, he is haunted by memories of Earth and encounters a mysterious ghost ship that appears to him amidst the stars. As time passes, the line between reality and illusion blurs, culminating in a confrontation with the distressing truth that even rescue may not lead him back to Earth but instead into the depths of eternal solitude as part of the ghostly fate that awaits him and others like him. Ultimately, the story serves as a meditation on humanity's connection to the physical world and the terror of becoming merely a ghost among the stars.
Remember me, Kama!
"Remember me, Kama!" by Walter Kubilius is a science fiction narrative written during the early 1940s. The story unfolds on the distant planet Kama, which is facing the catastrophic consequences of human interference. It explores themes of morality, friendship across species, and the impacts of greed and colonialism, as the protagonist, Cobber, struggles with the devastating effects of trade agreements gone awry. The storyline centers around Cobber, an old and weary captain, who grapples with the moral implications of his ship's dealings with the Kamae, the inhabitants of Kama. As the planet descends into chaos due to inter-tribal warfare driven by the greed of his ship's owner, Wilson, Cobber is forced to confront the destructive nature of human actions. Ultimately, Cobber chooses to sacrifice himself by destroying his ship in a final act of defiance, hoping to prevent further exploitation of the Kamae. His last thoughts convey a poignant message of friendship and a hope for better futures, highlighting his deep connection with the Kamae and the heavy cost of humanity's insatiable desires.
Turn backward, o time!
"Turn Backward, O Time!" by Walter Kubilius is a science fiction novella written in the early 1950s. The narrative follows the desperate plight of a man named Donovan, who longs to escape his controlled existence in the 25th century by traveling back to the early 20th century. His desire stems from the harsh realities of a future where rejuvenation is strictly regulated, and one misstep can lead to dire consequences administered by the ruthless Criminal Destroyers (C.D.). The story centers on Donovan’s illicit ambitions to evade societal constraints and regain his youth through unlicensed time travel. Facing threats from the C.D. and grappling with the moral implications of his choices, Donovan ultimately makes a perilous escape to the past, where he attempts to rebuild his life as a painter. As time progresses, he becomes increasingly consumed by the fear of being discovered and loses both his memories and his identity due to the effects of rejuvenation. The climax reveals the intensity of his predicament, as he encounters Edel W. Crane, an agent of the C.D., leading to a chilling conclusion about the futility of his attempts to escape the entrapments of his original time.