The Big Tick by Ross Rocklynne Episode #482

Ross Rocklynne

The Big Tick by Ross Rocklynne Episode #482
Ross Rocklynne

THE BIG TICK

Episode #482 · Written by Ross Rocklynne · Narrated by Scott Miller

What happens when time no longer feels abstract, but personal? In The Big Tick, an unremarkable object becomes a private signal of approaching doom, turning everyday decisions into moments of quiet terror. This is science fiction built on atmosphere and psychology, where the fear comes not from what might happen, but from believing it must.

The story unfolds as a study of obsession, guilt, and the human urge to find meaning in patterns. As control begins to slip, routine collapses into paranoia, and the attempt to outmaneuver fate only tightens its grip. The tension grows steadily, driven by internal conflict and the unbearable weight of anticipation.

Rather than offering spectacle or grand technology, The Big Tick delivers a haunting meditation on time itself—how it governs lives, choices, and consequences. The result is a deeply unsettling experience that lingers in the mind, reminding the listener that belief can be just as powerful as destiny.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ross Rocklynne was a prominent American science fiction writer during the mid-20th century, best known for blending speculative concepts with psychological realism. His work often focused on internal conflict, moral pressure, and the fragile boundaries between reason and obsession. The Big Tick remains one of his most memorable stories, showcasing his ability to create profound unease through subtle, character-driven storytelling.

LISTEN TO THE STORY

Listen to The Big Tick Ross Rocklynne — a vintage science fiction short story of paranoia and inevitable consequence.

ABOUT THE LOST SCI-FI PODCAST

The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast is the most listened-to vintage science fiction podcast in the world. Ranked the #1 Science Fiction Podcast in 34 countries and heard in more than 190 countries, the show has surpassed 3.3 million listens.

Each episode features carefully selected stories from the Golden Age of science fiction, professionally narrated. Timeless storytelling the way it was meant to be heard.

What listeners are saying:

★★★★★ “Classics from the Masters. Great stories! I listen every week, sometimes the stories are shorts by a famous master of vintage Sci-Fi. Sometimes they are great stories by someone you never heard of. The narrator is perfect, I imagine sitting in front of a classic radio.”
— TCBermy

★★★★★ “Love the stories but especially the presentation - great “cast” of voices.”
— Lee in Ecuador

Vintage science fiction. Professionally narrated. Carefully curated.