PROCESS

Episode #432 · Written by A. E. van Vogt · Narrated by Scott Miller

An alien forest senses a threat descending from the sky — and remembers battles fought long before. As the invaders defend themselves, the planet itself awakens a terrible “process” it barely understands.

In “Process,” A. E. van Vogt invites us into a world where the forest is alive. It grows. It thinks. It remembers ships that once fell from the sky, and it knows danger has returned. The starship that lands believes it can burn, cut, and blast its way free. But the forest has fought battles for ages. It defends itself with patience, growth, and something far more powerful.

The forest wraps the ship in wood and vines, only to face flame and energy beyond anything natural. Forced to retreat, it remembers an older method. Tiny roots search deep underground for metal. Grain by grain, radioactive dust forms a shimmering ring. When the crew gathers the uranium and escapes, they leave behind forces they cannot understand. What follows is devastation, discovery, and the birth of a terrible new strategy.

When the explosions end, the forest recognizes opportunity. Across the border lies a rival forest, ancient and hostile. The “process” begins again. Atomic fire tears through barriers, sap lines, and centuries of growth. Victory arrives, but at a cost. And when the forest turns on another rival, both sides unleash the same hidden power, nearly destroying themselves in the process. The ships will always return, but the forest has learned that survival demands dangerous knowledge.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A. E. van Vogt stands among the giants of classic science fiction. Born in Manitoba in 1912, he grew up fascinated by language, psychology, and big speculative ideas. His stories often explored alien minds, strange logic, and worlds where intelligence doesn’t look human. Readers loved the way his tales blended mystery, philosophy, and suspense into vivid adventures.

His novels “Slan,” “The Weapon Shops of Isher,” and “The World of Null-A” helped define the Golden Age. Many writers credit van Vogt as an early master of “sense of wonder.” With “Process,” he delivers a story about nature, power, and the limits of control. It is thoughtful, thrilling, and unforgettable — a glimpse of classic science fiction at its boldest.

LISTEN TO THE STORY

Listen to Process by A. E. van Vogt — an eerie vintage science fiction short story of a thinking forest defending its world.

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 3.8 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:

★★★★★ “Great Stories. Love the show! Perfect bedtime stories for the sci fi lover. Great narration.”
— Tiger 101000

★★★★★ “What a Find! These podcasts are the “perfect storm” for people like me, who love classic stories from the pages of the old sci-fi periodicals, and appreciate when they are really well done.”
— user1234xyz

Vintage science fiction. Professionally narrated. Carefully curated.

📬 JOIN LOST SCI-FI WEEKLY

35,000+ Listeners Can’t Be Wrong

Get vintage sci-fi stories, podcast episodes, and surprises every Monday.

FREE SCI-FI EVERY WEEK

✅ Check your email and confirm — that unlocks your free sci-fi downloads.

No spam in this galaxy. You can eject anytime.