RUNAWAY

Episode #225 · Written by Alfred Coppel · Narrated by Scott Miller

Some science fiction thrills with speed and spectacle. Runaway unsettles in a quieter, more disturbing way. From the first moments, the story establishes a sense of unease that grows steadily as control slips away and certainty erodes.

At its core, this is a story about authority and assumption. Human confidence collides with forces that do not acknowledge rank, training, or intention. The danger is not just mechanical failure or deep-space isolation, but the dawning realization that something fundamental has changed — and it may no longer answer to human will.

Alfred Coppel builds tension through atmosphere and restraint. Each decision carries weight, each moment of calm feels temporary, and every attempt to restore order only deepens the mystery. The result is a haunting exploration of responsibility, fear, and the limits of control when confronted with something profoundly unfamiliar.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alfred Coppel was a versatile speculative writer whose work often examined the psychological cost of exploration and technological ambition. Rather than focusing on distant futures or abstract concepts, he grounded his stories in human reactions — fear, pride, denial, and awe. Runaway reflects that strength perfectly, delivering a chilling reminder that the universe does not always reward those who believe they are in command.

LISTEN TO THE STORY

Listen to Runaway by Alfred Coppel —a gripping vintage science fiction short story where control fails and something unstoppable chooses its own path.

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