A routine trip to Mars turns out to be anything but when a ship headed back to earth allows one last passenger aboard. That's...really all I can say about the story "Beyond lies the Wub" by Philip K. Dick.

Few authors can boast the sci-fi pedigree of Philip K. Dick. Even if you've never read one of his books, you've heard one of his stories. Blade Runner, Total Recall, The Man in the High Castle, Scanner Darkly, Minority Report, and The Adjustment Bureau make up just some of the stories that have been turned into major, and in many cases iconic, motion pictures and TV shows.

Today's story is one of his very early ones. It's a story of the distant future, when humanity makes regular trips to Mars and beyond, where we think we understand our solar system and our universe. We'll see that the universe is always one step beyond our imagination...and beyond our control.

---

Sponsors:

Mack Weldon. It's weird to really like a pair of underwear, but I have to tell you that Mack Weldon makes great underwear. Check them out at http://mackweldon.com and use the promo code FICTIONAL for 20% off your purchases.

Zola. Z-O-L-A Zola. Zo Zo Zo Zo Zola. A seriously excellent way to manage your wedding registry. Go to http://zola.com/fictional to get $50 toward your registry today.

Casper. One night turned all of our mattresses into Casper mattresses. We bought one for our son and even got one for the guest room so everyone can have a great sleep. Go to http://casper.com/fictional and use the promo code FICTIONAL to get $50 off your order.

---

Music:

"Harbor" by Kai Engel

"Imminence" by Kai Engel

"Scenery" by Kai Engel

"Nocturne Op27 No1" by Podington Bear

Theme song and other music by Breakmaster Cylinder