No Shield from the Dead

Gordon R. Dickson's "No Shield from the Dead" is a gripping science fiction story that explores the illusion of invulnerability in a future where technology promises absolute protection. When Comptroller Terri Mac is lured to a mysterious apartment by an enigmatic old man, he arrives confident in his superiority—protected by an impenetrable personal shield that marks him as elite among government officials. Yet beneath the surface of this tense encounter lies a profound challenge to everything Terri believes about power, security, and human vulnerability. Originally published in IF Worlds of Science Fiction in 1953, this classic short story captures the golden age of speculative fiction when authors dared to question the limitations of technological salvation. Dickson masterfully weaves together psychological tension and philosophical inquiry, examining what it truly means to be defenseless when physical barriers crumble. The narrative unfolds with mounting intrigue as the old man systematically dismantles Terri's assumptions, revealing that some threats operate on planes no shield can protect against. This audiobook is ideal for fans of thoughtful science fiction who appreciate stories that blend intellectual puzzlement with human drama. If you enjoy classic SF that questions the nature of power and protection, or if you're interested in the evolution of the genre through its most imaginative period, "No Shield from the Dead" offers a compelling listen that lingers long after the final words.