
A routine cargo run between Earth and the colonies takes an odd turn when the crew discovers a massive, pig‑like beast they call a wub. Bought cheap from a local trader, the creature is hauled aboard with the expectation of a simple meal, its sluggish movements and plaintive eyes already hinting at something more than ordinary livestock. As the ship lifts off, the men joke about its size and taste, unaware that the animal’s quiet presence is about to upend their expectations.
When the wub suddenly opens its eyes and speaks, the crew is forced to confront a creature that can reason, question, and even plead for its own life. Their attempts to dominate it clash with the creature’s unexpected intelligence, sparking a tense blend of dark humor and philosophical inquiry. The story explores how easily humanity assumes superiority, turning a simple cargo haul into a thought‑provoking encounter with the unknown.
Language
en
Duration
~15 minutes (14K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Greg Weeks, Stephen Blundell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2009-04-11
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1928–1982
A restless, visionary writer who turned science fiction into a tool for questioning reality, identity, and power. His novels and stories inspired films like Blade Runner, Total Recall, and A Scanner Darkly, and they still feel sharp and unsettling today.
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