The Skull

By Philip K. Dick

He held the skull in his hands, turning it over. In spite of himself, a cold feeling rushed through him. This was the man’s skull, the skull of the Founder, who was still alive, who would come here, this day, who would stand on the field not fifty yards away.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wilder Publications, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 20, 2015
• ISBN: 9781633848047

Philip K. Dick

Over a writing career that spanned three decades, PHILIP K. DICK (1928–1982) published 36 science fiction novels and 121 short stories in which he explored the essence of what makes man human and the dangers of centralized power. Toward the end of his life, his work turned to deeply personal, metaphysical questions concerning the nature of God. Eleven novels and short stories have been adapted to film, notably Blade Runner (based on Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?), Total Recall, Minority Report, and A Scanner Darkly, as well as television's The Man in the High Castle. The recipient of critical acclaim and numerous awards throughout his career, including the Hugo and John W. Campbell awards, Dick was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame in 2005, and between 2007 and 2009, the Library of America published a selection of his novels in three volumes. His work has been translated into more than twenty-five languages.

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Fantastic Stories Presents

The Skull

by Philip K. Dick

2015 © Positronic Publishing

Cover Image © Can Stock Photo Inc. / rolffimages

Positronic Publishing

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Floyd, VA 24091

ISBN 13: 978-1-63384-804-7

First Positronic Publishing Edition

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The Skull

What is this opportunity? Conger asked. Go on. I’m interested.

The room was silent; all faces were fixed on Conger—still in the drab prison uniform. The Speaker leaned forward slowly.

Before you went to prison your trading business was paying well—all illegal—all very profitable. Now you have nothing, except the prospect of another six years in a cell.

Conger scowled.

There is a certain situation, very important to this Council, that requires your peculiar abilities. Also, it is a situation you might find interesting. You were a hunter, were you not? You’ve done a great deal of trapping, hiding in the bushes, waiting at night for the game? I imagine hunting must be a source of satisfaction to you, the chase, the stalking—

Conger sighed. His lips twisted. All right, he said. Leave that out. Get to the point. Who do you want me to kill?

The Speaker smiled. All in proper sequence, he said softly.

The car slid to a stop. It was night; there was no light anywhere along the street. Conger looked out. Where are we? What is this place?

The hand of the guard pressed into his arm. Come. Through that door.

Conger stepped down, onto the damp sidewalk. The guard came swiftly after him, and then the Speaker. Conger took a deep breath of the cold air. He studied the dim outline of the building rising up before them.

I know this place. I’ve seen it before. He squinted, his eyes growing accustomed to the dark. Suddenly he became alert. This is—

Yes. The First Church. The Speaker walked toward the steps. We’re expected.

Expected? Here?

Yes. The Speaker mounted the stairs. You know we’re not allowed in their Churches, especially with guns! He stopped. Two armed soldiers loomed up ahead, one on each side.

All right? The Speaker looked up at them. They nodded. The door of the Church was open. Conger could see other soldiers inside, standing about, young soldiers with large

Reviews for The Skull

[robert.zimmermann · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A nice, yet predictable, twist in this one. While it was predictable, I was still "forced" to keep reading to see just how things played out.

Another enjoyable story from Philip K. Dick.

[arkrayder · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Not one of Philip K. Dicks best stories but it keeps your attention and manages to seem fresh rather than old.

[gregorio_roth · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Poor Yurick, did I not know who thy was... is the question posed in this Novella. or Short Story.

[drled_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Synopsis: Conger has been removed from jail to do a job. He is to murder someone; however, this person has been dead for hundreds of years. The man to be killed had ended war; this wasn't good for the future because it allowed an increase in population, along with an increase in social issues. He goes back in time, but can't seem to find who he's looking for; he realizes that he is The Founder.Review: Written in September 1952 for World of Science Fiction, this interesting story that harkens back to the 'clothes make the man' stories.