6,690 words (25-30 minutes)
Genre(s): Science Fiction, Cosmic Horror, Speculative Fiction
Originally published in Galaxy Science Fiction in January, 1952

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Dr. Kometevsky’s Day is a mind-bending tale of planetary mystery and cosmic revelation. When the two tiny moons of Mars—Phobos and Deimos—vanish without a trace, Earth is thrown into existential uncertainty. Theories abound, from natural disasters to the bizarre predictions of an obscure, long-forgotten book.

Celeste Wolver and her extended, polyamorous family—a product of Earth’s utopian social evolution—find themselves drawn into the scientific and metaphysical implications of the event. As Jupiter’s moons disappear next, the crisis escalates. A connection emerges between the dreams of those with ESP, a hidden force buried beneath the Earth, and a cosmic war beyond human comprehension.

What if the planets themselves are not what we think? What if the entire Solar System is a disguise for something far older, greater, and more terrifying than humanity could ever imagine? And when the truth is finally revealed, will mankind face annihilation—or an awakening?

A gripping blend of cosmic horror and hard sci-fi, Leiber’s story challenges our understanding of reality itself.