The Life and Times of the Extraterrestrial Potoo by K. J. Khan (audio)
Summary
Host Kate Baker narrates "The Life and Times of the Extraterrestrial Patu" by K.J. Kahn in this Clarkesworld Magazine podcast. The story follows Isaac, a pollen collector on Endymion who befriends a patoo named Dave after his tech fails. Their bond reveals the patoos' true nature and the ethical stakes of harvesting their life-sustaining pollen. Isaac ultimately decides to sabotage the corporation to protect his new friends.
Topics discussed
Podcast intro and story announcement
Isaac meets the patoo creature Dave
Isaac's implant failure and solo route
Bonding over hats and language exchange
Exploring the alien forest ecosystem
Discovering the patoo life cycle pods
Dave's mysterious disappearance and return
Isaac's backstory and Wyland recruitment
The violet lake and patoo swimming
Conversations on age, memory, and identity
Revelation of pollen as DNA exchange
Dave reveals his true alien form
Isaac's fear and questions about mutation
Dave's sudden illness and death
The egg hatches and Isaac's grief
Isaac's plan to disrupt Wyland's harvest
Podcast outro and listener thanks
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