The introduction argues that a commitment to robust ongoingness, not either optimistic or pessimistic futurism, should guide approaches to contemporary crises that are indicated by the terms Anthropocene and Capitalocene. “Staying with the trouble” means cultivating living and dying with other mortal critters in response-ability. How to inherit and how to go on with each other across difference in dangerous times and configurations are the key questions. The idea of contemporary “chthonic” (earthly) processes and entities propels the suggestion of a new name tying together both ancient and modern times: the Chthulucene. Kin-making practices across different kinds are at the heart of the argument. The introduction begins the cat’s cradle–like exposition of SF—science fiction, speculative fabulation, string figures, speculative feminism, science fact—that proposes patterns throughout the book.