The story revolves around four individuals - Russell, Johnson, Alvar, and an elderly man named Dunbar - who are on a journey through space in pressure suits, searching for a habitable planet. They have been traveling together for a long time, but their relationship is strained due to disagreements over which direction to head. Dunbar, the elderly man, claims that he has been to this planet before and knows the way. However, his claims are met with skepticism by the others, who believe that he is crazy. Despite this, they continue to follow him, hoping that he might be right. As tensions rise, the group decides to split up and head in different directions, each believing that one of the three remaining stars is the correct destination for a habitable planet. Dunbar continues on his original course, while Russell heads towards the left star, Johnson towards the right star, and Alvar back towards the other red-rimmed sun behind them. The story ends with Russell drifting alone in space, unsure if he will ever reach his destination. The others are also lost, but they continue to move forward, each on their own path. In a twist at the end, it is revealed that Dunbar's body was found on one of the planets, and he was given a hero's burial by the inhabitants of the planet. This adds a sense of irony to the story, as Dunbar had been considered crazy by his fellow travelers, but in reality, he had known the way all along. The story explores themes of loneliness, desperation, and the human condition. The characters are forced to confront their own mortality and the possibility that they may never find what they are searching for. The story also raises questions about the nature of reality and how our perceptions can be influenced by our circumstances. Overall, the story is a thought-provoking exploration of the human experience, and it challenges readers to consider the complexities of life and death in space.
By Bryce Walton · First published 1980 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Drama