In a future where space travel is routine, Captain Albrekt Vebrug of the Flanjo intelligence service hijacks the freighter _By Jove!_ to deliver its cargo to a Flanjo base. He takes control of the ship, intending to brainwash the crew for his purposes. However, the three-man crew, consisting of Captain Carrel, engineer Migl, and navigator Qoqol, are not easily subdued. Albrekt's initial confidence begins to wane as he faces the challenges of managing the ship and the crew's resistance. As the journey progresses, Albrekt's isolation in the control room leads to a growing sense of paranoia and fatigue. The crew attempts to regain control, leading to a series of confrontations. Albrekt's attempts to maintain dominance are complicated by the crew's ingenuity and the harsh realities of space travel. They eventually devise a plan to construct a radiation shield using their cargo, which Albrekt reluctantly allows under his supervision. As they near their rendezvous point, Albrekt's grip on power falters. The crew reveals that they have been plotting a controlled orbit that will lead them to safety, undermining Albrekt's authority. Ultimately, Albrekt's fear of solitude and impending doom leads him to surrender, realizing that cooperation is necessary for survival in the vast emptiness of space. The story explores themes of power, isolation, and the human need for connection.
By Charles L. Fontenay · First published 1939 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy