In a tense space drama, two astronauts, Kraag and Jonner, find themselves stranded on an asteroid after a crash. As they await rescue, Kraag, driven by self-preservation, murders their navigator, Stein, to ensure he and Jonner can survive on limited oxygen. Jonner, suspicious of Kraag's actions, refuses to return to the ship, leading to a deadly standoff. Kraag, armed with a heat-gun and a projectile pistol, attempts to eliminate Jonner while grappling with the moral implications of his actions. Jonner, resourceful and determined, uses his knowledge of physics to turn the tables, revealing that Kraag's bullets will eventually return to him due to the asteroid's low gravity and escape velocity. As the confrontation escalates, Kraag's initial advantage erodes, culminating in a dramatic twist where Jonner uses his own weapon against Kraag, demonstrating the consequences of betrayal and the struggle for survival in the unforgiving void of space. The narrative explores themes of desperation, morality, and the harsh realities of human nature when faced with life-and-death situations. Ultimately, it serves as a cautionary tale about the lengths one might go to in the name of survival and the inevitable repercussions of such choices.
By Charles L. Fontenay · First published 1968 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Action