In a desolate Martian landscape, S. Nuwell Eli and Maya Cara Nome navigate the Xanthe Desert in a groundcar, tasked with locating a rebel headquarters. Nuwell, a practical man, contrasts with Maya, who possesses a deeper connection to the Martian environment, having been raised by its native inhabitants. Their mission is complicated by their personal relationship; Nuwell desires to marry Maya, but she insists on completing her government assignment first. As they traverse the barren terrain, they encounter two naked Martians, Adam and Brute, who are also heading toward the same destination—a mysterious fortress-like structure in the desert. The narrative explores themes of duty versus personal desire, the clash of cultures, and the complexities of human relationships against the backdrop of an alien world. Tensions rise as Nuwell and Maya's differing priorities create friction, while the Martians' primitive existence raises questions about intelligence and survival. The story unfolds with a sense of impending conflict, as both pairs converge on their goal, hinting at the larger struggles between Earth and Martian inhabitants. The stark, red landscape serves as a metaphor for the emotional and ideological barriers the characters must navigate.
By Charles L. Fontenay · First published 1954 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Thriller · 18 chapters