Oliver Meek, a middle-aged bookkeeper, resigns from his job to embark on a long-planned journey through the Solar System in his own spaceship. He has spent thirty years dreaming of adventure, learning navigation, and practicing gun handling, yearning for a life beyond the confines of his desk. Upon arriving in Asteroid City, he is immediately struck by the chaotic and vibrant atmosphere, unlike the sanitized tours he avoided. In a bar, he meets Old Stiffy Grant, who shares tales of an elusive creature known as the Asteroid Prowler. Stiffy believes the Prowler is responsible for the disappearance of miners searching for a legendary Lost Mine. Intrigued, Meek expresses a desire to find the creature, but soon finds himself embroiled in the local power struggles. After a chance encounter, Meek inadvertently demonstrates his gun skills by disarming a notorious gunman, Luke Blaine, earning the respect of the townsfolk. They urge him to take on the role of marshal to clean up the town, which is under the control of a gang led by Blacky Hoffman. Despite his protests, Meek is sworn in as marshal, feeling out of place in this new role. As he navigates the challenges of his newfound authority, Meek's luck seems to hold. He captures Hoffman and his gang with the help of the Prowler, who turns out to be a robot-like creature that feeds on energy. The townspeople are in awe of Meek, who has transformed from a timid bookkeeper into a local hero. However, the Prowler's insatiable hunger for energy leads to chaos when it begins to dismantle the town's power plant. Meek and Stiffy rush to stop the destruction, realizing they must find a way to control the Prowler. In a moment of clarity, Meek recognizes the creature's need for energy and manages to communicate with it, ultimately riding it back to town. With the Prowler's help, Meek restores order, but he decides that the life of a hero is not for him. He bids farewell to Stiffy and the townsfolk, choosing instead to continue his journey through space, seeking the adventures he had always dreamed of. As he departs, he reflects on the experiences that have changed him, embracing the freedom of the cosmos.
By Clifford D. Simak · First published 1975 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy · 4 chapters