"Beyond Thirty" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is set in a future where the Western Hemisphere has isolated itself from the Eastern Hemisphere for over two centuries following a catastrophic war. The protagonist, Lieutenant Jefferson Turck, serves in the Pan-American navy and is fascinated by the forbidden lands beyond the 30° W and 175° W lines, which symbolize a barrier to the past's chaos and adventure. Turck's ship, the Coldwater, experiences a series of mechanical failures during a storm, leading to the imminent crossing of the forbidden line. Despite the dire consequences, including court-martial and disgrace, Turck resolves to defy the regulations that have kept the Eastern Hemisphere shrouded in mystery. With the support of his loyal first officer, Alvarez, he navigates the challenges of the storm and the treachery of a jealous subordinate, Johnson. As they drift further into the unknown, Turck grapples with the implications of crossing the line, both for himself and his crew. The narrative explores themes of duty, rebellion against oppressive regulations, and the allure of adventure in a world that has chosen safety over exploration. Ultimately, Turck's journey beyond thirty represents a quest for knowledge and a challenge to the status quo, setting the stage for potential encounters with the savage and uncivilized remnants of the Eastern Hemisphere.
By Edgar Rice Burroughs · First published 1915 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy · 9 chapters