The Deadly Ones by F.L. Wallace
A being, distinct from humans, reflects on its existence and the need for exploration. It gathers a council of its kind to devise a plan to lure extraterrestrial visitors, specifically flying saucers, to land. The plan involves creating an illusion of a spaceship in Illinois, which would attract the attention of these visitors. The protagonist believes that by successfully engaging with the saucers, they can find new worlds for their kind, who have existed alongside humans but remain largely hidden. The illusion is set up, and the protagonist and its allies manipulate the environment to create disturbances that would signal the saucers. Eventually, the plan succeeds, and a saucer lands, deploying a robot to investigate. The protagonist seizes the opportunity to board the saucer, taking supplies with it. The journey to an unknown destination begins, with the protagonist avoiding detection by the robot. As the saucer travels faster than light, the protagonist observes the stars and contemplates its mission. Upon arrival at a large planet, the protagonist decides to remain aboard the saucer rather than dematerialize to the surface. However, the situation escalates when the robot captures a farmer from Earth for examination, prompting the protagonist to act. The protagonist takes control of the robot to escape the ship and navigate through a city filled with other robots. It seeks a hiding place to plan its next moves against the planet's inhabitants. However, upon encountering one of these beings, the protagonist realizes the futility of its strength against such a formidable foe. The realization leads to a desperate retreat, as the protagonist understands that it cannot return to Earth and is now trapped on this alien world. The narrative explores themes of survival, the nature of fear, and the consequences of ambition. The protagonist grapples with its identity and the limitations imposed by its environment, ultimately facing the grim reality of its situation. The story concludes with the protagonist contemplating self-destruction as a means of escape from the horrors it has encountered, highlighting the existential struggle of a being caught between worlds.
By F.L. Wallace · First published 1962 · Genre: Science Fiction, Horror, Fantasy · 5,118 words
First lines
He preyed on the nightmare fears of mankind, and the dread food he craved was his in abundance. Why, why did he have to go exploring?
RATHSDEN. I'm sure the name means nothing to you. There are legends, of course-from old Germany and the greater Reich, colonial America even. But you can't prove anything very damaging or concrete with legends. And even when the story is otherwise correct, I've been careful to keep my name out of it. A clever person shuns publicity, though it may involve tampering with history. For all practical purposes the name Rathsden is unknown. I want it kept that way.
What this Textopian page supports
The Deadly Ones is listed on Textopian as a novel by F.L. Wallace, dated 1962 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: F.L. Wallace
- Date: 1962 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Horror, Fantasy, Adventure, Thriller
- Length: 5,118 words
- Structure: 1 section, 120 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Deadly Ones by F.L. Wallace
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Deadly Ones?
- How does this novel by F.L. Wallace fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Imitation Of Death by Lester Del Rey
- The Stolen Body by H. G. Wells
- The Crimson Circle by Edgar Wallace
- The Melody Of Death by Edgar Wallace
- The Contact Point by Jack Sharkey
Genres
- Science Fiction — The plot revolves around advanced technology, extraterrestrial beings, and space travel, which are core elements of the science fiction genre.
- Horror — The themes of fear, dread, and the unknown, particularly in relation to alien encounters and the protagonist's existential threats, align with horror elements.
- Fantasy — The existence of non-human entities with extraordinary abilities and the manipulation of reality suggest fantasy elements.
- Adventure — The protagonist's journey through space and the challenges faced during the exploration of alien worlds contribute to an adventure narrative.
Tags
Thriller · Mystery · Crime Fiction · Detective Story · Police Procedural · Gritty Realism · Dark Atmosphere · Suspenseful Plot · Twists and Turns · Murder Mystery · Small Town Secrets · Corruption