Pipe of Peace by James McKimmey
The novel is a science fiction tale set on the planet of Tartarus-IV, where humans have established a colony to mine for valuable minerals. The story follows a group of colonists who are struggling to survive in a harsh environment and must confront their own personal demons as they try to maintain order and stability in the face of technological failures and interpersonal conflicts. The protagonist is a skilled engineer who becomes embroiled in a conflict between rival factions vying for control of the colony. As tensions escalate, he discovers that the true enemy may not be external, but rather internal, threatening the very survival of humanity on Tartarus-IV. Throughout the novel, themes of power, corruption, and redemption are explored as the characters navigate the complexities of human nature in a desperate bid to survive and find peace in a hostile environment.
By James McKimmey · First published 1965 · Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Drama · 1,741 words
First lines
_There's a song that says "it's later than you think" and it is perhaps lamentable that someone didn't sing it for Henry that beautiful morning._
The farmer refused to work. His wife, a short thin woman with worried eyes, watched him while he sat before the kitchen table. He was thin, too, like his wife, but tall and tough-skinned. His face, with its leather look was immobile.
What this Textopian page supports
Pipe of Peace is listed on Textopian as a short story by James McKimmey, dated 1965 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: James McKimmey
- Date: 1965 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Drama, Political Fiction, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 1,741 words
- Structure: 1 section, 55 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for Pipe of Peace by James McKimmey
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- Planet Of Dreams by James Mckimmey
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The story features a mechanical entity replacing a human, suggesting advanced technology and speculative elements.
- Dystopian — The narrative explores themes of societal control and rebellion against mechanization, indicative of a dystopian setting.
- Drama — The plot centers on personal and societal conflict, focusing on the farmer's decision and its impact on his life and relationships.
- Political Fiction — The story addresses political themes such as protest and the power dynamics between individuals and larger systems.
Tags
Science Fiction · Space Opera · Adventure · Action · Pulp Fiction · 1950s Literature · Classic Science Fiction · Galactic Empire · Alien Invasion · Human Evolution · Evolutionary Themes · Social Commentary