The narrative follows Pat Travis, a seasoned Contact Man in a future where space travel has led to the discovery of humanoid planets. Travis and his crew land on Diomed III, an Open Planet, where they hope to secure a lucrative contract with the native population. However, they arrive on a day deemed astrologically unfavorable, coinciding with an eclipse that terrifies the locals, who base their lives on astrology. Travis learns that the planet's society is deeply intertwined with astrological beliefs, affecting everything from business to personal relationships. The natives, who have cataloged their horoscopes since birth, view Travis and his crew as unpredictable and potentially dangerous due to their unknown origins. This leads to a series of misunderstandings and complications, including Travis being kidnapped by a gang of local criminals led by a man named Tude. During his captivity, Travis meets Navel, a beautiful young woman from the sewers, and her brother Lappy, who possesses remarkable intelligence. As Travis interacts with them, he realizes that Lappy's knowledge of physics and mathematics could be invaluable. Despite the dire circumstances, Travis begins to formulate a plan to escape and secure the contract. Travis's understanding of the natives' astrology becomes crucial. He deduces that the key to winning their favor lies in manipulating their astrological beliefs. He convinces Navel and Lappy that they can change their fortunes by leaving their home planet, which is governed by negative astrological influences, and traveling to a place where they can start anew. After a daring escape from Tude's gang, Travis successfully negotiates a contract with the natives by leveraging their ignorance of the existence of a ninth planet in their solar system, which he claims could influence their astrology positively. This revelation secures their trust and leads to a lucrative deal for Travis and his crew. The story explores themes of fate, belief systems, and the intersection of science and superstition. It highlights how deeply ingrained cultural beliefs can shape societies and individual destinies, while also showcasing the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Ultimately, Travis's journey is one of redemption, as he transforms from a man struggling with his luck to a savvy negotiator who understands the power of knowledge and belief.
By Michael Shaara · First published 1974 · Genre: Historical Fiction, War Fiction, Drama