In a mid-Pacific setting, a fishing boat tows a leaden, torpedo-shaped object while leaving a trail of dead fish in its wake. This peculiar activity coincides with a rising background radiation count across the United States, alarming scientists and government officials. Bud Gregory, a reclusive genius with unparalleled knowledge of subatomic particles, is living in seclusion with his family, unaware of the impending crisis. As the radiation levels escalate, Dr. David Murfree, a scientist, becomes increasingly concerned about the source of the radiation. He believes it is linked to Gregory, who has previously demonstrated extraordinary abilities in manipulating atomic energy. Murfree's attempts to locate Gregory lead him to a dilapidated shack in Washington, where he finds Gregory content with his simple life, oblivious to the national emergency. Murfree explains the situation to Gregory, emphasizing the potential catastrophic consequences of the rising radiation levels. Despite the urgency, Gregory is reluctant to engage, preferring his peaceful existence. However, Murfree's insistence that the future of humanity is at stake eventually prompts Gregory to consider the problem. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that the fishing boats are part of a covert operation to disperse radioactive materials across the U.S. The crew, equipped with protective gear, is engaged in a sinister plot to poison the nation slowly. Murfree realizes that the radioactive dust is being deliberately spread, and he must convince Gregory to help devise a solution. Gregory, using his unique understanding of physics, creates a device that can attract and collect radioactive particles. This invention becomes crucial in countering the threat posed by the dust. Murfree and Gregory work together to implement the device, aiming to cleanse the air of the harmful particles before they settle and cause irreversible damage. The climax of the story occurs when the device is activated, successfully drawing the radioactive dust away from the U.S. and towards the ocean, where it can be contained. The operation leads to the destruction of the island where the fishing boats are based, eliminating the source of the threat. In the aftermath, Murfree contemplates his future and the implications of Gregory's inventions. He realizes that he can leverage Gregory's genius for the benefit of society while ensuring his own financial stability. The story concludes with Murfree planning to establish a laboratory, aiming to further explore the scientific possibilities that Gregory's work has opened up, while also providing for Gregory's needs. The work explores themes of responsibility, the ethical implications of scientific discovery, and the tension between personal desires and societal obligations. It highlights the potential for both destruction and salvation inherent in advanced scientific knowledge.
By Murray Leinster · First published 1956 · Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller, Adventure · 6 chapters