In a future where interstellar exploration is routine, a crew aboard the spaceship _Lord Nelson_ is assigned to investigate a mysterious valley on the planet Fomalhaut V, where a previous scouting mission, the _Mavis_, ended in tragedy. The sole survivor, Lieutenant Jervis, recounts how his crew members died suddenly and inexplicably, leaving only bones behind. The crew of the _Lord Nelson_ is tasked with uncovering the cause of these deaths while also seeking a valuable deposit of double-nucleus beryllium. As the _Lord Nelson_ approaches Fomalhaut V, the crew is on high alert due to the unknown dangers that may lurk in the valley. Captain Peter Wayne, a skilled mountaineer, prepares for the climb to the beryllium deposit, while Lieutenant Sherri James, his colleague and romantic interest, coordinates the mission's data. The crew is instructed to wear spacesuits and work in pairs to mitigate risks. Upon landing, the crew discovers the remains of the _Mavis_ crew scattered across the valley floor. Medical personnel are sent to investigate, but they find no clear cause of death. Tensions rise as the crew grapples with the fear of the unknown. During a reconnaissance mission, Wayne encounters strange creatures beneath the sand that attack him, leading to a violent confrontation with Sergeant Boggs, who inexplicably turns on him. As paranoia spreads, Wayne is accused of assaulting Boggs and is confined for observation. He suspects that the crew is under the influence of a mind-altering substance injected by the valley's creatures. Sherri, determined to help Wayne, sneaks into the medical bay and uncovers a conspiracy involving a mysterious figure named Masters, suggesting that some crew members are working against him. Wayne escapes confinement and realizes that the creatures can inject a hypnotic drug through their stingers, rendering victims compliant. He devises a plan to neutralize the threat by contaminating the ship's water supply with an antidote, ensuring that the crew can be freed from the creatures' control. After a series of confrontations, Wayne successfully subdues the crew members who have been compromised and leads them back to the ship. He explains the situation to the crew, detailing how the creatures had intended to use them as hosts. With the valley now devoid of its deadly inhabitants, Wayne proposes a new mission to extract the beryllium, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and vigilance in the face of danger. The narrative explores themes of trust, survival, and the psychological effects of isolation in space, culminating in a tense and action-packed resolution as the crew confronts both external threats and internal strife.
By Randall Garrett · First published 1971 · Genre: Science Fiction, Mystery, Adventure