The narrative follows Captain Arthur Peabody, a newly retired space captain who reflects on his tumultuous career during a meeting of the Retired Space Captains organization. Peabody's story begins with his first assignment aboard the _Alabama_, where he discovers that one of his crew members is Oscar Resnick, a sadistic bully from his past. Peabody's fear of Resnick, who had tormented him during their earlier encounters, resurfaces, threatening his authority and confidence as a captain. Peabody attempts to manage the situation by selecting David Markham, a man with a reputation for cowardice, as his orderly. He hopes that Markham's presence will balance Resnick's bullying. However, as the journey progresses, Resnick begins to target Markham, inflicting physical and psychological abuse. Peabody grapples with his guilt and fear, feeling responsible for Markham's suffering while also fearing for his own reputation and command. The tension escalates when Peabody confronts Resnick, attempting to negotiate a truce by offering money in exchange for leaving Markham alone. This confrontation reveals Peabody's deep-seated fears and insecurities, as Resnick taunts him about his cowardice. In a moment of desperation, Peabody strikes Resnick with a bottle, leading to a violent confrontation where he tortures Resnick psychologically and physically. Through this act of defiance, Peabody transforms from a fearful captain into one who asserts his authority. He realizes that he can use the same psychological tactics that Resnick employed against him. By the end of the journey, Peabody has not only overcome his fear of Resnick but has also come to terms with his own cowardice, understanding that bravery involves acknowledging and confronting one's fears. As the _Alabama_ reaches North Marsport, Peabody emerges as a true captain, having learned valuable lessons about leadership, fear, and the complexities of human nature. He retains Markham as his orderly, signifying a bond forged through shared experiences, and reflects on the nature of courage and the human condition. The story concludes with Peabody's acceptance of his past and his growth into a confident leader, no longer defined by fear.
By Robert Silverberg · First published 1957 · Genre: Science Fiction, Psychological Drama, Adventure