A team of six explorers lands on an uncharted planet, Pollux V, to investigate archaeological remains of a long-dead civilization. While searching, they encounter a monstrous creature that appears suddenly, causing panic among the crew. The creature, described as a massive, amorphous being with a gaping mouth and numerous eyes, seems to be capable of changing shape and vanishing at will. One crew member, Max Feld, suffers a heart attack after witnessing the creature, leading to his death. The remaining members debate the nature of the creature, with some suggesting it may have been an illusion. Despite the fear, they decide to continue their exploration, determined to uncover the truth behind the creature and the civilization they are studying. As the team splits into pairs for further exploration, more members fall victim to the creature, which continues to appear and disappear without direct confrontation. Tensions rise as suspicions grow, particularly towards Lyman Donaldson, the anthropologist, who has been present during several encounters but claims to have seen nothing. The protagonist begins to suspect that Donaldson may be hiding something, especially after discovering a mysterious black box in his cabin. When confronted, the creature manifests again, but this time the protagonist realizes it is tied to the box, which acts as a thought projector. Donaldson's manipulation of the box has been responsible for the creature's appearances, leading to the deaths of their crewmates. In a confrontation, the protagonist learns that Donaldson had discovered treasure on the planet and used the box to eliminate the crew, hoping to claim the treasure for himself. After a struggle, the protagonist overpowers Donaldson and exposes his treachery. The crew decides to leave Donaldson behind on the planet, ensuring that the truth of his actions remains hidden to protect the reputation of the Exploratory Wing. The story concludes with the crew returning to Earth, where they plan to honor Donaldson posthumously, maintaining the integrity of their mission and the legacy of the Exploratory Wing.
By Robert Silverberg · First published 1964 · Genre: Science Fiction, Horror, Thriller