On a desolate Martian landscape, a couple, Ron and Val, are on a mission for UranCo, searching for uranium to support Earth's dwindling resources. Their journey is fraught with exhaustion and tension, as Val grows increasingly frustrated with their situation and the lack of results. After a long day of fruitless searching, they find themselves captured by a man named Gregory Ledman, who has been hunting Geig Corps members like them. Ledman, a bitter and vengeful figure, reveals that he lost his legs in a nuclear accident on Earth, which led to his hatred for all Earthmen. He has dedicated his life to eliminating the Geig Corps, believing that their presence on Mars is a threat to his existence. He captures Ron and Val, intending to use Ron as a messenger to warn others to leave Mars. As Ledman explains his motivations, Ron and Val realize the depth of his madness. Ledman shows them the remains of previous victims, further emphasizing his twisted vendetta. Despite the danger, Ron devises a plan to escape. He uses Val's feigned illness to distract Ledman, allowing him to overpower the captor and free both himself and Val. In the ensuing confrontation, Ron learns that Ledman's hatred stems from a deep-seated trauma and a refusal to accept the possibility of healing. Ron reveals that he, too, was a victim of the same nuclear disaster but chose to embrace life and technology rather than succumb to bitterness. This revelation shakes Ledman, who begins to question his own beliefs. Ultimately, Ron and Val manage to subdue Ledman and decide to take him back to Earth for rehabilitation rather than kill him. They recognize that Ledman's hatred is a product of his suffering and that he could be helped. Val, despite her exhaustion, insists on continuing their search for uranium after dealing with Ledman, demonstrating their commitment to their mission and to each other. The story explores themes of trauma, revenge, and the potential for redemption, highlighting the complexities of human emotions in the face of adversity. The couple's journey reflects the struggle for survival and the moral dilemmas that arise when confronted with the consequences of humanity's past actions.
By Robert Silverberg · First published 1970 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Thriller