In a future where space exploration is routine, a crew aboard the _Lord Nelson_ is dispatched to investigate a mysterious valley on Fomalhaut V, where a previous scouting mission, the _Mavis_, ended in tragedy. The crew learns that nine men from the _Mavis_ died under unexplained circumstances, leaving only one survivor, Lieutenant Jervis, who is tasked with guiding the new crew to the site. As the _Lord Nelson_ approaches Fomalhaut V, the crew is briefed on the potential discovery of a valuable resource, double-nucleus beryllium, but they are also warned of the unknown dangers that may lurk on the planet. Upon landing, they find the remains of the _Mavis_ crew, reduced to bones, raising questions about what could have caused such rapid decomposition. The crew begins to explore the valley, but they soon encounter bizarre creatures that attack them with needle-like appendages. These creatures inject a drug that induces a hypnotic state, causing the victims to become subservient to the creatures' will. As the crew members fall under the influence of the drug, paranoia and distrust spread among them. Captain Peter Wayne, initially suspected of attacking a fellow crew member, finds himself isolated and must uncover the truth behind the valley's deadly inhabitants. He discovers that the creatures are not only capable of injecting their victims but also have a hive-like mentality, seeking to capture and feed on humans. Wayne manages to evade capture and concocts a plan to neutralize the threat. He sabotages the ship's water supply with a drug that will counteract the creatures' influence, ensuring that when the crew awakens, they will be free from the hypnotic control. After a series of confrontations, Wayne successfully subdues the crew members who have been affected and leads them in a mission to eradicate the creatures. In the end, Wayne and the remaining crew members destroy the valley's inhabitants with a flare bomb, ensuring their safety. They then prepare to extract the double-nucleus beryllium, now free from the threat that had claimed the lives of the _Mavis_ crew. The story concludes with a sense of triumph over adversity, as the crew learns to work together and face the unknown dangers of space exploration.
By Robert Silverberg · First published 1994 · Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure