Unwelcome Tenant by Roger Dee Aycock
A pioneering astronaut embarks on a journey to Mars, leaving behind Earth and its familiar gravity. As he approaches the zero point in space, he experiences a profound transformation when a parasitic intelligence that has controlled him throughout his life detaches, granting him newfound freedom and clarity. This liberation reveals to him the existence of similar entities that inhabit all humans, manipulating their actions and thoughts, which he believes are responsible for humanity's conflicts and failures. With his mind now fully his own, he recognizes the potential for human advancement unencumbered by these Tenants. He envisions a future where he can establish a new civilization on Mars, free from the influence of these parasitic beings. He plans to fabricate a story of wealth on Mars to attract others, intending to build a society of liberated individuals who can combat the Tenants and ultimately free humanity. As he descends toward Mars, he feels a sense of triumph and purpose, believing he is the first truly free man. However, just as he prepares to execute his plans, an external intelligence infiltrates his mind, overpowering his consciousness and erasing his previous thoughts and ambitions. The narrative concludes with a chilling realization that the Tenants may also exist on Mars, leaving the protagonist's fate uncertain and suggesting a cyclical struggle against these controlling entities.
By Roger Dee Aycock · First published 1973 · Genre: Science Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Adventure · 2,138 words
First lines
The first Earthman to hit deep space discovered what was so terribly wrong with the world he had left behind. Why couldn't he turn back?
It happened just before he reached the zero point, the no-man's land in space where the attenuated gravity fields of two planets meet and cancel out.
What this Textopian page supports
Unwelcome Tenant is listed on Textopian as a novel by Roger Dee Aycock, dated 1973 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Roger Dee Aycock
- Date: 1973 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Adventure, Speculative Fiction, Dystopian
- Length: 2,138 words
- Structure: 1 section, 39 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The plot revolves around space travel, extraterrestrial intelligence, and the exploration of Mars, which are core elements of the science fiction genre.
- Psychological Thriller — The themes of parasitic control and the protagonist's struggle with an alien intelligence create a psychological tension and exploration of the mind.
- Adventure — The protagonist's journey to Mars and the challenges he faces embody the adventure genre, focusing on exploration and discovery.
- Speculative Fiction — The narrative speculates on the existence of parasitic entities and their influence on humanity, fitting the speculative fiction genre.
Tags
suspense · thriller · mystery · psychological · drama · tension · conflict · intrigue · isolation · fear · survival · paranoia