George Haven, a powerful figure in the galaxy, returns to Centauri VII with his wife, Louise, only to confront the ghosts of his past. Despite his wealth and status, he feels unwelcome among the Centaurians, who are known for their strict moral code and refusal to lie. Haven's success stems from a uranium mine he discovered with Drexell Tolliver, who he murdered fifteen years prior to secure his fortune. The reunion with former associates is fraught with tension, as Haven fears that his secret may be exposed. As the reunion unfolds, Haven's anxiety grows. He has been paying off the men who know about his crime, but he realizes that the Centaurians' unique legal system, based on vendetta rather than testimony, complicates his situation. He is haunted by the thought of Tolliver's body, preserved in a glacier, which could ruin him if discovered. Despite his attempts to keep Louise in the dark about his past, she expresses a desire to visit the old mines, which Haven vehemently opposes. Determined to protect his secret, Haven sneaks out to the glacier, accompanied by a Centaurian waiter who reveals that the glacier has shifted, bringing Tolliver's body closer to civilization. In a moment of panic, Haven contemplates eliminating the waiter to secure his silence. However, Louise unexpectedly confronts him, revealing her true identity as Tolliver's daughter. She has followed him to uncover the truth, armed with a stunner. The revelation shatters Haven's world. He realizes that his past has caught up with him in the most personal way. As Louise threatens to expose him, Haven's instinct for survival kicks in, and he flees, running blindly toward the crevasse that once represented his escape from guilt. In a desperate bid to evade the consequences of his actions, he runs into the abyss, symbolizing his ultimate downfall. The narrative explores themes of power, guilt, and the inescapability of one's past, culminating in a tragic confrontation between Haven's ambition and the reality of his choices.
By Stephen Marlowe · First published 1970 · Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller, Mystery