The narrative follows Steve Stedman, a recent graduate in Extra-terrestrial zoology, who seeks adventure and employment with a renowned big game hunter, Brody Carmical. Despite Carmical's initial dismissal of Steve's inexperience, he reluctantly agrees to take him on a ten-world expedition aboard the spaceship _Gordak_, which will visit various planets in the Solar System. As the journey begins, Steve grapples with the harsh realities of space travel and the dangers of hunting alien fauna. He encounters T.J. Moore, the ship's tough and competent captain, who challenges his perceptions of gender roles and authority. Tensions rise as Steve learns about the rivalry between Carmical Enterprises and Barling Brothers Interplanetary, especially after the death of his brother Charlie on Ganymede, which Steve suspects may be linked to T.J. Upon reaching Mercury, Steve's first fieldwork leads to a dangerous encounter with a stone worm, resulting in a severe injury that T.J. saves him from. As the expedition continues, Steve's determination to uncover the truth about his brother's death intensifies, leading to confrontations with T.J. and the crew. The plot thickens when the _Gordak_ arrives at Ganymede, where Steve experiences a psychological phenomenon known as Ganymede-fear. He hears what he believes to be his brother's voice, compelling him to explore the moon's desolate landscape. This leads to a series of events where Steve and the crew are captured by alien beings who possess the ability to manipulate emotions and consciousness. The aliens, known for their bazaar of sentient beings, auction off the crew as living garments, revealing the dark truth behind their existence. Steve, T.J., and Kevin McGann, the ship's Exec, must navigate their way through this bizarre and perilous situation, using their wits and newfound telepathic abilities to resist the aliens' control. As the story unfolds, themes of identity, survival, and the nature of humanity are explored. The crew's struggle against their captors culminates in a desperate fight for freedom, leading to a confrontation with the alien forces and a revelation about the interconnectedness of all beings in the universe. Ultimately, the narrative concludes with Steve and T.J. emerging from their harrowing experiences, having forged a deeper bond and a renewed sense of purpose. They reflect on the lessons learned and the importance of empathy and understanding in a universe filled with diverse life forms. The journey transforms them, leaving them forever changed by their encounters with the unknown.
By Stephen Marlowe · First published 1962 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy