In a dystopian future, Kit Temple is drafted for the Nowhere Journey, a mysterious mission from which no one has ever returned. As riots erupt in Center City, Kit grapples with the impending separation from his fiancée, Stephanie. He meets Arkalion, a fellow draftee with an enigmatic past, who seems to know more about the journey than he lets on. The narrative shifts between Kit's emotional turmoil and the societal unrest surrounding the draft, highlighting the government's manipulation of young men for an unknown purpose. As Kit prepares for the journey, he reflects on his love for Stephanie and the uncertainty of his fate. Upon embarking, Kit and Arkalion find themselves aboard a spaceship, where they experience weightlessness and the vastness of space. They learn that they are headed to Mars, but the journey is fraught with existential questions about their purpose and the nature of their mission. As they arrive on Mars, they discover a bleak underground city populated by other men who have been sent on similar journeys. The atmosphere is one of despair, as many have lost hope of ever returning home. Kit's thoughts often drift back to Stephanie, and he struggles with the reality of their separation. Meanwhile, Sophia, a woman who volunteers for a similar journey, navigates her own challenges in a society that restricts women's roles. Her determination to join the Stalintrek reflects the broader themes of sacrifice and the quest for freedom. The story culminates in a series of challenges that test Kit and Sophia's resolve, as they confront the harsh realities of their new lives. The narrative explores themes of identity, love, and the human spirit's resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. Ultimately, the characters must confront their pasts and make choices that will determine their futures in a universe that seems indifferent to their struggles. As the tale unfolds, the lines between reality and dreams blur, leading to a profound exploration of what it means to be human in a world where survival often comes at a great cost. The journey becomes not just a physical one, but a deeply personal quest for meaning and connection in an ever-expanding universe.
By Stephen Marlowe · First published 1964 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Thriller · 10 chapters