Incident by Thomas J. O'Hara
"Incident" by Thomas J. O'Hara is a science fiction narrative centered on a doomed space voyage. The story begins with a lone survivor aboard a spaceship, which has become a "floating coffin" after a mysterious plague decimates the crew. The captain and crew members succumb to a sudden illness characterized by fever, sores, and vertigo, leading to their deaths. The engineer's demise is particularly dramatic as he falls into the ship's radioactive machinery, his remains dispersed into space. The narrative reflects on the crew's mission, an ambitious journey to explore unknown galaxies, driven by humanity's desire for discovery and expansion. However, the dream of a galactic empire is shattered by the plague, which is speculated to have originated from an external source, possibly a spore from an alien world. As the ship approaches a new planet, the sole survivor grapples with his impending death and the futility of landing on the planet, knowing he carries a deadly disease. He envisions the potential devastation his illness could cause to any inhabitants of the planet. In a moment of resolve, he decides to prevent the spread of the plague by manipulating the ship's controls to ensure its destruction. The story concludes with a serene scene on Earth, where a couple observes what they perceive as a shooting star, unaware of the tragic events unfolding in space. The narrative juxtaposes the vast, indifferent universe with the intimate, oblivious lives on Earth, highlighting the isolation and insignificance of the spacefarer's plight.
By Thomas J. O'Hara · Genre: Science Fiction, Horror, Disaster · 1,487 words
First lines
A floating coffin was the ship, its lone survivor specter-gaunt and adrift in a pitiless universe.
He was, now, the last one left alive.
What this Textopian page supports
Incident is listed on Textopian as a short story by Thomas J. O'Hara, dated Date unknown.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Thomas J. O'Hara
- Date: Date unknown
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Horror, Disaster, Tragedy, Philosophical Fiction
- Length: 1,487 words
- Structure: 1 section, 43 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for Incident by Thomas J. O'Hara
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The story is set aboard an interstellar spaceship and involves futuristic technology, cosmic exploration, and space travel, all hallmark elements of science fiction.
- Horror — The narrative includes grotesque descriptions of a plague, bodily decay, and visceral death, evoking intense dread and repulsion.
- Disaster — The plot centers on catastrophic events and the unraveling of a once-promising voyage, emphasizing large-scale calamity.
- Tragedy — Themes of inevitable fate, lost hope, and the despair of isolation underpin the narrative, reflecting a tragic dimension.
Tags
thriller · mystery · suspense · drama · crime · action · political · intrigue · conspiracy · espionage · betrayal · power struggle