
In a future where humanity stages its first flight around the moon, a young pilot and a prepared companion find themselves thrust into the glare of a worldwide audience. Their selection is presented as the ultimate scientific and military experiment, promising to prove the limits of physical and psychological conditioning. Yet amid the roaring crowds and solemn speeches, personal doubts begin to surface, turning the mission into a test of intimacy as much as of technology.
The story follows their preparation, the public spectacle that surrounds their departure, and the subtle power struggles hidden behind the patriotic fanfare. As they step onto the sleek vessel, the two must confront the expectations placed upon them—not only as flawless specimens but as individuals yearning for connection. The narrative balances the tension of a high‑stakes space venture with a keen examination of how society shapes love, duty, and identity.
Language
en
Duration
~30 minutes (29K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2010-06-07
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
A mid-20th-century science fiction writer whose stories imagine Mars, survival, and the strange pressures of future societies. His work still circulates through public-domain collections, where readers can discover brisk, idea-driven tales like "DP" and "Trees Are Where You Find Them."
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