
In a dank, underground cell on the alien world Altair V, a seasoned Terran negotiator, Meyerhoff, faces a gaunt, talkative prisoner named Zeckler. The two men clash over promises of wealth, extradition papers, and the harsh reality of a planet where the law is as alien as its inhabitants. As Meyerhoff uncovers the true nature of Zeckler’s crime, the stakes rise beyond a simple rescue, hinting at a legal maze that could trap both parties.
The narrative blends gritty world‑building with sharp dialogue, drawing listeners into a tense encounter between human bureaucracy and the unforgiving customs of an extraterrestrial society. With each revelation, the fragile balance of power shifts, and the looming trial promises a battle of wits that will test Meyerhoff’s resolve and the very meaning of “brotherhood” among strangers.
Language
en
Duration
~33 minutes (32K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Greg Weeks, Stephen Blundell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2008-01-14
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1928–1992
A doctor who turned his medical knowledge into lively science fiction, he wrote stories for both younger and adult readers and also produced clear, popular nonfiction about medicine and science.
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by Alan Edward Nourse

by Alan Edward Nourse

by Alan Edward Nourse

by Alan Edward Nourse

by Alan Edward Nourse

by Alan Edward Nourse

by Alan Edward Nourse

by Alan Edward Nourse