Assistant Navigator Andy Horn is prospecting on Jupiter's moon Io. He is accompanied by his unusual companion, Oscar, a Ganymedian honey bear. As Andy calls for Oscar, they are fired upon by another prospector, leading to a standoff. However, when they investigate, they discover a woman named Frieda who was also prospecting and believed they were...More
Robert Moore Williams was an esteemed American writer known for his captivating science fiction tales. Born on June 19, 1907, in Farmington, Missouri, Williams discovered his passion for storytelling early on. After graduating from the Missouri School of Journalism in 1931, he embarked on a remarkable career that would span decades. Williams made his debut in the science fiction realm with the publication of "Zero as a Limit" in Astounding Science Fiction in 1937. Under the pseudonym "Robert Moore," he introduced readers to his unique narrative style and imaginative worlds. From that point forward, his literary output was ceaseless, captivating readers with his vivid imagination and thought-provoking ideas. His final novel was published in...More
Robert Moore Williams was an esteemed American writer known for his captivating science fiction tales. Born on June 19, 1907, in Farmington, Missouri, Williams discovered his passion for storytelling early on. After graduating from the Missouri School of Journalism in 1931, he embarked on a remarkable career that would span decades. Williams made his debut in the science fiction realm with the publication of "Zero as a Limit" in Astounding Science Fiction in 1937. Under the pseudonym "Robert Moore," he introduced readers to his unique narrative style and imaginative worlds. From that point forward, his literary output was ceaseless, captivating readers with his vivid imagination and thought-provoking ideas. His final novel was published in 1972, marking the culmination of a prolific career. Among his notable works is the "Jongor" series, which first enthralled readers in the pages of Fantastic Adventures during the 1940s and 1950s. The series eventually found its way into book form in 1970, cementing Williams' reputation as a master storyteller. By the 1960s, he had already penned over 150 stories, leaving an indelible mark on the science fiction genre.
Book Summary
Assistant Navigator Andy Horn is prospecting on Jupiter's moon Io. He is accompanied by his unusual companion, Oscar, a Ganymedian honey bear. As Andy calls for Oscar, they are fired upon by another prospector, leading to a standoff. However, when they investigate, they discover a woman named Frieda who was also prospecting and believed they were trying to steal her claim. As tensions rise, they are suddenly attacked by unknown assailants. Andy and Frieda take refuge in a cave, but the entrance is blocked, leaving them trapped. Just as things seem dire, they discover a glowing substance, which turns out to be radium, and hints at the presence of an ancient civilization on Io. Oscar leads them to another exit, and they escape. The story ends with them contemplating their newfound wealth and the mysteries of Io's past.