Flamedown

Illustrated by Leo Summers

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"Flamedown" by H. B. Fyfe is a science fiction novella that was likely written in the early 1960s. The story revolves around the character Charlie Holmes, an Earthman who finds himself on Mars after a crash landing and soon becomes embroiled in a dramatic and perilous situation involving alien beings and their rituals. The narrative explores themes of reality, identity, and the consequences of one's actions, all set against the backdrop of Martian civilization. In "Flamedown," Charlie Holmes wakes up on Mars after a mysterious crash, greeted by a Martian named Kho Theki. As his memories slowly return, he learns he is mistaken about being a rocket pilot; instead, he was hit by a truck back on Earth while distracted by reading a magazine. The plot thickens as Kho informs Charlie that he has become a target for sacrifice due to the drought affecting the Martian people. Despite the bizarre and dangerous circumstances, Charlie must confront the truth about his past and navigate his predicament as Kho, serving as a spirit guide, humorously reveals the irony of his situation. The story culminates in a whimsical twist as Kho promises more adventures in different scenarios and planets, leaving the reader with a mix of intrigue and amusement.

Summary written by Project Gutenberg, by machine.