To Each His Star

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"To Each His Star" by Bryce Walton is a science fiction novella written in the early 1950s. The story follows four men—Russell, Dunbar, Johnson, and Alvar—who find themselves drifting in space after their ship is wrecked. As they float through the vastness of the universe, they face uncertainty and despair while navigating their complex dynamics and beliefs about their destination, which Dunbar insists is a paradise promised by a sun with a red rim. The narrative unfolds as Russell grows increasingly wary of Dunbar's claims and optimistic demeanor, suspecting that their chosen path may lead them to danger rather than safety. Each man grapples with their own hope and despair, ultimately leading Russell to take drastic action against Dunbar, believing he is jeopardizing their chances of survival. After Dunbar’s death, the remaining three men find themselves at a crossroads, each choosing a different direction to seek their own star. The story culminates in a poignant exploration of isolation, belief, and the choices that define one’s fate, leaving Russell to confront the consequences of his actions as he begins his solitary journey toward the unknown.

Summary written by Project Gutenberg, by machine.