Slay-Ride

"Slay-Ride" by Winston K. Marks is a science fiction novella written during the early 1950s. The story revolves around Frane Lewis, a space pirate and a ruthless triggerman, who embarks on a perilous mission through the cold expanse of space. The book delves into themes of greed, survival, and the consequences of one's actions against the backdrop of interstellar piracy. The narrative unfolds as Frane Lewis successfully executes his heinous plan on a small space freighter, eliminating its crew to prepare for a heist. However, as the events progress, he is confronted with the reality of his choices, especially when he dons a peculiar piece of spaceman's underwear that inadvertently leads to his demise. As he navigates the ship alone, his body temperature rises dangerously due to wearing multiple layers in the inhospitable environment of space. Ultimately, he succumbs to the very elements he sought to control, trapped by his own greed and a series of miscalculations, culminating in a grim irony that highlights the harsh realities of space and the futility of his intentions.

Summary written by Project Gutenberg, by machine.