Blind Play

"Blind Play" by Chan Davis is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story revolves around Nick Pappas, a hired killer from Callisto, who finds himself in a perilous situation as he attempts to manipulate the fates of his fellow crew members aboard the spaceship "Tang Chuh-Chih". The narrative explores themes of survival, betrayal, and the stark realities of life in a harsh, unforgiving space environment. The plot unfolds as Pappas, navigating his self-serving ambitions, becomes embroiled in a power struggle among the crew members, especially in light of the looming threat from the Beldens, who aim to control resources on Callisto. As tensions rise, the story culminates in a dramatic twist where Pappas is ejected into the void of space by his crewmates, forcing him to confront his own selfishness and the realization that survival may depend on the cooperation of others. Ultimately, his fate becomes sealed as he figures out the gravity of his situation too late, illustrating that one's individualism can lead to dire consequences when isolated in the vastness of space.