Combatman

"Combatman" by John Massie Davis is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story revolves around a colonizing operation on a distant planet where the protagonist, Computerman, and a formidable ally known as Combatman navigate the complexities of interstellar exploration and possible conflict. The narrative delves into themes of authority, survival, and the unknown, all while set against the backdrop of space travel. The plot follows Computerman as he manages a crew onboard a spacecraft tasked with establishing a colony on a newly discovered planet. After emerging from a state of suspended animation, he finds himself dealing with the assertive Combatman, who is determined to take charge of the mission. As they approach the planet, tension arises regarding the presence of potentially hostile inhabitants, leading to an unexpected revelation about Combatman's true origins. Ultimately, the mission is aborted due to a threat from the planet’s inhabitants, and Combatman reveals that the planet was once his home, Earth. The story concludes with Computerman's realization of the complexities of identity and the implications of their discovery.