Last Resort

"Last Resort" by Stephen Bartholomew is a science fiction novella written during the early 1960s. The narrative revolves around the psychological and existential challenges faced by an astronaut stranded in space due to an unexpected hull leak in his spacecraft. As he grapples with diminishing oxygen and the threat of his own mortality, the story delves into themes of human resilience, the limits of science, and the potential of the mind to overcome dire situations. The plot centers on an unnamed astronaut who, after discovering a slow leak in his spacecraft, faces an impending death from asphyxiation and isolation. As he reflects on his life, particularly his loved ones, he is confronted with the choice to take an experimental drug known as LRXD, which promises to enhance mental capacity but carries the risk of severe side effects. The drug induces intense hallucinations and heightened awareness, granting him a profound new perspective on his predicament. Ultimately, he discovers that through an unexpected psychic connection, he is able to stop the leak with the power of his mind, leading to unforeseen consequences for both him and the future of space research. The story concludes with the intrigue surrounding his newfound abilities and their implications for humanity’s understanding of consciousness and the universe.