Sequel

"Sequel" by Ben Smith is a science fiction short story published in the early 1950s. The narrative explores themes of isolation, regret, and redemption set against the backdrop of space travel. The story follows the protagonist, Jubil Marken, who finds himself adrift in space after a mutiny on board his ship, the "Mercury II", reflecting on his past choices and the consequences they have led to. In the story, Jubil Marken grapples with feelings of loss and failure as he recalls his time at the Academy and the friends who have gone on to achieve greatness, unlike him. Ejected from his ship by mutineers, he reflects on the fate that awaits him while drifting towards a cold asteroid. Through his thoughts, the narrative reveals his sense of peace amidst impending death, as he contemplates the actions of his former crew and the tragic end of his comrades, Kane and Schoenbirk. Ultimately, as space shatters around him following the destruction of the "Mercury II", Jubil comes to terms with his own mortality, achieving a measure of personal redemption through self-sacrifice, akin to the brilliance of the friends he lost.