Author
William J. Brittain
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Subjects
Books by William J. Brittain
Murderer's Base
"Murderer's Base" by William J. Brittain is a science fiction thriller written in the late 1940s. The story unfolds in the vastness of space, centering on the theme of betrayal and murder among space workers as one character plots to eliminate his partner in order to seize a lucrative mineral deposit. The book explores the psychological tension of the characters as they navigate their lonely and perilous work on asteroid mining missions. In the narrative, Joe Berne, a desperate and ambitious worker, decides to kill his cautious partner, Sam Hervey, to gain full control of a valuable uranium deposit they discovered. As Berne attempts to orchestrate what appears to be an accident in the void of space, he faces unexpected challenges, as Hervey proves to be far more astute and resilient than he anticipated. The story escalates into a deadly cat-and-mouse game, where Berne’s plans spiral out of control, ultimately leading to a harrowing confrontation. The tale explores themes of greed, survival, and the psychological toll of isolation, leaving readers contemplating the lengths to which one might go when driven by desperation and ambition.
The Burnt Planet
"The Burnt Planet" by William J. Brittain is a science fiction novella written during the mid-20th century. The story revolves around a crew from a spaceship that lands on a seemingly desolate planet, grappling with the remnants of a once-thriving civilization now consumed by ruin. The narrative explores themes of survival, the consequences of war, and the hubris of assuming superiority over others. The plot follows a commander and his crew as they explore the newly discovered world, initially filled with hope for colonization due to its abundant resources and perfect atmosphere. However, they soon encounter bizarre bipeds, remnants of the planet's former inhabitants, who are driven to madness by the aftermath of war. As the crew investigates the decaying cities and uncovers artifacts of the extinct civilization, they reflect on the destructive potential of intelligent beings. In a turn of irony, the scholarly crew member excitedly deciphers the remnants of the planet's language, revealing that the inhabitants referred to themselves as "Men," highlighting the tragic irony of human history and its cyclical nature of destruction.