Author
James Causey
1924-2003
James Causey (1924-2003) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by James Causey
Exploiter's End
"Exploiter's End" by James Causey is a science fiction novel produced in the early 1950s. Set on a distant planet where humans and alien beings known as Terms coexist, the story delves into themes of individuality, exploitation, and cultural conflict. The narrative explores the complexities of labor dynamics in a futuristic society, raising questions about autonomy and the essence of progress. The plot revolves around Jake, a cost analyst at an interstellar manufacturing plant, who grapples with the ethical issues of employing the Term race for their labor. As he navigates workplace politics, he encounters Harvey, a newcomer disillusioned by the company’s practices, and Don Carmody, who orchestrates clandestine manipulations within the plant. Tension escalates as the Guild, a group seeking to liberate the Terms, infiltrates the plant with a thought-control agent targeting the workers' minds, igniting a conflict over individual identity versus collective existence. Ultimately, Jake must confront both external threats and his own beliefs about liberation and progress, leading to a harrowing conclusion where personal and societal ideals clash violently—leaving the reader pondering the nature of freedom and control in the relentless march of civilization.
Inhibition
"Inhibition" by James Causey is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. The story explores themes of cultural development, the consequences of intervention, and the nature of humanity. It focuses on the conflict between the need for control over emerging alien cultures and the ethical dilemmas that arise from such actions." The narrative follows Saxon, an agent of the Inhibition Corps, who is tasked with preventing the development of a newly colonized planet, Eden XI. As he arrives on the planet, he meets the colonists and discovers that their society, despite its seemingly primitive structure, possesses advanced technology and a unique, peaceful culture. When he learns that this group is not only human but also part of a larger civilization (Homo Superior) that has been watching them, Saxon faces a moral crisis. Torn between his duty to obey orders to suppress the colony and his growing affection for its inhabitants, especially for a young girl named Veena, he ultimately decides to defy the orders of his superiors, destroying his own ship and protecting the colony. The story culminates in a bittersweet realization of the potential for harmony between different cultures, as Saxon comes to terms with his identity and purpose.
Felony
"Felony" by James Causey is a science fiction short story originally published in the mid-20th century, specifically in July 1954. The narrative centers around a character named Vogel, a production manager who becomes entangled in a mysterious scenario involving an unusual and seemingly out-of-place employee named Amenth. The story explores the themes of identity, isolation, and the consequences of one's actions within a workplace setting while delving into the concept of beauty and morality through a science fiction lens. In "Felony," Vogel's life takes a dramatic turn when he encounters Amenth, an enigmatic worker with a hidden past and extraordinary abilities that defy conventional understanding. As Vogel investigates Amenth's background and the strange happenings in his factory, he uncovers a complex relationship between the two characters. Amenth, revealed to be an alien in hiding from a society that deems him a felon, attempts to use his knowledge to create a device for escape. The story culminates in a tense confrontation where Vogel is faced with a choice between fulfilling his aspiration for perfection and recognizing the inherent beauty in imperfection, ultimately leading to a poignant exploration of what it means to belong—and the cost of ambition against the backdrop of a vivid alien world.
Competition
"Competition" by James Causey is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. Set in a futuristic context where humanity is exploring new planets for colonization, the book revolves around the crew of scientists who investigate a mysterious and deadly disease that has wiped out a test colony on the planet Epsilon. The narrative intertwines themes of survival and human competition in the face of extraterrestrial challenges. The story follows Greta, a dedicated biochemist, and her interactions with her fellow crew members, particularly Max, a skilled pilot and bacteriologist. As they explore Epsilon, they confront the horrifying fate of the colony, discovering skeletal remains that suggest the colonists perished due to internal conflict or disease. Tensions escalate within the crew as they struggle to find answers, revealing their rivalries and personal demons. The plot thickens with each character's hidden motives and resulting paranoia, culminating in a shocking betrayal that highlights the darker aspects of human nature and the implications of competition in extreme circumstances. Ultimately, "Competition" offers a blend of scientific inquiry and psychological suspense, making it an intriguing read for fans of speculative fiction.
Teething Ring
"Teething Ring" by James Causey is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative revolves around the interactions between Melinda Adams, a housewife, and an alien peddler named Porteous, who mistakenly believes she lives in a lower-class culture. The story explores themes of societal misunderstanding and the humorous consequences that arise when advanced technology encounters a seemingly primitive environment. In the tale, Melinda is initially annoyed by Porteous's visit but becomes intrigued by his array of alien gadgets. Despite her resistance, she engages with him, showcasing her life and cultural practices. When Porteous introduces a neural distorter, which he claims could enhance her son Harry Junior's intelligence, Melinda's protective instincts kick in. The story takes a twist when a Galactic Security officer arrives, revealing that Porteous's assumptions about Melinda's world were incorrect, thus raising questions about classification and cultural context. Ultimately, as Melinda reflects on the day’s events, Harry Junior demonstrates a uniquely childlike ambition, dreaming of grand achievements that feel hilariously out of reach.