Author
Ross Rocklynne
1913-1988
Ross Rocklynne (1913-1988) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Ross Rocklynne
The Tantalus Death
"The Tantalus Death" by Ross Rocklynne is a science fiction short story published in the early 20th century, specifically within the 1940s. The narrative unfolds a dramatic scenario where Earth, in its refusal to supply water to Mars, faces grave consequences. The story explores themes of diplomacy and the lengths to which civilizations will go under hardship. In the tale, Olduk, the Martian ambassador, implores the Earth’s Conclave for water amid a backdrop of previous Martian-Earth conflicts. As the assembly rejects his plea yet again, a mysterious mechanism causes water around Earth to transform into impenetrable spheres, making it impossible for humans to drink. The citizens of Earth, now doomed to suffer like Tantalus from Greek mythology—eternally thirsty, unable to access the water surrounding them—must confront their predicament. As chaos ensues, the Governors, driven by desperation, consider a deceptive agreement with Olduk in hopes of regaining access to water, ultimately leading to profound moral reflection about their treatment of the Martian race and Olduk's tragic fate.
Revolt of the Devil Star
"Revolt of the Devil Star" by Ross Rocklynne is a science fiction narrative that was likely written in the early 1950s. The story explores the existential themes of creation, death, and the nature of choice within the vast universe, delving into the fate of a character named Devil Star as he grapples with the predetermined laws of existence and his desire to defy them. The plot follows Devil Star, a cosmic entity who confronts the inevitability of death, which he learns is the destiny shared by all beings. His journey is marked by encounters with other energy creatures like Moon Flame and Dark Fire, through which he wrestles with profound questions about creation, choice, and the patterns that govern life. In the end, rather than succumbing to the cosmic flows of destiny, he seeks to assert his own will. The tale unfolds as a tragic exploration of rebellion against fate, ultimately culminating in a poignant realization about the nature of life and the significance of choice, illustrating how even the greatest rebels might find themselves entwined in the very systems they wish to escape.
Distress Signal
"Distress Signal" by Ross Rocklynne is a science fiction story written during the mid-20th century. The narrative revolves around two boys, Carl Wyant and Rex Oberling, who, after running away from home, find themselves marooned on the cold planet Worta. The boys navigate themes of friendship, survival, and the dire consequences of desperation as they seek a way back to their home. The story begins with Carl and Rex's impulsive escape into space, which ultimately leads to their crash landing on Worta, where they are taken in by the Wortan people, a civilization struggling to survive underground. However, as time passes, Rex becomes increasingly obsessed with returning home and devises a dangerous plan involving a distress signal that could inadvertently lead to immense destruction. Carl, realizing the catastrophic implications of Rex's actions, desperately tries to stop him, resulting in a tense confrontation between the two friends. Ultimately, the story culminates in a tragic and explosive climax that challenges the boundaries of morality and sacrifice, leaving a haunting impression of the fragility of both life and friendship.
Cosmic Yo-Yo
"Cosmic Yo-Yo" by Ross Rocklynne is a science fiction novella published in the mid-20th century, specifically during the post-World War II era. The story explores themes of adventure and resourcefulness in space, centering around the quest to transport a uniquely shaped asteroid to fulfill a wealthy client's unconventional request—a wedding venue in the asteroid belt. The plot intertwines elements of romance and rivalry as the characters navigate the challenges posed by both a competing company and unexpected inhabitants on their find. The narrative follows Bob Parker and his partner Queazy, who stumble upon a wedge-shaped asteroid fitting the exact specifications needed by Mr. Andrew S. Burnside for his granddaughter's wedding. However, their plans are complicated by the arrival of Starre Lowenthal, who reveals her claim over the asteroid, leading to confrontations with the unscrupulous Saylor brothers, who also want the asteroid for themselves. As tensions rise, Bob and his companions devise a clever plan that incorporates Bob's expertise to manipulate the asteroid's composition, ultimately thwarting the Saylors and delivering a remarkable twist just in time for the wedding. The story concludes with a playful exploration of love and resourcefulness, highlighting the characters' quick thinking and unexpected collaboration.
Jaywalker
"Jaywalker" by Ross Rocklynne is a science fiction story written in the early 1950s. The narrative focuses on the themes of love, sacrifice, and the challenges of space travel, as it follows Marcia McHenry, a woman who boards a spaceship bound for the Moon to reconnect with her husband, Captain Jack McHenry, amidst personal turmoil in their marriage. In the story, Marcia wrestles with her fear of space travel, rooted in a traumatic past, including her father's death in a rocket explosion. To resolve her marital issues, she embarks on this journey using a false identity and without proper validation, which exposes her to grave dangers—especially as she discovers she is pregnant. As she navigates the complexities of her situation, Jack is forced into a critical decision-making scenario when complications arise aboard the spacecraft. He must execute a risky plan to spin the ship and create artificial gravity to protect Marcia and the unborn child. Ultimately, "Jaywalker" explores Marcia's journey toward understanding and self-acceptance, culminating in the realization of love, courage, and shared responsibilities in the face of adversity.
X Marks the Asteroid
"X Marks the Asteroid" by Ross Rocklynne is a science fiction novel written during the early 1950s. The story unfolds in a futuristic setting as it intertwines themes of adventure, deception, and the quest for identity amid interstellar exploration. The protagonist, Ralph Unterzuyder, grapples with his notorious family legacy while attempting to locate an asteroid where his ancestors lie in suspended animation, ultimately confronting moral dilemmas about loyalty and ambition. The narrative follows Ralph, alias Carruthers Straley, as he enlists the help of a group of settlers and navigates the treacherous landscape of space politics against figures like Bigger Bailes, who is equally intent on claiming the reward for locating the hibernating Unterzuyders. The plot thickens as Ralph discovers that the map leading to the asteroid is not as straightforward as it seems, revealing deeper schemes by those around him, including the manipulative Beecher family. Amid a backdrop of adventure and potential betrayal, Ralph must balance his personal ambitions with the safety of his crew as they navigate through the cosmos, ultimately leading to moments of romance and reflection on the nature of ambition and the value of honesty.
Chicken Farm
"Chicken Farm" by Ross Rocklynne is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative focuses on an eccentric and determined man named Harvey who seeks a new venture in space. At its core, the story explores themes of love and ambition, all centered around Harvey’s unusual aspiration to establish a chicken farm on a newly discovered planet named Plymouth, despite the skepticism of others. The story begins with Harvey arriving at a hotel on Mars, where he meets Anna, a woman from a chicken ranch in Oregon. He quickly declares his intentions to marry her and takes off on a mission to find a "perp" planet, eventually securing ownership of Plymouth. As Harvey experiments with various factors to raise better chickens on this new planet, Anna's doubts about the planet's existence grow, leading her to leave him. However, Harvey’s persistent personality finally unites them, and they rush to Plymouth, only to find an overwhelming abundance of chickens. The tale encapsulates a blend of humor and cleverness, showcasing how ambition can lead to both unexpected challenges and delightful outcomes in the quest for success.
Sorry: Wrong Dimension
"Sorry: Wrong Dimension" by Ross Rocklynne is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative revolves around a housewife, Stella, and her neighbor, Mabel, as they encounter a mysterious and invisible creature—a 'Drinko'—that plays with Stella's baby while they are inadvertently trapped in a bizarre scenario that hints at interdimensional travel. The story explores themes of motherhood, unexpected adventures, and the clash between the mundane and the extraordinary. In the storyline, Stella enjoys a rare moment of peace when her baby doesn't cry, only to discover that he has been happily playing with an unseen monster. As she and Mabel grapple with this revelation, they soon find themselves ensnared in a dimension where the usual rules do not apply. When two bumbling crooks attempt to abscond with the baby monster, they seek help from the dimension police. Ultimately, Stella's determination to protect her child leads to the apprehension of the thieves, and she is gifted the elusive Drinko as a reward. The tale is whimsical and humorous, highlighting the absurdity of their predicament while emphasizing the bond between mother and child.