Distress Signal

"Distress Signal" by Ross Rocklynne is a science fiction story about two young runaways, Carl Wyant and Rex Oberling, stranded on the frigid planet Worta. Facing challenges of survival and friendship, they depend on each other to find a road back home. After the two stowaway and crash land on Worta they are greeted by the Wortan people, a group barely existing underground. As survival becomes more dire to Rex, he schemes a dangerous plan to send out a distress signal but could case epic destruction in the end. Carl, quickly understanding the consequences of Rex's actions, desperately tries to stop him which result in a confrontation between the friends. The story tragically ends as the boys question the boundaries of morality and sacrifice, leaving behind the question of both life and friendship.