Oomphel in the Sky

"Oomphel in the Sky" by H. Beam Piper is a science fiction story set on the planet Kwannon. It follows Miles Gilbert, a journalist, as he witnesses growing tension between native people and Terran colonists. The native people believe in a prophecy called the "Last Hot Time" and the mysterious "oomphel," while the colonists bring advanced technology. As Gilbert travels across Kwannon, talking with soldiers and pilots, he sees how these different beliefs and technologies are causing major problems. The story shows a mix of political issues, cultural differences, and possible disaster, with Gilbert trying to bridge the gap these diverging worlds.