Blind Play

"Blind Play" by Chandler Davis is a science fiction story set in the unforgiving expanse of space that follows Nick Pappas, a ruthless assassin from Callisto, as his treacherous schemes to control the destiny of the "Tang Chuh-Chih" crew backfire spectacularly. This tale navigates themes of self-preservation, duplicity, and the brutal truths of existence in a hostile off-world setting. The narrative intensifies as Pappas, driven by ambition, finds himself tangled in a fierce battle for dominance among the crew, especially as the ominous Beldens threaten to seize Callisto's valuable resources. The story reaches a fever pitch when the crew ejects Pappas into the cold emptiness of space, leading him to a bitter acknowledgement of his rampant egoism and the grave understanding that his survival hinges on uniting with the very people he sought to manipulate, sealing his fate as he comprehends the need for camaraderie far too late.