Off the Beam

"Off the Beam" by George O. (George Oliver) Smith is a thrilling science fiction tale set in an era where space travel is fraught with danger and technological uncertainty. The narrative follows the harrowing journey of Don Channing and the crew of the spaceship "Solar Queen" after a collision with a meteor leaves them stranded and fighting for survival. Channing, armed with his knowledge and a few helpful resources, steps up to lead the injured crew in a race against time to restore the ship's systems and send a distress signal. Amidst the technical challenges and the struggle to stay alive, the story highlights themes of resilience, ingenuity, and the enduring power of human connection, punctuated by the emotional weight of Channing's relationship with his wife, Arden, who anxiously awaits news of his fate.