The Black Tide

"The Black Tide" by Arthur G. Stangland is a science fiction story from the 1950s about a future where people mine asteroids in space. The main focus is on the Staker brothers, who try to find uranium in the asteroid belt, even though they have to deal with their own arguments and a big, mean company that wants to stop them. Bill Staker, who drives rockets, is scared of space and doesn't think much of himself, while his brother Tom is all excited about their mining plan. But when their mission gets messed up and Tom is in danger, Bill has to be brave, fix his relationship with Tom, and fight for what's right. The tale explores themes of families overcoming trouble, fortitude in the face of danger, and striving for freedom when companies try to control everything.