The band played on

"The Band Played On" by Lester Del Rey is a science fiction story set in the vastness of space that spotlights Captain Thomas Murdock, a space garbage man whose life's work is about to be redefined; the story follows Murdock as he struggles with his perceived place in the universe, especially compared to the celebrated pilots, and sees him face a space station crisis caused by toxic air. Murdock decides to volunteer for a perilous mission to deliver some much-needed filters to the station, as his knowledge and expertise turns out to be crucial to the success of the mission. As the mission turns sour he is forced to navigate a very dangerous return to base and lands in the middle of a raging storm. In the end Murdock is recognized as a hero, even though he sees himself as just doing his job.