Critical difference

"Critical Difference" by Murray Leinster is a science fiction tale of survival against cosmic odds. The story follows Massy, a Colonial Survey officer on his initial mission to the icy planet Lani III, as a dire situation unfolds. Massy discovers that a significant drop in solar output threatens both Lani III and his home world, Lani II. The narrative explores the themes of human adaptability, the importance of communication, and survival as Massy, along with colonists such as the resourceful Riki Herndon, race against time to develop a solution. Their plan involves releasing metallic vapor into the atmosphere to trap solar energy to combat the increasing cold. Through ingenuity and cooperation, they must work together during the imminent cosmic danger and Massy's evolving connection with Riki.