Trajectory to Taurus

"Trajectory to Taurus" by Les Cole is a science fiction story that transports readers to the early 1960s, where a crew aboard the USS Taurus embarks on a mind-bending journey to make contact with alien life. The story mainly follows Fred Kirr, an anthropologist, and other crew members as they go on an expedition that takes an unexpected turn when they approach a mysterious planet radiating an unusual, emotional influence. The crew's perceptions are warped, and they begin to act in strange ways, resulting in a dramatic exploration of existence and human nature. It transforms into a battle of wills when Fred fights against the planet, and must save himself and his crew. In this cosmic struggle between humanity and strange forces, identity, sacrifice, and the nature of life emerge as themes, offering a thought-provoking look at humanity's growth.