Wreck Off Triton

"Wreck Off Triton" by Alfred Coppel is a science fiction story set in the future where space travel is common, and treasures can be found among the stars. The story follows Ron Carnavon, a cold-hearted criminal, who plans to recover valuable sapphires from his wrecked spaceship. He hires Pop Wills, a former ship captain with a drinking problem, without revealing his real identity, expecting to get rid of him after the job is done. As they head to the wreck of the "Thunderbird," built-up tension leads to a big fight, as Carnavon’s plans fall apart when he learns of Pop's past connection to a tragedy. The story ends with a violent clash where both face their destinies, one led by greed and the other finding bravery when he thought he had lost it all.