"Half Around Pluto" by Manly Wade Wellman is a science fiction tale that throws readers into the icy desolation of Pluto, where a small team of astronauts struggles against both the planet's unforgiving environment and the growing tensions within their own ranks. Lieutenant Wofforth, along with Jenks and Corbett, find themselves stranded after a scout rocket mishap, forcing them on a desperate trek back to Base Camp. The journey tests their physical and mental endurance as dwindling supplies and the crushing weight of isolation begin to take their toll, sparking conflict among them that ends tragically. The lieutenant, now alone, battles on, eventually reaching Base Camp, but he finds it sealed and seemingly deserted only to find the first mate. Together, they find new hope for their plight on the unforgiving planet Pluto.

Half Around Pluto
By Manly Wade Wellman
Crash-landed on a desolate planet, a lone astronaut struggles to survive the elements, internal conflict and psychological breakdown only to find new hope for the future.
Summary
About the AuthorManly Wade Wellman was an American writer. While his science fiction and fantasy stories appeared in such pulps as Astounding Stories, Startling Stories, Unknown and Strange Stories, Wellman is best remembered as one of the most popular contributors to the legendary Weird Tales and for his fantasy and horror stories set in the Appalachian Mountains, which draw on the native folklore of that region. Karl Edward Wagner referred to him as "the dean of fantasy writers." Wellman also wrote in a wide variety of other genres, including historical fiction, detective fiction, western fiction, juvenile fiction, and non-fiction.
Manly Wade Wellman was an American writer. While his science fiction and fantasy stories appeared in such pulps as Astounding Stories, Startling Stories, Unknown and Strange Stories, Wellman is best remembered as one of the most popular contributors to the legendary Weird Tales and for his fantasy and horror stories set in the Appalachian Mountains, which draw on the native folklore of that region. Karl Edward Wagner referred to him as "the dean of fantasy writers." Wellman also wrote in a wide variety of other genres, including historical fiction, detective fiction, western fiction, juvenile fiction, and non-fiction.