Halftripper

"Halftripper" by Mack Reynolds is a science fiction story set in the age of space travel, diving into the dark side of interplanetary exploration and the fragility of the human mind. The novella centers on Micheal, a man tormented by past decisions involving his brother, Joseph, and the loss of their son during a disaster on Calypso, a distant satellite. As Micheal journeys through the Martian underworld, he crosses paths with Joseph, now an immortal being, but lost to madness and driven by the weight of his guilt. Their tragic history unfolds, revealing the price they paid and the emotional wounds which haunt them both. The story highlights the themes of guilt, redemption, and the cost of immortality, painting a picture of a universe where the mind can either be a prison or an escape. Through Micheal's reflections and the exploration of the differences of consciousness versus madness, the reader is asked to consider the true meaning of existence.