Monkey On His Back

"Monkey On His Back" by Charles V. De Vet is a science fiction story that explores what happens when a man with a broken memory tries to find peace. John Zarwell is on the alien planet St. Martin's, trying to put his life back together, but memories of rebellions he led on other worlds keep coming back to him during his therapy sessions with Milton Bergstrom. Zarwell feels guilty about the things he's done and just wants to be left alone, but he realizes he has a "monkey on his back," meaning he can't ignore people who need his help. When Vernon Johnson asks for his help with another uprising, Zarwell has to decide whether to get involved again or finally find the peace he's been searching for. This blends action, psychological suspense, and sci-fi to ponder the cost of doing what is moral versus the desire for freedom.