Signal Red

"Signal Red" by Henry Guth is a science fiction tale set in the mid-20th century, revolving around the dangers and survival challenges of space travel amidst interplanetary conflict. The story introduces Shano, an old, sick man, who boards the space liner "Stardust" with a quiet acceptance of his fate, determined to journey home, potentially to meet his end. Against warnings of threats from the Uranian fleet, he starts his voyage, only to find the "Stardust" caught in a battle where he discovers a traitor has sabotaged the ship. Fueled by a mix of desperation and the memory of his laborious past, Shano risks his life to enter the engine room, using his frail body and failing health to maintain the ship’s operations, embodying a transformation from passivity to courageous action, and highlighting the theme of redemption and lasting human strength when facing impossible odds.