The Man Who Staked the Stars

"The Man Who Staked the Stars" by Katherine MacLean is a science fiction tale set in a universe of corporate conflicts, where Bryce Carter, a director at Union Transport, battles to maintain his influence. We see how Bryce transitions from a history of minor crimes to a powerful position in a business deeply involved in space travel. His story introduces a world of shady dealings, risky alliances, and personal peril as Bryce battles those wanting to bring him down. Bryce's interactions with intriguing characters, like the young "witch doctor" who hints at changing Bryce's life, reveal that his past is connected to the story. Through board meetings and covert activities, the novel builds an atmosphere of suspense, pointing out Bryce's questionable morals and risky situation.