Brightside Crossing

"Brightside Crossing" by Alan Edward Nourse is a science fiction adventure that throws readers into the scorching world of Mercury, where a team of determined astronauts aims to be the first to traverse its sun-baked Brightside. Set in a future where space travel is within reach, the story centers on James Baron and his fellow crew members, led by the ambitious Major Mikuta, as they face the planet's deadly environment. As the team ventures deeper into their mission, the unforgiving heat and dangerous landscape test their limits, pushing them to the brink, exploring themes of trust, survival, and the high price of ambition. The journey takes a dark turn as the team's reckless choices against the planet's environmental challenges, and the extreme weather causes the crew to have tragic encounters, and ultimately resulting in a perilous outcome. Through the experiences of previous explorer Peter Claney, the story forces the crew to realize they are at the mercy of nature.