Space Travel, Vol. 5, No. 6

About this issue

This science fiction story by Edmond Hamilton follows Star Survey captain Mark Harlow, investigating the disappearance of scientist Edwin Dundonald on the star ML-441. Stationed near a crimson-stone city inhabited by the golden-skinned Ktashans, Harlow confronts Chief Councillor N'Kann about legends of the Vorn—mysterious star-travelers rumored to journey between worlds without ships. When N'Kann forbids further questioning, Harlow encounters Yrra, a Ktashan woman whose brother Brai was imprisoned for discussing the Vorn with Dundonald. She reveals fragments of legends about the Vorn's origin-world, but their conversation is interrupted by the arrival of another Star Survey cruiser. The arrival causes commotion among the Ktashans, and Harlow's hopes that Dundonald has returned are dashed when he discovers the newcomer is not the Starquest.