영어로 읽는 고전 _ 스탠리 뮬렌의 X행성의 신기루
스탠리 뮬렌의 「X 행성의 신기루」는 20세기 중반에 쓰인 공상과학 소설이다. 화성과 그 주변 천체들을 배경으로 한 이 이야기는 주인공 토리가 자신의 전 동반자이자 악명 높은 범죄자인 바트 로퍼를 둘러싼 위험과 음모의 그물망을 헤쳐나가는 과정을 따라간다. 이 소설은 강박, 도덕성, 그리고 개인적 야망과 과거 결정의 위험한 결과 사이의 상호작용이라는 주제들을 다룬다.
줄거리는 토리가 감옥 탈출 후 로퍼를 찾아 나서는 탐색으로 시작되는데, 로퍼가 개척했다고 여겨지는 초우라늄 자원 시장에서의 지분을 차지하고자 하는 욕망이 그를 이끈다. 토리가 화성의 범죄 지하세계에 더 깊이 파고들면서, 로퍼의 약혼자인 타롤 센을 만나게 되는데, 그녀는 신비로운 물질 전송기와 관련된 로퍼의 계획에 얽혀 있다. 서사는 토리가 지역 법 집행 기관과 경쟁 세력들과의 갈등을 헤쳐나가며 로퍼를 추적하는 과정에서 생명을 위험에 빠뜨리면서 전개된다. 결국 토리는 로퍼와 대면했을 때 도덕적 딜레마에 직면하게 되는데, 로퍼가 지구에서의 삶, 잠재적 재활, 그리고 죽음의 어둠 사이에서 암울한 선택을 제시하기 때문이다. 이 소설은 해왕성의 위성 중 하나인 트리톤의 생생하고 초현실적인 풍경을 배경으로 인간의 복잡성, 개인적 구원, 그리고 로맨스의 터치가 혼합된 결말로 절정에 달한다.
Classics Read in English _ Mirage for Planet X by Stanley Mullen
Stanley Mullen's "Mirage for Planet X" represents a compelling mid-twentieth century science fiction work that weaves together crime thriller elements with interplanetary adventure. The narrative centers on Torry's relentless pursuit of his former associate Bart Roper, a dangerous fugitive whose escape from prison sets in motion a complex chain of events across the solar system.
The story begins with Torry's determination to track down Roper, motivated not only by their shared criminal past but also by the lucrative prospects of the transuranic mining operations that Roper has allegedly established. This quest leads Torry deep into Mars's shadowy underworld, where he becomes entangled with Tharol Sen, Roper's enigmatic fianc?e who holds crucial knowledge about her lover's revolutionary matter transmission technology.
As the chase intensifies, Torry finds himself caught between competing interests?dodging law enforcement officials while battling rival criminal organizations, all while pursuing his elusive quarry across the hostile Martian landscape. The psychological tension builds as Torry confronts not only external dangers but also his own moral compass, questioning whether his motives stem from justice, greed, or unresolved personal issues.
The climax unfolds on Triton's alien terrain, where the final confrontation between Torry and Roper transcends simple revenge to become a profound examination of redemption, choice, and human nature. Roper's ultimate proposition forces both protagonist and reader to grapple with questions of second chances and the true meaning of justice in a morally ambiguous universe.
Among the contents
They were bringing in the prisoners who had escaped from Phobos. Sand skimmer ambulances had raced to the spaceport outside the terraced Martian city and waited. Dust devils danced on the wide, wind-whipped Martian plains. Grannar of the Police and his silent companion examined each body as it was lowered from the rescue ship.
Death anywhere is an ugly business. On Mars, you get used to bodies that never rot. Deep-freeze temperatures hold down decay bacteria, and the dry, cold air quickly dessicates the tissue. Bodies turn into mummies that look and weigh like so much shredded wheat. But these corpses were worse?they were meaningless parodies that might never have been men. In primal disgust, Torry studied each one in turn, then shuddered and shook his head.
Grannar was tough minded, or stronger stomached. Police routines had taught him not to shudder.
