Synopsis
Chac is a Terran on Mars at the time when interplanetary war breaks out, but he is in love with a Martian woman.
History
First publication: Wonder Stories Quarterly, Spring 1931
Review
I had high hopes, based on the later stories I have read by Wellman, that I would find his early work better than the average of the 30s, but it is not to be, at least not with this story. This is a fairly standard space opera of the 30s, with earth going to war with the Martians. Even though the Martians outnumber earth in battle ships, earth still prevails and the main character is a hero. There was the opportunity for a strong story with Chac being in love with a Martian. Chac is sent on a spy mission and destroys a huge Martian ship singlehandedly, killing his love’s brother in the process. Huge potential for drama here, but Chac does his duty. He feels bad sure, but he doesn’t hesitate. And at the end his love is okay with this. Big miss on Wellman’s part. The story could have been soooo much better if he would have really played up the conflict in Chac between his love and his home. Oh well. Only recommended to fans of the standard 30s space operas or Wellman completists.
Videos
We have the story in these editions:
All of the stories in the Jack Stillwell series:
When Planets Clashed
The Disc-Men of Jupiter
