Short Fiction · Chapter
Prospector's Special explained
Tom Morrison, a prospector on Venus, is warned by the robot mail carrier Williams 4 about the dangers of his quest.
What happens
Tom Morrison, a prospector on Venus, is warned by the robot mail carrier Williams 4 about the dangers of his quest. Despite receiving letters about his debts and a plea from his love Janie to return, Morrison pushes deeper into the desert. He tricks Public Utility into giving him water, but is cut off by Vice President Reade. Morrison refuses to turn back, continues his trek, and eventually finds goldenstone. He threatens Williams 4 to use the robot's emergency phone, contacts his broker Max Krandall to start the claim process, and faces the prospect of prison for his actions.
Themes in this chapter
Isolation and Friendship
Morrison is isolated in the desert, with only the robot Williams 4 and distant contacts like Janie and Krandall providing any connection.
Consumerism and Debt
Morrison's debt to the telephone company and his overdrawn water account highlight the theme of debt and financial pressure on the frontier.
Imperialism and Exploitation
The exploitation of Venus's resources by Earth-based corporations, with prospectors like Morrison risking everything for profit.
Characters to notice
- Tom Morrison
A determined prospector on Venus who risks everything to find goldenstone, defying warnings and debt.
- Williams
The robot mail carrier who warns Morrison of the dangers and later reluctantly helps him.
- Max Krandall
Morrison's jewel broker, who is contacted to help file the claim and is dealing with a depression on Venus.
- Mr. Reade
Vice President of Accounts at Public Utility who cuts off Morrison's water supply.
- Janie
Morrison's love on Earth, who sends a letter begging him to give up prospecting.
Key passages
“Take my advice, young man. Turn back if you still have the chance.”
The robot advises Morrison to abandon his prospecting journey.
Williams 4 warns Morrison of the high mortality rate among prospectors.
“I just want one. Then I’m going to buy me an undersea farm on Earth.”
Morrison states his modest goal of making one fortune to retire to an undersea farm on Earth.
Reveals Morrison's motivation and dream.
“If you turn back immediately, we will keep you supplied with water for the return trip.”
Public Utility offers to provide water only if Morrison returns immediately.
Shows the company's strict policy and Morrison's dilemma.
“I’m not afraid of dying. That was part of the gamble. But I’m damned if I’m going to die fifteen minutes after I’ve struck it rich!”
Morrison expresses his fear of dying just after finding goldenstone, not of death itself.
Highlights his desperation and determination.
“In twenty-three years of service, this is the first time anybody has threatened the life of a government postal employee.”
Williams 4 notes that Morrison is the first to threaten him in 23 years.
Emphasizes the unusual nature of Morrison's actions.