02644cam a22003973u 4500 60913 UtSlPG 20260610134414.0 m cr n 260607r2019||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 PS Stecher, L. J., Jr., 1918-1988 A Matter of Taste Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2019 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, January 1961 Release date is 2019-12-13 Produced by Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net "A Matter of Taste" by Jr. L. J. Stecher is a science fiction short story written in the early 1960s. The narrative unfolds in a futuristic setting where space exploration and trading with alien civilizations are commonplace. The story likely revolves around the complex interactions between humans and extraterrestrial beings, focusing on themes of mind control and survival in the face of unprecedented challenges. The plot centers on Mark Atkinson, a claims adjuster from Interstellar Insurance, who is dispatched to the icy planet of Sunder's Pride to investigate the mysterious disappearances of crew members due to alien interference. As tensions mount, the expedition's leader, Obadiah Jones, reveals that the aliens have been abducting humans for their own purposes, leaving the team in a precarious situation. Atkinson employs unconventional strategies, relying on his inherent technological advantages rather than succumbing to the aliens' mind control tactics. Ultimately, through clever use of his unique adaptations and understanding of human strengths, Atkinson negotiates a resolution that preserves human lives while ensuring continued trade with the aliens, encapsulating the story's exploration of the balance between technology and emotion in the face of danger. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified Science fiction Short stories Human-alien encounters -- Fiction Space colonies -- Fiction Psychic ability -- Fiction Insurance adjusters -- Fiction Ritter, Bob Produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, January 1961 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/60913 101739 101739