02445cam a22003853u 4500 61439 UtSlPG 20260610134421.0 m cr n 260607r2020||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 PS Carlson, Mary The Time of Cold Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2020 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, September 1963 Release date is 2020-02-18 Produced by Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net "The Time of Cold" by Mary Carlson is a science fiction novella written during the early 1960s. The story explores themes of survival and adaptation in an alien environment, focusing on the contrasting lives of its two main characters: a human astronaut and a unique liquid creature. The narrative unfolds in a harsh, extraterrestrial landscape where the characters must face their predatory instincts and the challenges posed by their surroundings. The plot centers around Curt, a stranded astronaut, who must navigate a dangerous landscape filled with hostile wildlife, specifically a terrifying creature known as a liquid scorpion. Injured and desperate, Curt seeks refuge from the relentless heat of three suns as he attempts to survive. Meanwhile, Xen, the liquid creature, observes Curt and is torn between fear and curiosity. As their paths intersect, Xen learns about the human's needs in a time of cold and ultimately assists him in finding safety. The story delves into the themes of empathy and interspecies understanding, showcasing how survival becomes a shared experience despite their inherent differences. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified Science fiction Short stories Survival -- Fiction Extraterrestrial beings -- Fiction Human-alien encounters -- Fiction Life on other planets -- Fiction Produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, September 1963 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/61439 102265 102265