Smith, Richard Rein 1930- creator Vestal, Herman B. 1916-2007 text utu 2020 monographic en 1 online resource : multiple file formats "Alien Equivalent" by Richard R. Smith is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. The story explores themes of exploitation, survival, and the complex dynamics between Earthmen and the Martian race. Set on Mars, it captures the struggles of colonists and their interactions with the indigenous Martians, who are portrayed as a frail and resentful people living under Earth’s dominion. The narrative follows Chester Farrell, an Earthman who has spent three years in the harsh environment of Mars trying to earn enough money to return to his family on Earth. After managing to save a thousand dollars for the return trip, he is accosted by Tharp, a violent Earthman who demands Farrell's money. In a desperate bid to save himself, Farrell proposes a gambling scheme using the Martian game called "duchal," which involves the painful sensations of losing being transmitted from one player to another. The novella culminates in a tense encounter at the gambling den where Farrell must navigate the risks of both betrayal and the Martian's unique customs, ultimately revealing deeper truths about exploitation and moral choices in a foreign land. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Release date is 2020-10-16 Produced by Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net Original publication data not identified Science fiction Short stories Martians -- Fiction Mars (Planet) -- Fiction Criminals -- Fiction Games -- Fiction PS Original publication data not identified https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/63474 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/63474 UtSlPG 260607 20260610134448.0 63474