02551cam a22003853u 4500 59172 UtSlPG 20260610134349.0 m cr n 260607r2019||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 PS Ellis, Mike Willie's Planet 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, April 1955 Release date is 2019-03-31 Produced by Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net "Willie's Planet" by Mike Ellis is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. Set in a future where space exploration is common, the story explores themes of isolation and the human yearning for connection with nature. The central topic revolves around the discovery of a sterile, Earth-like planet, and the choices faced by the crew regarding colonization and personal desires. The narrative follows a small crew aboard a spaceship, led by Captain Bart, as they discover a seemingly perfect yet lifeless planet abundant with ferns but devoid of animal life. The crew debates the possibility of colonization, but Willie, the navigator, longs for solitude and decides to stay behind to pursue his dream of farming in peace. Tensions escalate when Bart, frustrated with Willie’s deteriorating capabilities, threatens to report him for desertion, ultimately resulting in Willie getting accidentally shot in his attempt to escape. In his final moments, Willie expresses his belief that his presence could help bring life to the planet, symbolizing the merging of seed and soil. The story ends with Willie dying content, leaving the protagonist Tom to reflect on the significance of Willie's sacrifice for a new beginning on Willie's Planet. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified Science fiction Short stories Outer space -- Exploration -- Fiction Extrasolar planets -- Fiction Casler, Charles Orban, Paul, 1896-1974 Produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, April 1955 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/59172 99998 99998