Six Frightened Men

"Six Frightened Men" by Randall Garrett is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. The narrative revolves around a team of explorers from the Space Corps who land on the uncharted planet of Pollux V, where they encounter a bewildering and terrifying creature that puts their lives at risk. The story delves into themes of fear, survival, and the psychological impact of encountering the unknown. The plot follows a team of six astronauts who, after an initial expedition reveals the remnants of an ancient civilization, find themselves haunted and hunted by a mysterious monstrous entity. As crew members begin to die under mysterious circumstances, it becomes clear that the monster is a manifestation of fear, tied to one of the crew's dark secrets. The protagonist grapples with the realization that the source of the horror may be one among them, leading to a tense confrontation and eventual revelation of betrayal. Ultimately, the story explores how fear can distort reality and the moral implications of survival in the face of unimaginable threats.