The Colonists

Raymond F. Jones' The Colonists presents a gripping science fiction exploration of human resilience and adaptation on an alien world. When a colonial expedition arrives on the planet Serrengian to establish humanity's first permanent settlement beyond Earth, Captain Louis Carnahan and his team must confront an environment that tests every aspect of their survival skills and ingenuity. Stranded on a world governed by extreme weather cycles—alternating brutal dry seasons with torrential rains—the colonists face dwindling resources and mounting doubts about rescue. As their equipment deteriorates and their connection to home grows increasingly fragile, Carnahan must make critical decisions that will determine not only their survival but the viability of human colonization itself. What qualities separate those who endure in hostile environments from those who merely exist? Originally published in the June 1954 edition of IF Worlds of Science Fiction, this classic tale combines hard science fiction with philosophical inquiry into human determination. Jones masterfully weaves technical challenges with the psychological toll of isolation, creating a narrative that questions what it truly takes to conquer new worlds. Ideal for listeners who appreciate thought-provoking golden age science fiction with realistic survival elements, The Colonists delivers compelling speculation about humanity's future among the stars while celebrating the ingenuity required to thrive beyond Earth's boundaries.