Revolt on Alpha C
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| Revolt on Alpha C | |
 Cover of 1959 Scholastic Books reprint |
|
| Author | Robert Silverberg |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre(s) | Young adult science fiction novel |
| Publisher | Cromwell |
| Publication date | 1955 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover & Paperback) |
| Pages | 148 pp |
| ISBN | NA |
Revolt on Alpha C is a science fiction novel written by Robert Silverberg and published in 1955. It was Silverberg's first published novel.
[edit] Plot introduction
The story is intended for young adults and describes a boy just reaching adulthood. He had a good upbringing with strong moral values. In the novel, he is faced with a situation that forces him to apply those values in a non-trivial way.
[edit] Plot summary
The story takes place in the year 2363. The protagonist is Cadet Larry Stark, a 20-year-old, fresh graduate of the Space Patrol Academy who comes from a long line of Space Patrol commanders. As the story begins, he is embarking on the customary final training cruise on the interstellar ship Carden. At the end of this cruise, he will be awarded a commission as officer of the Space Patrol. The ship makes the four and a half light-year journey to the star Alpha Centauri in a span of 15 days using the faster-than-light overdrive. The fourth planet orbiting Alpha C, an earth-like planet inhabited by dinosaurs, has been colonized 125 years earlier.
Cadet Stark, who has been taught to obey orders and to trust the infallibility of Earth and the Space Patrol, arrives at planet IV of Alpha C just as the colonists are voting to declare, and possibly fight for, their independence from Earth. The arrival of the Carden and its crew can potentially affect the course of events in this revolution. The young cadet, for the first time in his life, must choose the proper and honorable course of action in a situation where there is no clear right and wrong. The consequences of his actions may place in jeopardy his career with the Space Patrol and the love of his father.
Distinctive things to note about the 1955 novel include: 1) The overdrive is based on the principle of warping space; 2) The phrase "electronic guitar" is used for electric guitar and "wristchron" is used for wrist watch; and 3) the ship radio uses vacuum tube technology.
