Death Wish

Death Wish is a science fiction short story by Robert Sheckley, published in 1956. It follows the crew of the space freighter 'Queen Dierdre' as they face a critical malfunction that sends them uncontrollably into deep space. The narrative explores themes of human frailty, isolation, and the psychological burdens of their predicament, particularly as they confront the implications of a longevity serum offered by their onboard computer. This story highlights the struggle for agency in the face of despair and the unsettling nature of technological dependence.