Scanners Live in Vain

A science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The book delves into the themes of sacrifice, duty, and the profound emotional and physical impacts of space travel on humanity. It explores the lives of Scanners, specially trained individuals who navigate the challenges of space, while intertwining elements of personal struggle and societal responsibility. The narrative follows Martel, a Scanner who grapples with the emotional disconnect caused by his profession. He experiences resentment and yearning for a more human existence, evidenced by his interactions with his wife, Luci, and his fellow Scanners. When a critical emergency summons him away from a moment of respite, he becomes embroiled in a conspiracy against Adam Stone, a scientist who claims to have found a solution to the debilitating pain of space travel. As Martel navigates the complexities of loyalty, love, and duty, he ultimately rebels against the conventions of his kind, risking his life to prevent the destruction of a fellow human. The story culminates in a profound revelation about identity and the potential for redemption, intertwining personal choice with the broader fate of humanity in the cosmos.