In it, we find out that the space ship Denebola is not a lucky ship. The starboard engine isn't quite working right, the crew has divided itself into two angry factions, and--to top all this off--the defacto leader of one of those factions is murdered.
Then the multi-colored flame starts appearing and disappearing, leaving behind traces of hydrogen whenever it vanishes. It starts to eat small holes in the stern of the ship and, soon, it seems to be multiplying.
Many of the crew are soon convinced that the ship is haunted by the murdered crewman. A panicky mutiny breaks out, with the officers and a few loyal crew making a stand in the control room. The bulk of the crew flees in two small scout rockets. They take most of the ship's fuel with them, but with too many of them packed into the tiny ships, they are doomed to asphixiation long before they can reach Mars, the closest planet to the Denebola.
Well, those still on board the Denebola manage to get in touch with Mars. They can now ask for help. Well, theoretically, they can ask for help. But the captain forbids them to do so. The Space Flames seem to be indestructable and are still steadily eating away at the ship. If they get aboard a rescue ship and are taken back to Mars or any other inhabited planet, it could mean the end of civilization.
This is a nifty little story. It starts off with a bang--in the middle of the mutiny--then quickly establishes its premise and just has quickly begins to build the tension. The author also drops a hint for how the crew can eventually stop the Space Flames early in the story, but without being too obvious.
It's worth reading and you can do so HERE.
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