Prisoner 52

by S.T. Burkholder

a planet of endless frozen wastes, howling winds, vast glacial chasms – and prison to over 10,000 inmates. It is Arbitronix United’s home away from home for humanity’s absolute worst, and the worst of those species it has conquered. To survive here, even among the staff, is to compete daily for the chance to live.

Hastur Victor Sejanus had no fear when he disembarked onto the icy surface and was sentenced for crimes committed in two dozen solar systems. He was prepared to meet his end.

Tezac Hotchkins looked for his own in pursuing a posting to an installation so far out no one knew its name and ignored its existence if they did. He wanted a chance to lose himself.

But something else has taken root at Arbitronix Installation #2397B. Something that came with them and their sorrows from beyond the stars. Something that feeds on hope and breeds in darkness. As reports of strange occurrences begin to abound soon after they arrive and men to go missing or mad, it will mean their survival to tread the narrow line between loyalty and self-preservation.

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 10, 2014