Conquest Over Time - Michael Shaara

Pat Travis, a spacer known for his remarkable luck, finds himself in a precarious situation on a planet where astrology dictates every significant decision, and he arrives on one of the most ill-fated days in history. Michael Shaara's "Conquest Over Time" explores themes of fate versus free will, highlighting the absurdity of relying on external forces to guide critical choices. As Travis navigates the challenges of signing newly-Contacted human races to commercial contracts, the story resonates with contemporary audiences who grapple with the unpredictability of life and the influence of chance. This 1956 tale remains enduring in its examination of human resilience and the quest for agency in a world governed by uncertainty.