The Players

"The Players" by Everett B. Cole is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story unfolds in a richly imagined world where traders navigate the complexities of commerce and authority, touched by elements of adventure and intrigue. It revolves around a character named Musa, a trader from Karth, who becomes embroiled in a dangerous interplay with priests of a sea god, Kondaro, as he seeks to explore new lands and confronts the challenges posed by a mix of supernatural beliefs and advanced technology. The opening of the novel introduces us to Musa as he navigates the vibrant streets of Karth, setting the tone for his journey as he interacts with various traders and merchants. Musa’s encounter with Lanko, a character who radiates confidence and knowledge, hints at the greater dangers and adventures to come. Through Musa's eyes, the reader also gets a glimpse of the local customs and the mysterious undercurrents surrounding the sea god's priesthood. As Musa embarks on his journey to the Eastern Sea, he grapples with tales of impending threats and the political machinations that accompany his trade, setting the stage for the unfolding conflict between personal ambition and the treacherous landscapes filled with moral quandaries. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Everett B. Cole (1910-2001) was an American writer of science fiction short stories and a professional soldier. He fought at Omaha Beach during World War II and worked as a signal maintenance and property officer at Fort Douglas, Utah, retiring in 1960. He got a bachelor's degree in Math and Physics and became a Math, Physics, and Chemistry teacher at Yorktown High School in Texas. His first science fiction story, "Philosophical Corps" was published in the magazine Astounding in 1951. His fix-up of that story and two others, The Philosophical Corps, was published by Gnome Press in 1962. A second novel, The Best Made Plans, was serialized in Astounding in 1959, but never published in book form. He also co-authored historical books about the south Texas region.