Ring Around The Sun

Summary

Ring Around The Sun by Isaac Asimov - Hell in reverse temperature–that’s what Jimmy and Roy were going through in their little space-ship! Tricked into the dangerous trip, ironic fate caused them to freeze at 40 below, though they were almost in the sun!

Jimmy Turner was humming merrily, if a bit raucously, when he entered the reception room.

"Is Old Sourpuss in?" he asked, accompanying the question with a wink at which the pretty secretary blushed gratefully.

"He is; and waiting for you." She motioned him towards the door on which was written in fat, black letters, "Frank McCutcheon, General Manager, United Space Mail."

Jim entered. "Hello, Skipper, what now?"

McCutcheon stared at him from under bushy gray eyebrows. "Old Sourpuss," as he was euphoniously known to all members of United Space Mail, had never been known to laugh within the memory of the oldest inmate, though rumor did have it that when a child he had smiled at the sight of his father falling out of an apple-tree. Right now his expression made the rumor appear exaggerated.