THE LAST PLUNGE

Episode #34 · Written by S.J. Sackett · Narrated by Scott Miller

Suspended in the liquid atmosphere of Uranus, a hunter earns his living one dangerous descent at a time. Every successful plunge brings a payout, and every payout brings his family closer to the future he promised them.

When doctors order him to stop just short of his final goal, the math becomes unbearable. One more descent could finish the job—or leave him hanging where no one can reach him fast enough.

The Last Plunge builds tension through process rather than spectacle. The danger isn’t sudden. It accumulates through fatigue, failing equipment, and the knowledge that time is no longer on the hunter’s side.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

S. J. Sackett was the pen name of Samuel John Sackett, born January 23, 1928, in Redlands, California. He published only six known science fiction stories between 1953 and 1955 before disappearing from the field entirely. The Last Plunge stands as one of the few surviving records of his brief publishing career, a story story produced during a short, self-contained moment in sci-fi history in the 1950s.

LISTEN TO THE STORY

Listen to The Last Plunge by S.J. Sackett — a vintage science fiction story of a dangerous final descent where one more job could mean everything or nothing.

RELATED STORIES

• The Star Mouse by Fredric Brown
• Arena by Fredric Brown
• Happy Ending by Fredric Brown and Mack Reynolds
• Cry Silence by Fredric Brown
• And the Gods Laughed by Fredric Brown
• Earthmen Bearing Gifts by Fredric Brown
• Hall of Mirrors by Fredric Brown

ABOUT THE LOST SCI-FI PODCAST

The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast is the most listened-to vintage science fiction podcast in the world. Ranked the #1 Science Fiction Podcast in 43 countries and heard in more than 190 countries, the show has surpassed 4.2 million listens.

Each episode features carefully selected stories from the Golden Age of science fiction, professionally narrated. Timeless storytelling the way it was meant to be heard.

What listeners are saying:

★★★★★ “Thank you for a great show. I love good, real sci-fi, and it’s so hard to find. Many a dinner has been cooked while you sent me into outer space!!! Time flys and pasta boils when you’re having fun! Thanks Scott the coffee’s on me!”
— Carolyn Guthleben

★★★★★ “I’m glad I found this. Hi from Brazil. This podcast is awesome. A great selection of stories from the golden age of science fiction that I would probably never have heard about if it weren’t for this podcast. The narrator does an excellent job, with a clear and calm voice. Indispensable for true science fiction fans.”
— Andre_BR1

Vintage science fiction. Professionally narrated. Carefully curated.

📬 JOIN LOST SCI-FI WEEKLY

40,000+ Listeners Can’t Be Wrong

Get vintage sci-fi stories, podcast episodes, and surprises every Monday.

FREE SCI-FI EVERY WEEK

✅ Check your email and confirm — that unlocks your free sci-fi downloads.

No spam in this galaxy. You can eject anytime.