Four-Day Planet
by H. Beam Piper
Fenris, a harsh world with extreme day-night cycles, is home to tough colonists. Teen reporter Walter Boyd investigates the arrival of an alleged author, Glenn Murell, and the continued exploitation of local monster-hunters by the corrupt Co-operative led by Steve Ravick and Mayor Morton Hallstock. A plot to sabotage a hunter-ship reveals a deeper conspiracy and ignites a movement for reform, ultimately leading to the unmasking of Ravick as a galactic-level criminal and Fenris's move towards honest self-governance.
Walt
Seventeen-year-old cub reporter for the Port Sandor Times, responsible for most of the paper's field reporting and broadcast segments. He is still growing but sees himself as doing 'a man's work competently.' He's intelligent, observant, and has a knack for deduction, though sometimes underestimates situations. Physically a 'town boy,' not built for the rough life of monster-hunting, but quick-witted and capable in a crisis. Often cynical about local politics but passionate about journalistic truth.
Dad
Walter's father and the editor-in-chief of the Port Sandor Times. A man in his sixties with a ragged mustache, always carrying a pipe he frequently relights. He is a staunch believer in law, order, and journalistic integrity, yet driven to exasperation by Port Sandor's deep corruption, making him consider extreme measures. Highly intelligent and principled, though sometimes a bit traditional in his views.
Glenn Murell
Introduced as an author coming to Fenris to write a book. He is initially polite and pleasant, appearing noncommittal. His lack of basic publishing knowledge quickly arouses suspicion. He's revealed to be a purchasing agent for Argentine Exotic Organics, seeking to establish a competitive market for tallow-wax on Fenris. Physically he is fairly tall, with light gray, prematurely-aged hair, and an initially unexpressive face, but shows genuine interest and competence when focused on his real mission.
Tom
Walter's best friend, slightly older, around eighteen years old. Son of Joe Kivelson, captain of the Javelin. He's tall, strong, and attempting to grow a blond beard. His physical abilities suit monster-hunting, but he struggles with literary pursuits. Loyal, good-hearted, and eager to learn the family trade. Later severely burned in the tallow-wax fire.
Joe Kivelson
Tom Kivelson's father and the captain of the hunter-ship Javelin. An outsize man with a long blond beard, symbolizing the veteran monster-hunter. Known for his straightforwardness, physical bravery, and stubbornness. He is not a diplomat or a great shot, but he is a skilled hunter-captain and deeply loyal to his crew and the independent hunters' cause.
Steve Ravick
The ruthless and corrupt President of the Hunters' Co-operative, effectively a racket. He is a tall, slender man with small hands and feet, projecting an image of toughness by crushing cigarettes in his palm. Later revealed to be Anton Gerrit, a galactic-level criminal responsible for enslaving thousands on Loki. He manipulates the wax market for vast personal profit, backed by hired goons and colluding with Mayor Hallstock.
Morton Hallstock
Mayor of Port Sandor and, by default, the planetary government of Fenris. A short, stout man with a scrubby gray-brown mustache. He has held his position through undemocratic means, using a private police force ('storm troopers') to maintain order and protect his corrupt associate, Steve Ravick. A self-serving individual, more concerned with his own survival than genuine governance.
Bish Ware
Introduced as a portly, ruddy-faced man in a conservative black suit, seemingly always drunk on Baldur honey-rum and quoting classical literature. His nickname, 'the Bishop,' derives from his appearance. He doesn't work but receives a quarterly remittance. In reality, he is Terran Federation Executive Special Agent Gonzalo Ware, who has been undercover for five years to apprehend galactic criminal Anton Gerrit (Steve Ravick). He is an expert marksman, tactician, and intelligence gatherer, capable of perfect coordination and remaining 'cold sober' despite heavy drinking, a crucial element of his disguise.
Oscar Fujisawa
Captain of the Pequod, another hunter-ship. Has a Old Terran Japanese family name, but physically characterized by blue eyes, red hair, and a red beard. He is almost as large and imposing as Joe Kivelson. Oscar is intelligent, pragmatic, and more strategically-minded than Joe, but equally passionate about fighting Ravick's corruption. He is a skilled poker player, reflecting his ability to maintain composure and deceive when necessary.
Leo Belsher
The Hunters' Co-operative's representative on Terra. Characterized by a 'long face, like a horse's,' which he pulls even longer when feigning distress. He is Steve Ravick's accomplice in exploiting the hunters, responsible for writing the unfair wax contracts and collecting their shared illicit profits. He consistently lies to justify the price cuts, exhibiting a lack of integrity and an obvious contempt for the Fenrisian hunters.
Julio
The one-legged compositor for the Port Sandor Times. A former hunter-ship man who lost his leg in an accident. He wears the white beard that is characteristic of monster-hunters and is a vital, reliable member of the Times staff, self-taught in his trade.
Al Devis
An engineer's helper on Joe Kivelson's Javelin. Described as skinny, with red hair and a sharp-pointed nose. He is a 'showoff' type who spends more money than his share of wax revenue would justify, claiming to win it gambling. Secretly, he is a spy for Steve Ravick.
Lieutenant Ranjit Singh
Second-in-command of the Odin Dock & Shipyard Company's Spaceport Police. A dignified Sikh man who wears a striped turban instead of a steel helmet and a black beard that makes Joe Kivelson's look like chin-fuzz. He carries a kirpan (Sikh dagger). He runs his force like a military unit and is characterized by his courage, discipline, and respect for dignity.
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