Weird Tales, Vol. 2, No. 4

About this issue

This pulp science fiction serial "Draconda" follows three men—Henry Quainfan, Rider (the narrator), and Morgan St. Cloud—aboard a spacecraft called the Hornet, which uses "negative gravity" or radiation pressure to escape Earth's gravitational pull toward Venus. The narrative opens with Quainfan discussing a recurring dream of a beautiful woman with black hair and olive complexion mysteriously impressed upon his mind, which he rationally dismisses despite persistent doubt. The story then shifts to their space journey, describing their observations of Earth receding into distance, discovering Earth's corona visible from space, and experiencing the physical disorientation of weightlessness. By day twelve of their voyage, the men suffer from vivid nightmares and disembodiment sensations caused by physiological changes; Quainfan has lost significant weight, which will alter dramatically under Venus's gravity. The text emphasizes astronomical observations, scientific principles, and the psychological strain of their unprecedented journey.