So, I am trying to track down an old sci-fi short story I read in like 9th grade (for school) for the purpose of reading it again. The more I think about the details the more I want to read it again; but the stories name eludes me. I was hoping that maybe you guys might be able to help me.

Here are the details I remember…hopefully you guys will be able to piece together what the story is:

The story started out with a space bound luxury liner (or maybe it was just a normal space bound civilian transport…I cannot remember). They were passing by a human colony that needed supplies, so the ship sends a shuttle (perfectly fueled by a computer to have exactly enough fuel for a 1 person, 1 way trip no more no less) to take down to the colony. After the ship gets under way, the pilot…much to his horror finds a very young girl has stowawayed on the shuttle (because her brother is stationed on the colony…and she wanted to see him). And with no way to turn but, she quickly learns the severity of her actions when she realizes either she has to be “launched” out of the air lock (either by force or willingly) or else both her and the pilot will die due to not enough fuel for re-entry.

Sound familiar to anyone? I want to say that it was a Ray Bradbury, but I don’t think it is. I keep wanting to say that the name of it was a very cold temperature…which was supposed to have multiple meanings revolving around the cold nature of the choice having to be made by the pilot, as well as the “coldness” of space.

Ooh, the name of it is on the tip of my tongue.

…

GOT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I believe the story you're looking for is The Cold Equations. Could have been written by Philip K. Dick or maybe Robert Heinlein; it's one of those two.

Oh my god…THAT'S IT!

“The Cold Equations” by Tom Godwin, first published in Astounding Magazine in 1954.

I have been trying to remember the name of that story for well over a decade.

Thanks!

I aim to please.