Chapter 1 Summary

The main character of Gully Foyle is introduced in this chapter. He is described as a thoroughly unremarkable man who was raised in a gutter school and speaks in a gutter tongue. He has survived in space for 170 days since a catastrophe destroyed the vessel he served aboard. A nursery jingle repeats in his mind as he continues his struggle for survival:

Gully Foyle is my name

And Terra is my nation.

Deep space is my dwelling place

And death's my destination.

Gulliver Foyle is a Mechanic's Mate 3rd class. He is about 30 years old and he is going nowhere. He is content with his lot in life until his ship is destroyed. Now he lives in the only sealed area left on the ship, a tool locker. He travels out periodically to fetch air tanks to refresh his air supply. It is...