Cover of The Game of Rat and Dragon

The Game of Rat and Dragon

by Paul Myron Anthony Linebarger

Read

"The Game of Rat and Dragon" by Cordwainer Smith is a science fiction short story written in the mid-20th century. The narrative explores a futuristic setting where telepaths, referred to as pinlighters, and their feline partners must combat mysterious and deadly entities known as Dragons. The story dives into themes of partnership, the connections between humans and their animal counterparts, and the struggles of humanity against malevolent forces in the depths of space. In this tale, the struggle against the Dragons is not only a physical battle but also a mental and emotional one, as shown through the experiences of the characters, particularly pinlighters like Underhill and his partner, the cat Lady May. They engage in a unique telepathic bond that enhances their combative abilities against the Dragons, which embody a terrifying existential threat. The story reflects on the strain this chaotic environment places on the pinlighters and sheds light on their relationships with their partners, illustrating the complexities of fear, camaraderie, and the contrasting perceptions of life between humans and animals. The narrative is both a thrilling science fiction adventure and a poignant exploration of partnership and sacrifice.

Summary written by Project Gutenberg, by machine.

Language
English
On Project Gutenberg since
5 August 2009
Read in the last 30 days
1,130 times at Project Gutenberg

More by Paul Myron Anthony Linebarger

See all

More from the shelf “Science Fiction”

See all

Subjects and shelves