The story takes place on a planet where the native inhabitants are intelligent rodents who have developed a complex society. The protagonist is a human who has been sent to this planet to observe and report on its culture. However, he soon finds himself caught up in a conflict between rival factions of rodents vying for power. As tensions escalate, the human becomes embroiled in a plot to overthrow the ruling rodent faction, which is led by a cunning and ruthless leader. The protagonist must navigate this treacherous landscape while trying to maintain his cover and avoid being discovered as an outsider. Throughout the story, the author explores themes of power, politics, and the nature of civilization, raising questions about what it means to be intelligent and civilized.
By Keith Laumer · First published 1972 · Genre: Science Fiction, Satire, Fantasy