A Zloor for your Trouble

Name: A Zloor for your Trouble
Author: Mack Reynolds

A professional hunter, known for his skills, is approached by a government agent seeking a rare Martian creature called a zloor. The hunter, initially skeptical and uninterested, learns that the zloor is suspected to be an alien life form, prompting him to accept a bet and the job to capture one. He travels to Mars, where he discovers that zloors are much larger and more resilient than expected, making them difficult to capture. Upon arrival, he encounters fellow hunters who reveal that they have all been sent by the same agent, Westley Marks, who profits from their attempts to capture the zloor. The hunters share their failed strategies, including attempts to trap or poison the creature, which seems impervious to harm. The protagonist realizes that traditional methods won't work and begins to think outside the box. After much trial and error, he discovers that zloors are attracted to peach pits, leading him to successfully tame two zloors. He returns to Earth with the creatures, much to the surprise of Marks, who had underestimated the hunter's capabilities. The protagonist not only collects his winnings but also realizes that other hunters will likely follow his lead, potentially flooding the market with zloors and undermining Marks' profits. In the end, the hunter's ingenuity and persistence pay off, allowing him to outsmart both the zloor and the agent who sought to exploit him. The story highlights themes of resourcefulness, competition, and the unexpected consequences of ambition.

By Mack Reynolds · First published 1964 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Humor · 7,285 words

First lines

Prescott stood to make a young fortune if he could capture a martian zloor -- dead or alive! Was there a catch to it? Only for the hunter! .

I was sitting on the cot in the little room at the rear of my hangarage, where I keep my equipment and most of my trophies, and cleaning my .257 Roberts when the knock came at the door. It was a sharp, decisive knock. Then the door opened and I saw Westley Marks for the first time. It didn't excite me.

What this Textopian page supports

A Zloor for your Trouble is listed on Textopian as a novel by Mack Reynolds, dated 1964 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Mack Reynolds
Date: 1964 CE
Language: English
Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Humor, Fantasy, Thriller
Length: 7,285 words
Structure: 1 section, 208 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Work identity for A Zloor for your Trouble by Mack Reynolds
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Science Fiction — The plot revolves around space travel, alien life forms, and futuristic technology, which are core elements of the science fiction genre.
Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a journey to Mars to capture a Martian creature, facing various challenges and encounters along the way.
Humor — The writing style includes witty dialogue and comedic situations, particularly in the interactions between characters and the absurdity of the zloor's characteristics.
Fantasy — The existence of the zloor and its unique properties introduce fantastical elements, although the setting is primarily science fiction.