The narrative follows Captain Bors, a young officer in the space navy of Kandar, as he grapples with the impending invasion of his planet by the Mekinese fleet. The story begins with Bors engaged in the destruction of sensitive documents in the Ministry for Diplomatic Affairs, anticipating the arrival of the enemy. Amidst the chaos, he encounters Morgan and his daughter Gwenlyn, representatives of Talents, Incorporated, who claim to possess unique abilities that can aid Kandar in its dire situation. As the Mekinese fleet approaches, Bors learns of a submerged cruiser positioned to ambush Kandar's space fleet. With the help of Talents, Incorporated, he successfully destroys the cruiser, boosting the morale of Kandar's forces. However, the victory is bittersweet, as the fleet remains outnumbered and the threat of annihilation looms. Bors is tasked with finding food supplies for the fleet, which is running low on provisions. He embarks on a series of daring raids on other planets, including Tralee and Garen, where he captures cargo ships laden with food intended for Mekin. Throughout these missions, he relies on the insights provided by Talents, Incorporated, which include precognitive abilities and the knack for predicting enemy movements. As Bors continues his operations, he faces the moral complexities of his actions, questioning the ethics of piracy and the consequences of his choices. The narrative explores themes of resistance, survival, and the struggle against tyranny, as Bors and his crew fight to protect their home and maintain their dignity in the face of overwhelming odds. Ultimately, the story culminates in a climactic confrontation with the Mekinese fleet, where Bors must leverage all the resources at his disposal, including the talents of his allies, to secure a future for Kandar. The outcome of the battle will determine not only the fate of the fleet but also the legacy of resistance against oppression.
By Murray Leinster · First published 1950 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy · 12 chapters