Slaughter on Dornel IV by Randall Garrett

Name: Slaughter on Dornel IV
Author: Randall Garrett

Larry Filmore, an Earthman fighter, finds himself in a precarious situation on Dornel IV, facing the daunting prospect of battling Fornax Kedrin, the reigning champion of the planet. His manager, Blackmer, has manipulated him into this fight, leaving Larry feeling trapped and resentful. Despite his reputation as a tough fighter, he grapples with self-doubt and the fear of facing a formidable alien opponent. While drowning his sorrows in a bar, Larry inadvertently provokes a Dornellian, leading to an unexpected barroom brawl. This encounter serves as a brutal training session, allowing Larry to gauge the strengths and weaknesses of his alien adversary. Despite sustaining injuries, he manages to defeat the Dornellian, gaining a surge of confidence. However, the victory is short-lived as the police arrive, prompting him to flee with the help of an Arcturian fan. The next day, Larry awakens with the weight of the upcoming fight pressing down on him. He attempts to contact Blackmer, only to learn that the fight against Kedrin has been canceled due to the champion's hospitalization from injuries sustained in a separate brawl. This unexpected turn of events leaves Larry feeling a mix of relief and amusement, as he realizes he has narrowly escaped a potentially fatal encounter. The narrative explores themes of survival, the unpredictability of fate, and the harsh realities of a fighter's life in a galaxy filled with diverse and dangerous beings. Larry's journey reflects the struggle between personal ambition and the external pressures imposed by his manager and the fight industry. Ultimately, he finds himself at a crossroads, contemplating his future in a world where the stakes are life and death.

By Randall Garrett · First published 1967 · Genre: Science Fiction, Action, Adventure · 2,975 words

First lines

Fighting an alien champ was always risky business for an Earthman. So Filmore decided he might pick up a pointer or two before the big --

Larry Filmore stared at his beer and mentally roasted his fight manager for the fiftieth time. Human beings were supposed to be the toughest race that the Galaxy had ever spawned, but as a fighter, Larry didn't put too much faith in the theory. He had fought a good many races throughout the Galaxy, and, although he had always come out the winner, he had plenty of scars to show for it.

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Slaughter on Dornel IV is listed on Textopian as a novel by Randall Garrett, dated 1967 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Randall Garrett
Date: 1967 CE
Language: English
Genres: Science Fiction, Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Humor
Length: 2,975 words
Structure: 1 section, 85 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Science Fiction — The story is set in a futuristic, intergalactic context featuring alien species and advanced technology.
Action — The plot revolves around physical confrontations, including a bar fight and a boxing match, emphasizing dynamic and intense sequences.
Adventure — The protagonist faces dangerous situations and challenges in an alien environment, showcasing themes of survival and risk.
Fantasy — The presence of non-human characters and fantastical elements, such as alien species with unique abilities, aligns with fantasy conventions.