The Incomplete Theft

Name: The Incomplete Theft
Author: Randall Garrett

An alien spy, disguised as an Earth engineer, infiltrates a spaceport to steal a revolutionary spaceship equipped with a teleportation drive. The ship, named _Skyjumper_, can transport itself across vast distances in an instant, a technology that could turn the tide of war in favor of the Valdorians against Earth. The spy, Torlyn Khy, observes the ship's final preparations and plans his heist. He believes that the Earthmen are incompetent and that their society lacks the efficiency of Valdor. As night falls, he activates his invisibility device and approaches the ship, confident in his ability to evade the guards. Upon entering the ship, he encounters an engineer, Harris, who is making last-minute adjustments. A brief struggle ensues, during which Torlyn knocks Harris unconscious and locks him in the airlock. Time is of the essence, and Torlyn rushes to the control room to input the coordinates for Valdor. Despite the unexpected delay, he successfully activates the hyperkinetic generator. However, unbeknownst to him, Harris had made an adjustment to the generator that alters its function. When Torlyn presses the activator button, instead of teleporting the entire ship, he inadvertently projects the interior of the ship into space, leaving the hull behind. As the guards outside realize something is amiss, Harris explains the situation, revealing that the spy is now stranded in the vacuum of space without air. The story concludes with the grim realization that Torlyn Khy's mission has failed spectacularly, leaving him to face the consequences of his overconfidence and the unforeseen adjustments made by the engineer.

By Randall Garrett · First published 1965 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Thriller · 1,814 words

First lines

Stealing a new space ship principle from Earth seemed like an easy enough task for the alien. But how does one deliver a principle?

Torlyn Khy smiled grimly to himself as he thought of the approaching completion of the new Earth spaceship. Thus far, his disguise had completely fooled the Earthmen; they didn't even begin to suspect that a Valdorian spy was among the engineers who were building the _Skyjumper_.

What this Textopian page supports

The Incomplete Theft is listed on Textopian as a short story by Randall Garrett, dated 1965 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Randall Garrett
Date: 1965 CE
Language: English
Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Thriller, Fantasy, Mystery
Length: 1,814 words
Structure: 1 section, 48 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Science Fiction — The plot revolves around advanced technology, space travel, and alien espionage, which are core elements of the science fiction genre.
Adventure — The narrative includes elements of suspense and action as the protagonist attempts a daring theft of a spaceship.
Thriller — The story features tension and urgency as the alien spy navigates obstacles to achieve his mission.
Fantasy — While primarily science fiction, the presence of alien species and advanced technology introduces fantastical elements.