In a distant future, a lone survivor, Alfred Pendray, navigates the wreckage of the battleship _Shane_ after a devastating attack by a superior alien race known as the Rats. The ship, crippled and adrift, holds the key to preventing a catastrophic weapon that could destroy Earth. Pendray, with a sprained ankle, struggles through the zero-gravity corridors, searching for a lifeboat to escape. He discovers a lifeboat but finds it disabled due to radiation shielding being removed for repairs, rendering it unusable. As he explores the ship, Pendray reflects on the history of the Rats and their technological superiority over humans. The Rats had previously engaged in seemingly friendly interactions with Earth, but their true intentions were revealed when they attacked, leading to the destruction of most of the _Shane_'s crew. Pendray, having survived due to his location in the sick bay during the attack, is now faced with the grim reality of being the last man alive aboard the ship. Determined to find a way to save Earth, Pendray discovers that one of the ship's engines is still operational. He spends days repairing it, scavenging parts from the wreckage, and eventually manages to get the ship moving. However, he realizes that he will not reach Earth in time to prevent the Rats from unleashing their weapon, which could destabilize the sun. In a moment of desperation, Pendray finds microfilm containing crucial information about the Rats' weapon. The report indicates that it must reach Earth by a specific date, or it will be too late. He calculates that he will arrive too late unless he can find a faster way to travel. He considers using the lifeboat but knows the radiation will kill him before he can reach safety. Ultimately, Pendray devises a plan to expose himself to the lifeboat's radiation for a short period, allowing him to reach Earth in time. He sacrifices his health for the greater good, knowing that he can survive the radiation for a limited time. As he executes his plan, he sends a distress signal, which is picked up by the Earth destroyer _Muldoon_. The crew rescues him just as he collapses from the radiation exposure. Pendray's journey highlights themes of sacrifice, the measure of a man's character, and the struggle against overwhelming odds. His determination to save humanity, even at the cost of his own life, underscores the moral complexities of survival and duty in the face of existential threats. The story concludes with Pendray's fate uncertain, but his actions have set in motion the potential for humanity's survival against the Rats.
By Randall Garrett · First published 1970 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Drama