Slaughter on Dornel IV

Name: Slaughter on Dornel IV
Author: Robert Silverberg

Larry Filmore, a human 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 past victories against various alien species, he doubts his chances against the massive, clawed Dornellian. While drowning his sorrows in a bar, Larry inadvertently provokes a fight with a local Dornellian. The ensuing brawl serves as an unexpected training session, allowing him to gauge the strengths and weaknesses of his opponent. Despite suffering injuries, Larry manages to defeat the Dornellian, gaining confidence and a sense of camaraderie from the onlookers. After escaping the police with the help of an Arcturian fan, Larry returns to his hotel, contemplating the upcoming fight. However, he wakes up the next day feeling unprepared and anxious. When he finally contacts Blackmer, he learns that the fight against Kedrin has been canceled due to the champion's injury from the previous night’s brawl. Relieved and amused, Larry realizes he has dodged a bullet, both literally and figuratively. The story concludes with Larry feeling liberated from the constraints of his contract and the threat of death in the ring, leaving him to ponder his future without the looming specter of the fight.

By Robert Silverberg · First published 1974 · 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.

What this Textopian page supports

Slaughter on Dornel IV is listed on Textopian as a novel by Robert Silverberg, dated 1974 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Robert Silverberg
Date: 1974 CE
Language: English
Genres: Science Fiction, Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Drama
Length: 2,975 words
Structure: 1 section, 85 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

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, highlighting themes of survival and conflict.
Fantasy — The presence of non-human characters and fantastical elements, such as alien species with unique physical traits, aligns with fantasy conventions.