
On the far‑off world of Estrella, a lone secret‑service agent has taken on a risky disguise to blend in with the native crowd. Gifted with the ability to skim the surface thoughts of other beings, he must rely on this talent to avoid exposing his true identity in a bustling market full of strange sights and scents. The opening scene finds him haggling for a litter of roches—tailless, dog‑like creatures prized for their keen instincts—while constantly scanning the minds around him for hidden danger.
In his careful selection, the operative balances the moral conflict of his training with the practical need to acquire healthy, controllable animals for a mysterious assignment. The market’s chaotic atmosphere and the alien customs he barely grasps heighten the tension, making each transaction a delicate dance of deception. As he secures the eight roches, the stage is set for a deeper mission that will test both his mental powers and his resolve.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (376K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2016-01-07
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1893–1958
A pulp-era science fiction writer and fan, he helped shape early magazine SF with space operas, collaborations, and a deep involvement in fandom. His best-known work includes the novel Man of Many Minds and stories written with E. "Doc" Smith and others.
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