Synopsis

Quent is a Space Patrol officer from Earth assigned to a patrol ship full of aliens. He believes integrated ship staff is a good thing.

History

First publication: If, November 1969

The story developed out of Sheldon’s love for Star Trek and was supposed to be the first of a series.

Review

This story did not get a warm reception, either by editors or by fans. It wasn’t nominated for any major awards. The story is kind of a switch from Star Trek—what if a human officer were assigned to an alien ship? I loved the characters in this story. There was some action and some politics and Quent gradually becomes part of the crew. I wish this would have gone on to be a series. I think it wuld have been very enjoyable. Plenty of Tiptree’s style here. Recommended.