Synopsis
A snake species of advanced aliens plans to invade earth, exterminate humans and take the uranium deposits. They are discovered by Hart and his cat when they land.
History
First publication: Universe Science Fiction, November 1954
Review
Cats are known to be able to defeat snakes simply because the cat’s reactions are faster than the snake is able to strike. This story is one of those cat-worship things that these days dominate the internet. In another author’s hands the story would have been a Twilight-Zone style of twist short story. But the ending of this can be seen coming right away. So Godwin goes with that fact and turns the story into the details of the fight. This was a wise decision. It makes the story change from predictable to compelling, a tense and thrilling story of survival. While not a Top Tale, this again shows Godwin as superior to most other SF writers of his era.
Videos
We have the story in these editions:
The Cold Equations & Other Stories, trade paperback, Baen, 2003-04-00
