In Loving Memory

As explained in White's Introduction to Monsters and Medics, 'In Loving Memory' was inspired by one of his in-between-stories conversations with 'a writer friend' (a young Bobby Shaw). They decided to start one short story apiece with a man sitting on a rock, and take it from there. White transposed his rock -- but I'm giving away an important plot-bit. Problem: The planet Kallec will spiral down into its own sun within thirty years, but all forms of life there face destruction long before then. Solution: A 'standardization treatment' for turning diverse creatures into true Citizens of the Galaxy. Enter Earthman Ralston and Naleen, his Kallecian sweetheart, who rejects the treatment …