| 'In Loving Memory' (5000 words.)
Every day Ralston went for a walk.
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 …
Synopsis by Graham Andrews
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