02428cam a22003373u 4500 23210 UtSlPG 20260610133531.0 m cr n 260607r2007||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 PS Herbert, Frank, 1920-1986 Missing Link Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2007 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Produced from Astounding Science Fiction, Volume LXII No. 6, February 1959. Release date is 2007-10-27 Produced by Greg Weeks, Bruce Albrecht, Markus Brenner and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net "Missing Link" by Frank Herbert is a science fiction short story originally published in the February 1959 issue of "Astounding Science Fiction". Set in a fictional universe where interstellar exploration and alien encounters are common, the narrative explores the complexities of first contact with an alien civilization that possesses advanced technology derived from a lost human ship. The story delves into themes of communication, cultural exchange, and the unforeseen consequences of human actions in unfamiliar territories. The plot centers on Lewis Orne, a junior field agent tasked with establishing contact with the inhabitants of Gienah III after the disappearance of the ship "Delphinus Rediscovery". As Orne navigates the jungle-laden planet, he encounters Tanub, a Gienahn who holds an advanced alien rifle, suggesting that they have recovered the wreckage of "Delphinus". As tension rises, Orne must negotiate with Tanub and his people to prevent an inevitable extermination by their Terran overlords. The story develops through a series of discussions exploring the nature of power, technology, and the potential for coexistence between different cultures, ultimately leading to a precarious diplomatic resolution. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified Science fiction Short stories Produced from Astounding Science Fiction, Volume LXII No. 6, February 1959. https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/23210 64262 64262