Man-Kzin wars IX Book

Ninth in the "Man-Kzin Wars" series, which to date has 14 collections of stories of various lengths and two novels ("Destiny's Forge" and "Treasure Planet"). This contribution has four novellas. The first, "Pele," (not the Soccer star, but a sun named after a Hawaiian volcano god), by Poul Anderson, tells of Robert Saxtorph, captain of a transport ship, and his wife Dorcas, who along with a large crew come across a Kzin ship, the "Strong Runner," with a lone survivor. The crew rescues the Kzin, who, of course, is confused at this humanitarian gesture from a sworn enemy, but comes to understand it, in a manner of speaking
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"Windows of the World," by Paul Chafe, is sort of a variant on the "Cop buddy story," with the "buddies" being a human, Joel Allson, and his Kzin partner, Hunter of Outlaws, assigned to solve a murder mystery in an orbiting habitat. While the mystery and the various suspects and police investigative procedures are entertaining, the best part of the story is the interplay and tension between two cultures, both of which have something to contribute. Think of Asimov's "Robot Novels" or even the "Rush Hour" movies (OK, how 'bout the dreadful Jay Leno-Pat Morita "Collision Course" or the Schwarzenegger movie "Red Heat").

Larry Niven's "Fly by Night" involves Beowulf Schaeffer from an earlier volume as a rescuer of yet another Kzin who is attempting to "earn his name" (a core value for the Kzin - see Volume VIII, "Choosing Names") - the Kzin, despite their bellicose, feral nature, are also quite intelligent, and this one tries to get around a legal loophole to obtain his name.

"His Sergeant's Honor," by Hal Colebatch, shows the intense courage of a Kzin making a last stand on Wunderland against those whom his race had conquered long ago. This story not only describes the military mind of a soldier but also speaks to issues of the conquerors and the conquered and how it is difficult for those on both sides to readjust when the roles are reversed.

Overall, quite enjoyable, with the stories gaining more depth of character all around as the series progresses. Gonna give it four stars, but it's more like four and a half.