The Blue Mouse

Publication(s)

• First publication
  • The Many Worlds of Science Fiction, 1971
• Wolfe collection(s)
  • Book of Days

Summary

Future UN forces are divided into Techs and Marksmen. The former feel superior to the latter because they do not fight. One Tech discovers he can fight when he has to.

Analysis

• The title is an ironic reference to "The Blue Max", the nickname of a high-ranking German military decoration and since generally associated with military heroism.
• The narrator's pet mice appear to be genetically engineered, and the title is likely also be referencing that.

Unresolved Questions

• Was Daws misdiagnosed (because he was thinking about his mice at the time) or has his experiences changed him?

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