The Fatal Third

"The Fatal Third" by Theodore L. Thomas is a science fiction story set sometime after a long period of peace on Earth, where destruction erupts when Uranians suddenly attack Earth's fleet, leaving the spaceship "Polaris" as the only survivor. The story focuses on Hanford Webster, the "Polaris"'s third officer, a big guy who never got to use his size for anything. As Webster and the crew seek the truth behind the Uranian attack, the book talks about violence, war, and what happens when people don't fight for a long time. Webster steps up, turning his brain and muscles toward a daring plan to face the Uranian challenge, hoping to end a string of bad luck and finally get a promotion. It's a mix of adventure, mystery, and thoughts about whether people are naturally violent and what it's like to deal with other planets.