The Protector

"The Protector" by Betsy Curtis is a science fiction story about a boxer named Pierre, who belongs to a race called the Anestha, beings who cannot feel pain. This story focuses on themes of heritage, battling mistreatment, and safeguarding family as Pierre and his manager, Joe, travel to Pierre's planet, Gorlin, to uncover the troubles his people are facing and assist them in fighting oppression. The story follows Joe, a sports manager, as he takes Pierre home out of concern for the Anestha people; there, they find the Anestha exploited by a cruel mine owner. Tensions rise as Pierre confronts the oppressor, using his fighting abilities to stand up for his family and community. Through Pierre's courage and their combined resolve, the story underlines the importance of standing up for one's culture and confronting injustice.