"Routine for a Hornet" by Don Berry is a science fiction novella set during the 1950's, which follows a pilot named Cressey on his dangerous, one-way missions in a spacecraft called a Hornet. The story emphasizes the themes of sacrifice and the mental difficulties of fighting a war, where soldiers are seen as expendable parts. Cressey, a skilled Hornet pilot, deals with his worries while he comes to terms with the high likelihood of never returning from his missions, as the Hornets are built so they can be used for one launch only. Cressey questions the point of the war and the outcomes of humans hostile actions to the unknown, despite being pulled into the conflict by promises of heroism, but he eventually comes to a sad understanding of his part he plays in it. The combination of strong suspense and philosophical touch makes this a very thoughtful story about a soldier's mentality in a never-ending war.
Routine for a Hornet
By Don Berry
In a haunting vision of future warfare, a lone pilot confronts the terrifying realities of a fight where he may be nothing more than a disposable piece of equipment.
Summary
About the Author
Don George Berry was an American author and artist best known for his trilogy of historical novels about early settlers in the Oregon Country. Described as one of "Oregon's best fiction writers of the post-World War II generation", and a "Forgotten Beat", Berry's second novel, Moontrap (1962), was nominated for the National Book Award in 1963.
Don George Berry was an American author and artist best known for his trilogy of historical novels about early settlers in the Oregon Country. Described as one of "Oregon's best fiction writers of the post-World War II generation", and a "Forgotten Beat", Berry's second novel, Moontrap (1962), was nominated for the National Book Award in 1963.
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