Quest of Thig

"Quest of Thig" by Basil Wells is a science fiction story about an Orthan warrior named Thig, who journeys to Earth disguised as a human. His goal is to assess the planet for a potential takeover by his people, the Horde, but his mission takes an unexpected turn after capturing Lewis Terry. By absorbing Terry's memories, Thig adopts his life and family, including his wife, Ellen, and their children. This immersion into human life sparks a profound change within him. He begins to grapple with emotions foreign to the cold logic of the Horde, testing his loyalty to his people as he confronts the stark contrast between their utilitarian culture and the vibrant, messy reality of human connection. This experience makes him question the morality of his assignment, leading him to choose humanity and love over ruthless conquest, forever altered by the memories of the man whose place he inherited.