“Star of Blue,” a 1941 military short story by Milton Kaletsky

Thanks to Doc Mars of the amazing French-language website Mars & la Science Fiction, you can download and read writer Milton Kaletsky’s short story “Star of Blue” (pdf) as it was originally published in the March 1941 issue of Science Fiction magazine. The plot revolves around Marshal Hughes, leader of Earth’s fighting men, who finds himself faced with surrender to the heartless ruler of Mars. Here are the opening lines:

“AND so, my dear marshal, you have no choice but to surrender unconditionally.”

Generalissimo Ankeen, commander-in-chief of the battle forces of Mars, paused to note the effect of this declaration on his prisoner of war, Marshal Hughes, leader of Earth’s fighting men.

The Earthman’s look of cold contempt did not change. Over his pale, lined features, his bushy gray eyebrows rose a little as he returned the Martian’s stare. But he said nothing ...

Thank you, Doc Mars!