Missing Link

by Frank Herbert

"Missing Link" is a science fiction story by Frank Herbert set on the planet Gienah III. The protagonist, Lewis Orne, works as a junior I-A field man and is assigned to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a ship. However, he quickly realizes that the native inhabitants of Gienah III are causing significant challenges and obstacles for him. As Orne delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers unexpected secrets and dangers that go beyond a simple missing ship. The story originally appeared in "Astounding Science Fiction" during the Golden Age of Science Fiction.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Short Stories, Audiobook, Aliens, Fantasy

25 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 1959

About the author

Franklin Patrick Herbert Jr. was an American science fiction author best known for the 1965 novel Dune and its five sequels. Though he became famous for his novels, he also wrote short stories and worked as a newspaper journalist, photographer, book reviewer, ecological consultant, and lecturer.

The Dune saga, set in the distant future, and taking place over millennia, explores complex themes, such as the long-term survival of the human species, human evolution, planetary science and ecology, and the intersection of religion, politics, economics and power in a future where humanity has long since developed interstellar travel and settled many thousands of worlds. Dune is the best-selling science fiction novel of all time, and the entire series is considered to be among the classics of the genre.

Reviews

[Manuel Alfonseca · Rating 3 out of 5]

ENGLISH: Interesting short story about first contact with an alien civilization.

ESPAÑOL: Interesante cuento de ciencia-ficción sobre el primer contacto con una civilización alienígena.

[James Weakley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Traditional scifi from a master

While this story is no Dune, it still holds Herbert's masterful tone and command of the genre. "The Missing Link" presents a traditional scifi setup, reminiscent of Star Trek but with a contemporary military feel. The characters, far from generic, use their brief appearances to note distinct relationships with each other. The conflict is simple but not under-stated.

This story remains separate but tied to Herbert's famed saga through his expert use of language to tie deeper themes into a seemingly simple narrative.

Excellent read.

[Antonio Santana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most people know Frank Herbert writing because of Dune. It is a very popular series here in the 21st century even though it was written in the 20th century. But he does have other books and short stories.

This particular story describes a first Contact situation. The inhabitants of the planet are pretty hostile but very intelligent so much that they kidnapped a whole ship. And hide it in a place where indigenous people would not hide anything because they lack the technology to do so I guess they are quick studies.

So when you get a chance give it a read it's not long and the plot is surprising.

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

Written by Frank Herbert, reason enough to read.

[Phil Giunta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two agents from the Investigation & Adjustment Division, Stetson and Orne, visit the alien world Gienah III in search of a missing ship, the Delphinus, which touched down for repairs on the planet. Believing that the inhabitants of this world are holding the ship and crew captive, section chief Stetson is all set to bomb the planet, but assigns his subordinate Orne to negotiate with the Gienah only to learn that they are not as primitive as they appeared from afar.

[Richard Dominguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting story, that reminded me strongly of the whole "Star Trek" and messing with the "prime directive" philosophy. It has, due to Frank's skill with words and his expertise in the genre an appeal for fans of Sci-fi.
Not (by far) my favorite of Frank's works, but all his work should get a read none the less.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love it when I accidentally stumble upon a literary work with multiple uncanny resemblances to a later, more famous work, and the creative lineage between them becomes readily apparent. In this case, it's pretty obvious that James Cameron likely borrowed several key components from this story while writing the screenplay for "Avatar."

[Matthew Ulstad · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable, short read highlighting how much you can do in the way of character development and world building with a spartan economy of words.

Nothing groundbreaking (as one would be hard pressed to find with any story this length), but it is far from generic, as Herbert's broader sensibilities and ideas still poke through in deftly paced details.

3/5 Glass Blown Cities

[Rishabh Jha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good short story.
Its the story of Orne who is a field man & who was tasked to find a missing ship on an unknown planet. But upon arriving on that planet, he gets into trouble with the native species.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic and creative

Well written tale bearing the ear marks of a master world builder. I was very entertained by the way the story unfolded and the the easy character development.

[Dayo Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay. Nice easy read for a train journey.

[Mika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting short story that Herbert later developed into a chapter in the novel The God Makers.

[Janelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Simply didn't enjoy it.

[Hassan Mallah · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice short story :)

[P.S. Winn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite sci-fi read.
On the planet Gienah III their is trouble and some classic science fiction that I found a bit off center, but I think fans of sci-fi will enjoy this read.

[Beatrice Drury · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't hate the premise but found too much time spend in needless descriptions of the workings of the craft and interactions of the crew. I must confess that I wished the missing link had won.

[DOUGLAS J BERRY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not set in the dune universe.

A brief sci fi story of a first contact with an alien race. Frank dune does a good job of describing cultures.

[E.J. Blak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Themes were cool, prose was written very well, an enjoyable read with cool science fiction themes and smart characters. Low 5

[Cornel Diaconu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice twist.
Reminded me of Asimov's

[Stewart Peirce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missing Link

Easy, fast read. Worth the time. Probably best to read it before "Operation Haystack", which has the same main character and a similar sub plot.

[Βασίλης Μέγας · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterpiece! Much enjoyed. An exhilarating tale by the great science fiction storyteller Frank Herbert!

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read. could be a good novella too. An interesting world was developed very quickly. Herbert was a genius of sci-fi.

[Bradley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love his writing style but the story was kind of boring. Reminded me of the late murder bot diaries where nothing happens.

[Travis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably pretty thought provoking in the 50s, ho hum now. Doesn't really resonate anymore.

[Tony Ciak · Rating 4 out of 5]

strange, scifi, short story by a master.

[Derza Fanistori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful first contact short story.

[elsalmon L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Field agent on a Galactic scout cruiser investigates a missing ship on an alien planet.

[Michele Amitrani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple. Unpretentious. Interesting looking at the roots of the tree.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 There's nothing wrong with this story, it just never really grabbed my attention. It is about making contact with an alien civilization and deciding if they are worth engaging with or destroying. Even the normally good narration of Scott Brick felt a bit off on this one. Originally published in 1959 in Astounding Science Fiction.

[Nitish Andola · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice story, not an interesting one but a good short-story to read.