El mercenario

Catalog Description "El Mercenario" (The Mercenary) by Clark Carrados is a science fiction novella serialized in this 1969 Spanish-language pulp edition. Ray Trudno, an experienced space mercenary, is recruited by Camila Nr'teslar, representative of the planet Hippion's Defense Ministry, to win an interplanetary war against Khammys. The conflict will be decided by single combat between two champions rather than mass warfare. Trudno accepts the mission for ten million galactic talents, though he conditions his acceptance on marrying Camila upon victory. The story follows his initial encounters with the mysterious alien woman and his reactions to sudden fame when the war is publicized on Earth. Trudno meets with fellow mercenary Frankie D'Arly, who envies the unprecedented financial offer. The narrative establishes the unusual premise of proxy warfare while leaving the actual conflict's causes obscure.