Greylorn

the long version

Losing ground to the Red Tide, Earth pinned its hopes on contacting the Omega Colony for help. Never mind that the Omegans hadn't been heard from in 200 years . . . or that the trip aboard an experimental new ship would take 5 years to reach its goal!"Greylorn" is one of Keith Laumer's earliest works, originally published in the April, 1959 issues of "Amazing Science Fiction Stories." In its original appearance, the editor wrote: "Keith Laumer is a writer new to science fiction. In this story he displays the finesse, artistry and imagination of an old pro. Here is one of the tightest, tautest stories of interplanetary adventure in a long while."