The Game of Rat and Dragon — Cordwainer Smith

Craving a pure hit of classic science fiction from the genre's golden age? Cordwainer Smith's story "The Game of Rat and Dragon" should definitely do the trick. Set in the distant future, the humans in this tale find their ability to travel through space imperiled by a strange psychic energy known as 'Dragons.' With the help of unexpected companions, an intrepid crew of warriors set out to rid the galaxy of this evil.