Survival Factor, published in 1957 by Charles V. De Vet, is a science fiction short story that follows two human surveyors, Wallace and Saxton, who become stranded on a primitive planet while being pursued by an alien automated bloodhound. The narrative delves into themes of survival, human adaptability, and the complexities of alien encounters, particularly through their interaction with a native named Al-fin, who speaks Earthian. The story culminates in a twist that reveals the darker aspects of survival, highlighting the extraordinary intuition developed by Al-fin's tribe over centuries of isolation.
