The Highest Treason
The Highest Treason is a science fiction novel by Randall Garrett, published in January 1961 in Analog Science Fact & Fiction. The story follows Colonel Sebastian MacMaine, an officer in Earth's Space Force, who is captured by the alien Kerothi during an interstellar war. As he navigates his complex loyalties and develops an unexpected bond with a Kerothi officer, MacMaine must decide whether to align with his captors in a bid to influence the outcome of the conflict. The novel explores themes of loyalty, identity, and survival amidst shifting allegiances.
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“Let me ask you one thing, Tallis," MacMaine said. "Would you do anything in your power to save Keroth from destruction? Anything, no matter how drastic, if you knew that it would save Keroth in the long run?" "A foolish question. Of course I would. I would give my life." "Your life? A mere nothing. A pittance. Any man could give his life. Would you consent to live forever for Keroth?" Tallis shook his head as though he were puzzled. "Live forever? That's twice or three times you've said something about that. I don't understand you." "Would you consent to live forever as a filthy curse on the lips of every Kerothi old enough to speak? Would you consent to be a vile, inhuman monster whose undead spirit would hang over your homeland like an evil miasma for centuries to come, whose very name would touch a flame of hatred in the minds of all who heard it?" "That's””
— Randall Garrett
