# The Deal explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Cordwainer Smith.

## What happens

Underhill prepares his cat partner Lady May for a mission, carefully placing her in a projectile and connecting with her telepathically through the pin-set. The chapter explores the deep bond between human and cat as they merge consciousnesses, culminating in the announcement that the Fighting Room is ready for planoforming.

## Themes in this chapter

### Humanity vs. Mechanization

Underhill's intimate bond with Lady May contrasts with the mechanical process of launching her as a projectile, highlighting the tension between organic connection and technological warfare.

### Love and Connection

The telepathic and emotional bond between Underhill and Lady May is central, described as spanning an immensity that affection crosses in a single glance.

### Sacrifice and Duty

Underhill acknowledges the danger of sending Lady May into battle, yet fulfills his duty as her partner, showing the sacrifice inherent in their mission.

## Character check-ins

### Underhill

The Deal Underhill prepares Lady May for battle, communicates with her through the pin-set, and merges his consciousness with hers.

### Lady May

Underhill's cat partner, placed in a projectile and connected telepathically; her consciousness merges with Underhill's.

### Father Moontree

Mentioned as picking up a telephone to speak to a Scanner captain, announcing the Fighting Room is ready.

## Key lines

> It’s a damn shame, sending a sweet little thing like you whirling around in the coldness of nothing to hunt for Rats that are bigger and deadlier than all of us put together.

Underhill expresses regret that Lady May must face dangerous enemies in the void of space.

_Highlights the emotional conflict between affection for his partner and the harsh demands of their mission._

> Human eyes and cat eyes looked across an immensity which no words could meet, but which affection spanned in a single glance.

The deep bond between Underhill and Lady May transcends verbal communication, conveyed through a look of mutual affection.

_Emphasizes the theme of love and connection across species._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_11_se/chapters/the-deal
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_11_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_11_se/chapters