# Al Cable — Short Fiction character guide

> Al Cable in Short Fiction by Robert Sheckley.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Fred, Cable

**First appearance:** 0000-final-examination

## Snapshot

Aboard a ship waiting for an unseen enemy, Cable plays gin rummy for millions and bristles at the idea of sitting still while something out there watches.

## Who they are

Cable is one of three men on a vessel parked in space, monitoring a dial that will signal the approach of a mind-grabbing alien presence. He banters about bridge partners and three-million-dollar card debts, but his real tension is impatience: he wants to go out and meet the thing rather than wait to be possessed. His push to act—over Edwardson's caution and Morse's grumbling—drives the crew toward a decision that shapes the story's middle.

## In the story

### [The Sweeper of Loray](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_48_se/chapters/the-sweeper-of-loray)

Carver's bodyguard, referred to as Fred; he is transformed into a Lorayan after drinking the sersee serum.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_48_se/chapters/part-ii-ii)

Injured by a cassowary kick; rescued by Sorensen.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_48_se/chapters/part-ii-iii)

Demands to know if a bug is causing all the trouble.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_48_se/chapters/part-ii-iv)

Raises his rifle to shoot Eakins but is stopped by Sorensen.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_48_se/chapters/part-ii-v)

Attempts to radio for help despite Drake's orders, highlighting the group's desperation.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_48_se/chapters/part-ii-vii)

Wants to surrender to the Quedak but is ordered to stay; becomes sick and panics.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_48_se/characters/fred_al_cable
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_48_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_48_se/characters