"The Game of Rat and Dragon" is a science fiction short story by American author Cordwainer Smith (1913–1966).
The cats ride outside of the spaceships in their own tiny crafts, waiting for the order from their human partner to attack.
Thanks to the combination of the human mind and the cats' quick reactions, the battle against the Dragons is not only possible, but usually ends in victory.
Underhill, Woodley, Father Moontree, and a girl named West are the group of telepaths currently fighting the war.
While Father Moontree and Woodley are not particularly interested in their partner cats, West thinks Captain Wow is cuddly and Underhill has a strong connection with Lady May.
During an attack, Underhill is unable to follow Lady May's thoughts fast enough and the Dragon touches his mind, sending excruciating pain throughout his body.