A Trace of Memory

This is a fast paced, first person narrative of a down and out drifter who is rescued from a possible death by an alien who has lost his memory of who or what he is.

The hero then takes on the task of helping the alien find his identity, his way home. As a reward, the hero takes some advanced technology to ensure his future wealth and comfort, but the powers that be decide they need to take control of the hero's technolgy, forcing him to flee and ultimately search for his alien friend among the stars.

Once on the alien planet, he does everything in his power to try and right the wrongs of the world he has found.

The first part of the novel is the kind of story that is right in Laumer's wheelhouse, but as the story moves to the stars, it becomes more of a stretch to believe ths hero can accomplish as much as he does. There's a nice suprise ending of sorts, though, which helps tie up the story.

Well worth reading even though it's not his best.