Gerns

Another fav is Tom Godwin's "The Survivors" (novelized as Space Prison) in which a band of humans must survive a very nasty planet to regain their freedom and get revenge on the aliens (called Gerns -- from 'Gernsback', no doubt).

Swordsman Vs. Space Monster Dark Worlds Club 2009

"With some flint-headed arrows left over for the Gerns."

Space Prison Tom Godwin 1947

The flintlock ignition was not instantaneous, the lightweight porcelain bullet had far less penetrating power than an arrow, and the thing boomed and belched out a cloud of smoke that would have shown the Gerns exactly where the shooter was located.

Space Prison Tom Godwin 1947

The wind swept the dust aside in a gigantic cloud and the Gerns came through the gap, looking neither to right nor left.

Space Prison Tom Godwin 1947

The little mockers began roaming the ship at will, unable any longer to restrain their curiosity and confident that the men and prowlers would not let the Gerns harm them.

Space Prison Tom Godwin 1947

They struck the Gerns; the prowlers slashing lanes through them while the unicorns charged behind, trampling them, ripping into them with their horns and smashing them down with their hooves as they vented the pent up rage of their years of confinement.

Space Prison Tom Godwin 1947

Gerns and all of the ones in the future who won't want to live out their lives on Ragnarok?

Space Prison Tom Godwin 1947

We adapted to the gravity that was supposed to kill us and became stronger and quicker than Gerns.

Space Prison Tom Godwin 1947

We made allies of the prowlers and unicorns who were supposed to be our executioners and used them tonight to help us kill Gerns.

Space Prison Tom Godwin 1947

Maybe there are races out there like the Gerns -- and maybe there are races such as we were a hundred years ago who need our help.

Space Prison Tom Godwin 1947