The last space ship

A Breathtaking Power Packed Full Length Novel
GALAXY PUBLISHING CORP. 421 HUDSON STREET NEW YORK 14, N. Y.
GALAXY Science Fiction Novels, selected by the editors of GALAXY Science Fiction Magazine, are the choice of science fiction novels both original and reprint.
GALAXY Science Fiction Novel No. 25
35c a copy. Six Novel Subscriptions $2.00
Copyright 1949 by Will F. Jenkins
Reprinted by arrangement with the publishers, FREDERICK FELL, INC.
PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA by THE GUINN COMPANY, INC. NEW YORK 14, N. Y.
Kim Rendell stood by the propped-up Starshine in the transport hall of the primary museum on Alphin III. He regarded a placard under the space-ship with a grim and entirely mirthless amusement. He was unshaven and hollow-cheeked. He was even ragged. He was a pariah because he had tried to strike at the very foundation of civilization. He stood beside the hundred-foot, tapering hull, his appearance marking him as a blocked man. And he re-read the loan-placard within the railing about the exhibit:
Citizens, be grateful to Kim Rendell, who shares with you the pleasure of contemplating this heirloom.
This is a space-ship, like those which for ten thousand years were the only means of travel between planets and solar systems. Even after matter-transmitters were devised, space-ships continued to be used for exploration for many years. Since exploration of the Galaxy has been completed and all useful planets colonized and equipped with matter-transmitters, space-ships are no longer in use.
This very vessel, however, was used by Sten Rendell when the first human colonists came in it to Alphin III, bringing with them the matter-transmitter which enabled civilization to enter upon and occupy the planet on which you stand.