Operation Distress by Lester Del Rey

Name: Operation Distress
Author: Lester Del Rey

The story takes place on a remote planet where the inhabitants are struggling to survive due to a severe drought and lack of resources. A group of scientists and engineers attempt to develop a new technology that can manipulate the planet's atmosphere, but their efforts are hindered by internal conflicts and external threats. As tensions rise, the team discovers that the planet is actually a testing ground for an alien civilization, which has been manipulating events from behind the scenes. The aliens' true intentions are revealed when they initiate a catastrophic event that threatens to destroy the planet's ecosystem. The human survivors must band together to find a way to stop the impending disaster and escape the planet before it's too late. Along the way, they uncover secrets about their own pasts and the true nature of the alien civilization.

By Lester Del Rey · First published 1953 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Thriller · 5,093 words

First lines

Explorers who dread spiders and snakes prove that heroism is always more heroic to outsiders. Then there's the case of the first space pilot to Mars who developed the itch --

Bill Adams was halfway back from Mars when he noticed the red rash on his hands. He'd been reaching for one of the few remaining tissues to cover a sneeze, while scratching vigorously at the base of his neck. Then he saw the red spot, and his hand halted, while all desire to sneeze gasped out of him.

What this Textopian page supports

Operation Distress is listed on Textopian as a novel by Lester Del Rey, dated 1953 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Lester Del Rey
Date: 1953 CE
Language: English
Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Thriller, Drama, Medical Fiction
Length: 5,093 words
Structure: 1 section, 89 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Operation Distress by Lester Del Rey
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Operation Distress?
How does this novel by Lester Del Rey fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Science Fiction — The narrative revolves around space exploration, alien environments, and the implications of extraterrestrial diseases, which are central themes in science fiction.
Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a perilous journey to Mars and faces unexpected challenges, embodying the adventure genre.
Thriller — The tension surrounding the protagonist's health crisis and the race against time to return to Earth creates a suspenseful atmosphere.
Drama — The emotional and psychological struggles of the protagonist, particularly regarding fear of disease and isolation, lend a dramatic quality to the story.