A medical ship, operated by a lone medic named Calhoun and his companion, a small creature called Murgatroyd, arrives at the planet Weald to conduct a health inspection after a long absence of medical oversight. The planet is gripped by fear and prejudice against the inhabitants of Dara, who are colloquially referred to as "blueskins" due to a plague that left them with blue patches on their skin. The locals are hostile and suspicious, fearing contamination from the blueskins. Calhoun faces hostility from the Wealdian authorities, who initially refuse him landing rights. After a tense standoff, he is allowed to land, but he quickly realizes that the fear of blueskins has led to irrational hatred and a quarantine against them. During his visit, he learns about the dire situation on Dara, where famine is rampant, and the inhabitants are desperate for food. As Calhoun investigates, he discovers that the fear of blueskins is unfounded, as the plague has long since passed, and the blue pigmentation is not a sign of contagion. He also learns that the people of Weald have hoarded food supplies, exacerbating the famine on Dara. In a bid to help, Calhoun concocts a plan to transport food back to Dara. He trains a group of young Wealdian pilots to operate a fleet of grain ships, which he hopes to use to deliver much-needed supplies to the starving blueskins. However, tensions rise as the Wealdian government becomes aware of the potential for a Darian uprising, leading to a standoff between the two planets. As the situation escalates, Calhoun's actions lead to a series of misunderstandings and conflicts, culminating in a confrontation with the Wealdian authorities. He must navigate the complex political landscape while trying to save the inhabitants of Dara from starvation and the threat of annihilation. Ultimately, Calhoun's efforts to bridge the gap between the two worlds lead to a resolution that challenges the prejudices of both sides. The story explores themes of fear, prejudice, and the importance of understanding and compassion in the face of adversity.
By Murray Leinster · First published 1952 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Space Opera · 8 chapters