In a distant sector of the galaxy, a Med Ship pilot named Calhoun arrives at the planet Weald Three, accompanied by his genetically unique companion, Murgatroyd, a _tormal_. The purpose of their visit is to conduct a health inspection, as the planet has not been visited by the Interstellar Medical Service for twelve years. Upon arrival, Calhoun faces hostility from the local authorities, who are suspicious of his intentions and fearful of a supposed plague carried by the "blueskins," a derogatory term for the inhabitants of the neighboring planet, Dara, who bear blue skin markings due to a past plague. Calhoun's attempts to assert his authority are met with resistance, but he manages to secure permission to land. Once on Weald, he discovers that the fear of blueskins has led to a deep-seated prejudice among the Wealdians, who have not seen a blueskin in years and are obsessed with the idea of their potential threat. Calhoun learns that the blueskins are actually descendants of plague survivors and that the fear surrounding them is irrational. As Calhoun investigates, he uncovers a history of neglect and incompetence in the Med Service regarding the health of both Weald and Dara. He realizes that the Wealdians' fear of blueskins has led to a quarantine that has exacerbated the suffering of the people on Dara, who are now facing famine. In a desperate attempt to survive, the blueskins have resorted to raiding cattle herds on Orede, a nearby planet, leading to further tensions. Calhoun's efforts to mediate between the two worlds are complicated by the arrival of a cargo ship from Orede, which brings news of the blueskins' plight. The situation escalates when a ship from Weald breaks out of overdrive and is found adrift, filled with the dead bodies of its crew, leading to panic and accusations against the blueskins. In a twist of fate, Calhoun manages to convince the Wealdians to accept a shipment of grain from Dara, which he orchestrates through a series of clever maneuvers. He trains a group of young blueskin pilots to navigate the Med Ship and orchestrates a plan to deliver food to Dara while simultaneously undermining the Wealdians' prejudices. As tensions rise, Calhoun faces execution at the hands of the Wealdians, who blame him for the chaos. However, just as he is about to be killed, the first of the grain ships arrives, and the Wealdians are forced to reconsider their actions. The arrival of the grain leads to a change in sentiment, and the Darians are no longer seen as a threat. In the end, Calhoun's actions lead to a fragile peace between Weald and Dara, as the blueskins are no longer viewed as pariahs. The Med Ship pilot's efforts to bridge the gap between the two worlds highlight the dangers of prejudice and the importance of understanding and compassion in the face of fear. The story concludes with Calhoun continuing his journey, ready to face new challenges in the galaxy.
By Murray Leinster · First published 1956 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy · 8 chapters