White Spot by Murray Leinster (1950)

Name: White Spot
Author: Murray Leinster

A spaceship, the _Danaë_, is forced to land on a seemingly barren planet after suffering a drive failure. The crew, consisting of Borden, his wife Ellen, Sattell, and young Jerry, must find a way to survive while they repair their ship. As they explore the planet, they discover a mysterious white spot that emits a powerful heat ray, which nearly destroys them. Borden deduces that the white spot is a sun-mirror weapon, likely used by an unknown civilization. After narrowly escaping destruction, the crew lands in a region with some vegetation, where they encounter furry, bipedal creatures that seem friendly and eager for companionship. However, tensions rise as Sattell, who has a violent past, becomes increasingly unstable and threatens the group's safety. He eventually disappears, taking food and vital ship logs with him, which could jeopardize their chances of returning home. As the crew works to cultivate crops and repair the ship, they learn more about the planet's history. They find evidence of a previous civilization that was wiped out, leaving behind vehicles and skeletons. Borden theorizes that the inhabitants were attacked by a monstrous, jelly-like creature that consumes living beings, which may still be lurking on the planet. Sattell's actions lead to a confrontation with this creature, which is revealed to be intelligent and capable of adapting to threats. Borden and the others devise a plan to use a modified walkie-talkie to emit a powerful, modulated signal that can disrupt the creature's senses. They successfully drive it away, but not without realizing the danger Sattell poses if he were to ally with the creature. In a climactic encounter, Sattell attempts to attack the crew but meets his demise instead. The remaining crew members manage to repair the _Danaë_ and explore the ruins of the ancient civilization, discovering valuable knowledge and resources. They decide to return to the planet in the future, planning to establish a settlement and further study the remnants of the lost civilization and its connection to the friendly creatures they encountered. The story concludes with the crew's hopeful departure, ready to face the stars once more.

By Murray Leinster · First published 1950 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Mystery · 8 chapters · 22,728 words

First lines

The planet did not look promising, but they had no choice. When a ship's drive blows between star-systems, it has to be fixed. If metal parts must be recast and machined, and burned-out wiring has to be pieced together and insulated by hand, the job takes literally months. And if, then, getting home is a matter of more months of journeying with a drive that still limps, while coughing and cutting off for seconds or until it is tinkered with -- why, the traveler has to find some way to renew his food supply.

It is for such occasions that the Interstellar Code requires all ships to carry an emergency kit with seeds and agricultural directions.

What this Textopian page supports

White Spot is listed on Textopian as a novel by Murray Leinster, dated 1950 CE.

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

Work type: Novel
Author: Murray Leinster
Date: 1950 CE
Language: English
Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Mystery, Speculative Fiction, Thriller
Length: 22,728 words
Structure: 8 chapters, 431 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Genres

Science Fiction — The story explores futuristic concepts and technology, typical of the science fiction genre.
Adventure — The plot involves exploration and challenges faced by characters in an unknown environment.
Mystery — The narrative includes elements of suspense and the unknown, prompting investigation and discovery.
Speculative Fiction — The book speculates on potential future scenarios and their implications.