Plague Ship by Andre Norton

“Plague Ship,” published in 1956, is a science fiction novel by Andre Norton. Known for her contributions to the genre, Norton weaves a tale of adventure and intrigue as the crew of the Solar Queen, a Galactic Free Trader spacer, navigates the complex and perilous trade dealings on the planet Sargol. The story combines elements of space exploration, trade negotiations, and survival, set against the backdrop of an alien world with its own customs and dangers.

Plot Summary

Dane Thorson, the Cargo-master-apprentice of the Solar Queen, stood in the cramped bather, his skin smeared with a highly scented paste. This was the price of trade with the Salariki, the native inhabitants of the planet Sargol, where scent was the key to acceptance. Sargol, a world of shifting grass forests and shallow seas, was famed for its exotic fragrances and the coveted Koros stones, which were hidden beneath treacherous waters guarded by the fierce Gorp. The crew of the Solar Queen had come seeking these gems, each stone a fortune in itself, but the Salariki were as elusive and enigmatic as the precious stones they guarded.

Dane and Rip Shannon, the assistant Astrogator, prepared themselves for the grueling process of negotiations with the Salariki. The scent of the paste they wore was overpowering, yet necessary to approach the Salariki without offending their delicate senses. The crew knew that a single misstep could end any hope of trading. But they also had an ace up their sleeve: the Salariki, while proud and independent, had a deep respect for tradition, and it was into this tradition that the crew sought to weave themselves.

As the Solar Queen touched down on Sargol, the crew observed the landscape—a world clothed in a shimmering, flowing carpet of grass. Dane, Rip, and the others, led by their captain, Jellico, and the shrewd Cargo-master, Van Rycke, ventured into this alien land, hoping to make contact with the clan chieftains. The Salariki were feline in nature, their eyes a startling turquoise or orange, their bodies cloaked in brilliant fabrics, and they carried with them an air of wary independence.

Negotiations began in a ceremonial council, where the crew, perfumed to perfection, met the Salariki leaders. The clan leaders, inscrutable and seemingly indifferent, spoke in circles, their words as elusive as the Koros stones themselves. The hours passed with endless pleasantries and the exchange of formalities, yet the true prize—the gems—remained out of reach. It was a test of patience and diplomacy, one that stretched the crew’s abilities to the limit.

As Dane sat through the ceremonial banter, he noticed the younger Salariki, their curiosity evident despite their elders’ haughty demeanor. It was a promising sign, a hint that not all doors were closed. Dane’s chance came when a young Salarik cub, eyes wide with curiosity, appeared at the ramp of the ship. The cub had caught the scent of something unusual, something that drew him to the Solar Queen with an intensity that could not be ignored. It was Sinbad, the ship’s cat, who unknowingly provided the key. The cub followed the scent trail to the ship’s hydro garden, where he discovered a plant unlike any other on Sargol—catnip.

The Salariki cub’s fascination with the catnip was immediate and undeniable. Recognizing this as an unexpected opportunity, Dane cautiously offered the cub a sprig of the plant. The young Salarik’s reaction was one of pure delight, and he quickly vanished with his prize. Dane reported this encounter to Van Rycke, and the implications began to unfold. Catnip, an ordinary herb on Terra, could be the bargaining chip they needed to unlock the Koros trade. But there was a risk—introducing a foreign substance to an alien culture could have unforeseen consequences, both medically and legally.

The crew soon found themselves facing a new threat. Inter-Solar (I-S), a powerful trading company, had also set its sights on Sargol’s riches. When the I-S crew appeared on the scene, they attempted to leverage their corporate muscle to challenge the Solar Queen’s right to trade. They accused the Free Traders of violating Code Three, Article six—introducing an untested substance to the Salariki without proper authorization. It was a serious charge that could lead to the loss of their trading rights and much more.

Van Rycke and Jellico, however, were not easily intimidated. With the storm priests’ approval of catnip after extensive testing, the crew was in compliance with Code Four, Article two, which allowed trade as long as the substance was proven harmless. The storm priests, the spiritual leaders of the Salariki, had declared the herb not only safe but beneficial. With this ruling, the tables turned in favor of the Free Traders.

Emboldened by this success, the crew of the Solar Queen continued to trade with the Salariki. The catnip proved to be a sensation, a treasure more coveted than the finest perfumes. Clan after clan came forward to exchange their Koros stones for the precious leaves. The once-skeptical Salariki were now eager to bargain, offering gems of stunning beauty in return for small quantities of the herb. Each deal was sealed with ritual and respect, building a bond between the Terrans and the native clans that went beyond mere trade.

But the threat from I-S lingered. The company men were not prepared to relinquish their claim so easily. They tried to undermine the Solar Queen’s success by spreading rumors and attempting to sway the Salariki with synthetic perfumes and other manufactured goods. Yet the Salariki, with their preference for natural products, were unimpressed by the I-S offerings. The bonds forged through the catnip trade proved stronger than I-S’s calculated schemes.

As the trading continued, the crew was reminded of the dangers that lay beneath Sargol’s tranquil surface. Harvesting Koros stones was perilous, involving trips to the shallow seas where the Gorp lurked. These reptilian creatures were a constant threat, capable of attacking without warning. In one harrowing encounter, the crew found themselves battling the Gorp to protect their Salariki partners during a stone-gathering expedition. The Solar Queen’s crew showcased their bravery and resourcefulness, further solidifying their reputation among the Salariki.

In the end, the Solar Queen departed Sargol with a cargo hold filled with Koros stones, having successfully navigated the treacherous waters of alien diplomacy and corporate rivalry. They had not only secured a profitable trade but also gained the respect of the Salariki, ensuring a future alliance with the enigmatic people of Sargol. As the stars beckoned and the ship rose into the sky, Dane and his crewmates knew they had triumphed in the face of overwhelming odds, forging a path through the galaxy as true Free Traders.

Main Characters

• Dane Thorson: The Cargo-master-apprentice of the Solar Queen. He is eager, sometimes rash, but dedicated to proving himself. His discovery of the Salariki’s fascination with catnip becomes a pivotal point in their trade dealings.
• Rip Shannon: The assistant Astrogator and Dane’s mentor. He provides guidance and experience, helping Dane navigate the complexities of trade on an alien world.
• Captain Jellico: The stern but fair captain of the Solar Queen. A seasoned leader, he is wary of the I-S threat but determined to ensure the success of their mission.
• Van Rycke: The ship’s Cargo-master, a shrewd and experienced negotiator. He plays a crucial role in managing the delicate trade relations with the Salariki and countering the tactics of I-S.
• The Salariki: The feline-like natives of Sargol. They are proud, fiercely independent, and deeply connected to their traditions and customs.

Theme

• Trade and Diplomacy: The central theme revolves around the art of trade and the complexities of negotiating with alien cultures. The story emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting local customs to achieve mutual benefits.
• Corporate Rivalry: The conflict with Inter-Solar highlights the theme of corporate greed and the struggle of small, independent traders against large, monopolistic entities.
• Adaptation and Survival: The crew’s ability to adapt to the Salariki’s customs and the dangers of Sargol showcases the theme of survival in a hostile and unpredictable universe.
• Cultural Exchange: The story explores the exchange of goods, ideas, and values between different species, emphasizing the potential for understanding and cooperation despite vast differences.

Writing Style and Tone

Andre Norton employs a straightforward, engaging narrative style that focuses on action and character interaction. Her tone is adventurous and tense, with a touch of suspense as the crew navigates the dangers of Sargol and the intrigue of interstellar trade. She vividly describes the alien environment, creating an immersive atmosphere that brings the reader into the world of the Solar Queen. Norton’s language is precise, with a focus on the procedural aspects of space trading, adding a layer of realism to the science fiction setting.