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Cover of Plague Ship

Plague Ship

Written by Andre Norton

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Science FictionLife on other planetsSolar Queen (Imaginary space vehicle)Space ships

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About this book

"Plague Ship" by Andre Norton is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story follows Dane Thorson, a cargo-master-apprentice aboard the spaceship Solar Queen, as he traverses the mysterious planet Sargol alongside his crew. The narrative explores themes of trade, cultural adaptation, and the dynamics between the alien Salariki and the Terran crew. The opening of the book sets the stage for Dane's first experience on Sargol, emphasizing the uniqueness of their trading customs, such as the pungent perfumes that the crew must wear to avoid offending the natives. As they prepare to engage with the Salariki and navigate potential pitfalls—especially after the death of another trader—the tension builds around the challenges of establishing trade while dealing with interstellar rivalries, particularly from the Inter-Solar Company. This blend of intrigue, alien culture, and the protagonist's internal conflicts creates a rich foundation for the adventure that lies ahead, making the beginning a compelling introduction to the story.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Plague Ship, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • adventurous
  • mysterious
  • tense

Andre Norton's "Plague Ship" is a classic space opera that plunges the crew of the Free Trader *Solar Queen* into a perilous legal and physical battle after they discover an abandoned alien vessel. Accused of piracy by the powerful Inter-Solar Company, the resourceful crew, led by junior cargo master Dane Thorson, must unravel the mystery of the 'plague ship' and expose corporate corruption to clear their names and protect their independence. The narrative deftly combines thrilling adventure with intricate legal maneuvering and the exploration of interstellar ethics, making it a quintessential tale of individual ingenuity against overwhelming odds.

“"There are laws in space as on land, and some are more deadly than others."”

Key themes

Justice vs. Corporate Greed
The central conflict of the novel pits the independent, ethical Free Traders against the powerful, unscrupulous Inter-Solar Company. This theme explores how corporate monoliths can use their influence and resources to manipulate laws, exploit discoveries, and crush smaller entities, while individuals fight for fairness and legal integrity.
Ethics of Interstellar Salvage and Discovery
The discovery of the alien 'plague ship' raises profound questions about the rights and responsibilities associated with finding alien technology or derelicts. The theme delves into what constitutes legal salvage, the ethics of exploiting unknown alien resources, and the potential dangers of such exploitation, especially when biological or potentially hazardous elements are involved.
Survival, Resourcefulness, and Teamwork
This theme highlights the importance of ingenuity, adaptability, and the strong bond among the *Solar Queen* crew members in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Faced with a powerful adversary and unknown alien threats, their collective skills, loyalty, and ability to think creatively are their greatest assets for survival.

Worth discussing

Discuss the ethical implications of interstellar salvage law as depicted in the book. Where do you draw the line between discovery and exploitation?

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