This World Is Taboo

"This World Is Taboo" by Murray Leinster is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story features Calhoun, a medic aboard a ship tasked with health inspections throughout various planets in a distant sector. As Calhoun arrives at Weald Three for a medical inspection, he discovers underlying tensions related to the inhabitants of Dara, labeled "blueskins," who have been ostracized due to their appearance that stems from a historical plague. At the start of the novel, Calhoun's Med Ship emerges from overdrive travel, and he prepares for a health inspection on Weald. He interacts with his companion, Murgatroyd, a small creature called a tormal, as they navigate the challenges of landing and communicating with local authorities. The narrative introduces a fraught atmosphere filled with fear and prejudice against blueskins, described as beings with blue skin due to a hereditary condition. Tension escalates as Calhoun learns about the political climate and the significant paranoia surrounding blueskins. His journey is set against the backdrop of an impending health crisis, revealing complex themes of discrimination, misunderstanding, and the ramifications of a society's collective fears.