Plague Ship · Chapters

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Chapter companions for Plague Ship by Andre Norton.

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Chapter 1
I: Perfumed Planet
Dane Thorson, Cargo-master-apprentice of the Solar Queen, prepares for trade negotiations on the planet Sargol by applying scented paste to mask his off-world scent, as required by the feline-ancestored Salariki natives. The crew has inherited the trading rights of Traxt Cam, who discovered valuable Koros stones on Sargol but was killed by Limbian pirates. Dane and Cargo-master Van Rycke march to the trading center, maintaining their position in the road to assert status before a clan chieftain, and arrive at the market place under the peace shield, ready for a day of ceremonial negotiations.
Chapter 2
II: Rivals
The Solar Queen crew confronts Inter-Solar rivals over trading rights on Sargol. Captain Jellico and Cargo-master Van Rycke stand firm against I-S Captain Grange and Cargo-master Kallee, refusing their buyout offer. Meanwhile, Sinbad the cat is nightly ransomed from Salariki cubs, and one cub shows unexpected curiosity about the ship, following Dane inside.
Chapter 3
III: Contact at Last
Dane Thorson discovers that a young Salarik is intensely attracted to catnip in the ship's hydro garden. He and Mura give the native a few leaves, which the cub takes to the storm priests. The catnip is tested and approved by both Terran and Salarik medical experts, defusing an I-S accusation that the Free Traders introduced a harmful drug. Van Rycke and Jellico continue trading while I-S Cargo-master Kallee is forced to withdraw.
Chapter 4
IV: Gorp Hunt
The Terrans conclude trading with the Salariki, learning that their stock of Koros stones is limited. Van Rycke and Tau discuss the potential of catnip and anisette as superior trade goods, noting that the I-S rivals offer synthetic products while the Salariki prefer natural items. Jasper Weeks surprises everyone by revealing a collection of aromatic carvings made from lacquel bark, frosh weed, and cedar. After Paft's death, the Salariki invite the Terrans to a gorp hunt, a ceremonial event that cements kinship and trade relations. Groft, Paft's heir, selects the youngest crew members, including Dane, to join the hunt.
Chapter 5
V: The Perilous Seas
The Terrans join a Salariki gorp hunt on the reef, using fire to clear a purple scum from the water. They discover tansil wood and witness the hunt's dangers, including a gorp that breaches the reef. After the hunt, they find a wounded I-S spy on the beach and deliver him to his ship, facing hostility. Later, they are invited to Paft's funeral feast, where Groft will be elevated to clan leader.

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I: Perfumed Planet

II: Rivals

III: Contact at Last

IV: Gorp Hunt

V: The Perilous Seas