# III: Contact at Last explained — Plague Ship

> Chapter companion for Plague Ship by Andre Norton.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Trade and Commerce

The entire chapter revolves around the negotiation and validation of catnip as a trade good, highlighting the protocols and power dynamics of interstellar commerce.

### Science and Medicine

Medic Tau and the storm priest jointly test the catnip, demonstrating the importance of cross-species medical evaluation in trade.

### Corporate Power and Rivalry

The I-S company attempts to use trade regulations to sabotage the Free Traders, showcasing corporate competition.

## Character check-ins

### Dane Thorson

Discovers the Salarik cub's attraction to catnip and brings the matter to Van Rycke and Tau; later witnesses the I-S confrontation.

### Frank Mura

Steward who grows catnip in the hydro garden and explains its properties to Dane.

### Sinbad

The ship's cat, who reacts strongly to catnip, confirming its appeal to the Salarik.

### Van Rycke

Cargo-master who calmly handles the I-S accusation by invoking Code Four, Article Two and calling on Medic Tau and the storm priest.

### Medic Craig Tau

Confirms the catnip's safety after testing with the storm priests; acts as intermediary in the trade dispute.

### Captain Jellico

Present during the trading and the confrontation with I-S, supporting Van Rycke's actions.

## Key lines

> To no alien race shall any Trader introduce any drug, food, or drink from off world, until such a substance has been certified as nonharmful to the aliens.

Traders are forbidden to give any alien species off-world substances without first proving they are safe.

_Dane recalls this regulation when I-S accuses them of violating it._

> Code Four—Article two: Any organic substance offered for trade must be examined by a committee of trained medical experts, an equal representation of Terrans and aliens.

Trade goods that are organic require a joint medical review by both human and alien experts.

_Van Rycke uses this rule to counter I-S's accusation._

> We all off-fire our tubes at times.

Everyone makes mistakes sometimes.

_Tau reassures Dane after the catnip incident._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plague_ship_se/chapters/iii-contact-at-last
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plague_ship_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plague_ship_se/chapters