# Planetfall explained — Star Born

> Chapter companion for Star Born by Andre Norton.

## What happens

The RS 10 successfully breaks through into normal space and lands on a new world. Raf Kurbi and the crew experience the breakthrough, the landing, and the first steps on an alien planet. Raf assembles the exploration flyer while others explore the surroundings, encountering a small defenseless creature.

## Themes in this chapter

### Survival and Adaptation

The crew endures the breakthrough and adapts to the new planet, setting up base and preparing for exploration.

### Alien Encounter and Otherness

The first contact with the alien world includes the discovery of a small furred creature and the sighting of possible cities.

## Character check-ins

### Raf Kurbi

Pilot and mechanic; experiences breakthrough, assembles the flitter, and feels awe at standing on a new world.

### Captain Hobart

Captain of the RS 10; announces breakthrough and landing, commands the crew.

### Wonstead

Crew member; complains during the voyage, kills a small alien creature, and is proud of his kill.

### Lablet

Xenobiologist; intently studies the planet's surface via the visa plate.

## Key lines

> Raf pulled off his helmet, held his head high in that breeze. It was like bathing in air, washing away the smog of those long days of imprisonment.

Raf removed his helmet and breathed deeply, feeling the wind cleanse him of the stale ship air.

_Raf's relief and joy at being on the new planet._

> Raf picked up the little body. Its fur was red-brown, plush-thick, and very soft to the touch. The breast was creamy white and the forepaws curiously short with an uncanny resemblance to his own hands. Suddenly he wished that Wonstead had not killed it.

Raf examined the small creature Wonstead had killed, noting its soft fur and hand-like paws, and felt regret over its death.

_Raf's empathy for the alien life form._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/star_born_se/chapters/ii-planetfall
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/star_born_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/star_born_se/chapters