Synopsis
A survey team on an alien planet runs into trouble with the natives when they discover the true nature of their biology.
History
First publication: Analog, September 1969
Review
Hard to believe this one was not even nominated for a Hugo or Nebula, but then it does dig into that bad old taboo of sex. Today it seems tame but back then a lot of stories like this were not published because of very conservative attitudes among publishers. You couldn’t have teenagers reading about reproduction! So Tiptree set out to break through that wall and got as far as getting published in Campbell’s Analog! Aside from all that, the story is just everything you want, action, some humor, excellent writing, good characters, and an really cool idea. Highly recommended and a Top Tale easily!
Videos
We have the story in these editions:
Analog Science Fiction/Science Fact, September 1969, edited by John W. Campbell, Jr., magazine, Conde Nast, 1969-09-00
World’s Best Science Fiction 1970, edited by Terry Carr and Donald A. Wollheim, hardcover, Ace Books/SFBC, 1970-00-00
