Voodoo Planet
Join Dane Thorson and the crew of the Solar Queen as they navigate the treacherous beauty of Khatka, a safari planet colonized by African refugees fleeing atomic devastation on Earth. What begins as a routine trading mission quickly devolves into a desperate struggle for survival when a charismatic, power-hungry witch doctor emerges, threatening to plunge the planet into chaos and seize control from the established council. Dane and his shipmates find themselves caught in the crossfire of a brewing planetary conflict, where ancient traditions clash with futuristic technology, and the very soul of Khatka hangs in the balance.
About Voodoo Planet
Chapter Summaries
- I
- Dane Thorson endures the humid misery of Xecho spaceport while overseeing ship repairs. Chief Ranger Asaki arrives from Khatka and invites the crew to visit the planet's hunting preserves, revealing his need for help with mysterious magical threats.
- II
- The crew travels to Asaki's mountain fortress where they learn about Lumbrilo's growing power and witness a magical demonstration. Tau reveals his knowledge of various forms of magic and agrees to help combat the witch doctor.
- III
- During a hunting magic ceremony, Lumbrilo appears as a cat-dog creature while Tau counters by summoning the image of an elephant. The confrontation establishes both men as powerful opponents and sets up their eventual showdown.
Key Themes
- Science vs. Superstition
- The story explores the tension between rational, scientific thinking and belief in supernatural forces. Tau's victory comes from understanding that Lumbrilo's power relies on psychological manipulation rather than true magic.
- Cultural Colonialism
- The narrative examines how off-world influences can corrupt and exploit native cultures, as seen in the poachers' alliance with Lumbrilo and the I-C company's interference with Combine territory.
- Power and Corruption
- Lumbrilo's desire to expand beyond his traditional role as witch doctor illustrates how the pursuit of power can corrupt individuals and threaten established social orders.
Characters
- Dane Thorson(protagonist)
- Young acting-cargo-master of the Free Trader ship Solar Queen. Inexperienced but determined spaceman who serves as the reader's viewpoint character throughout the adventure.
- Captain Jellico(major)
- Experienced captain of the Solar Queen, a Free Trader vessel. Pragmatic leader with xenobiological expertise who maintains command authority throughout the crisis.
- Tau(major)
- Ship's medic with extensive knowledge of alien cultures and magic practices. Becomes the primary opponent of Lumbrilo's supernatural powers.
- Chief Ranger Asaki(major)
- Tall, imposing Khatkan ranger with dark skin and aristocratic bearing. Seeks help from the spacemen to combat Lumbrilo's growing influence and the poaching problem.
- Lumbrilo(antagonist)
- Hereditary witch doctor of Khatka who seeks to expand his power beyond traditional bounds. Uses psychological manipulation and apparent magic to eliminate opponents.
- Nymani(minor)
- Skilled Khatkan hunter who serves under Asaki. Becomes terrified when confronted with apparent supernatural phenomena.
