Third Planet

"Third Planet" by Murray Leinster is a science fiction story that warns of the dangers of war through the journey of the survey ship "Lotus" that comes across the ruins of a nuclear-ravaged planet, destroyed by atomic war. As Nolan investigates, he begins to understand that the same fate could befall planet Earth itself, leading to intense political struggles about the use of atomic weapons. Tensions rise as the people on Earth must decide between violence and war, and the hope of a better future. The choices made by the crew will decide the fate of their world, and whether it becomes another war-ridden wasteland. The narrative explores the themes of survival and political conflict on Earth which serves as a warning of the dangers of all-out war.