The Unprotected Species

"The Unprotected Species" by Melvin Sturgis is a mid-20th century science fiction story where a survey team's mission to colonize a new planet spirals into a nightmare. As crew members, starting with Bradshaw, descend into violent madness, senior biologist Gallifa investigates the planet's gnome-like inhabitants. These creatures are suspected of wielding a terrifying mind-altering power that incites murderous fear in humans. The plot follows Gallifa’s desperate attempt to understand both the gnomes and the crew's unraveling sanity, and the book climaxes with the realization that the colonists' survival hinges on overcoming their own terror to coexist with a species beyond their comprehension.