Sand Doom

"Sand Doom" by Murray Leinster is an adventure set on the desolate planet Xosa II, where a Colonial Survey officer named Bordman finds himself in a desperate fight for survival. When a sandstorm buries the colony's landing grid, stranding everyone, Bordman and his associate Aletha Redfeather must find a way to re-establish contact and supply lines. Bordman, facing his own sense of inadequacy, witnesses the remarkable resourcefulness and adaptability of the colonists, who manage to extract water and energy from the seemingly barren landscape. As they work together across cultural lines, their experiences show the resilience of humanity when faced with great adversity, leading to a triumphant restoration of communication and hope amid a harsh and unforgiving environment.