Impact

"Impact" by Irving E. Cox, Jr. is a thought-provoking science fiction story that looks at what happens when advanced civilizations meet more traditional societies. It tells the tale of Martin Lord, a trade agent who lands on a pure and unspoiled planet and finds himself torn between his job and a growing respect for the native people and his love for a local woman named Niaga. The story shows how difficult it can be to balance progress with protecting cultures, especially when another character, Ann Howard, pushes to control the indigenous society. The agent uncovers that the remarkable inhabitants have a telepathic ability and will do anything to protect their unspoiled way of life. The protagonist ultimately has his memory wiped to stop outside influence from ruining their planet, changing his life forever and raising questions about who we are and what we owe to others.