Contagion

"Contagion" by Katherine MacLean is a science fiction novella that explores the challenges faced by space explorers on the planet Minos. Four members of the "Explorer" medical team arrive, expecting to find an untouched world, but instead discover a small colony plagued by "melting sickness," a deadly disease that has wiped out past settlements. They soon realize they've been exposed to the contagion, discovering it causes genetic alterations that blur the lines between themselves and the dominant locals. As the medical team transforms, they confront an identity crisis, grappling with complex questions about self and belonging. The story takes you on a great journey, challenging your perception of what defines humanity.