Los Hermafroditas

This science fiction serial by Ralph Barby follows the rescue ship March-71 A, crewed by Commander Neil Faraday and lieutenants Yashon (a Gem-system alien) and Hank Lorren (engineer). Responding to a distress call from asteroid Z-1515, they discover three stranded female cosmonauts: Captain Anea (Gem native), Captain Lusia, and Major Giana Monteverdi (Earth scientists). The women's research vessel suffered catastrophic fire during investigation of a radioactive cosmic cloud interfering with communications. After safe docking and pressurization procedures, the rescued scientists explain their damaged ship is likely unrecoverable; they must transfer research materials and await transport to a colony. The narrative emphasizes interplanetary cooperation between Earth and Gem civilizations, contrasting cultural attitudes toward relationships and emotional expression between species.