New Worlds Science Fiction, No. 65, Volume 22

About this issue

This issue centers on James White's novelette "Sector General," depicting an intergalactic hospital ship staffed with diverse alien species treating patients of incompatible physiologies. The narrative follows Dr. Conway, a human intern, responding to an urgent call involving the Telfi—energy-eating, telepathic entities who form a collective gestalt consciousness. When their ship sustains radiation damage, Conway must access Educator tapes containing alien medical knowledge while preparing the specialized Radiation Theatre for treatment. The issue also contains J.G. Ballard's "Manhole 69," Alan Barclay's novelette "To Percy," and short stories by Donald Malcolm and Bertram Chandler. Kenneth Johns contributes a two-part article on the International Geophysical Year's progress. Editor John Carnell's editorial discusses the recent Russian Sputnik launch, examining satellite technology and its implications for space exploration, positioning these developments within the ongoing Cold War context.