'Killer Spores' by John D.F. Black

When a NASA space probe returns to Earth and splashes into the ocean, the crew of the Cetacean are sent to investigate. However, something in the capsule begins taking over the crew, sending them into a catatonic state or forcing them to carry out actions against their will. Only Mark’s unique eye structure enables him to see what Elizabeth and the others cannot: the probe has been contaminated by sentient alien spores, which have been attempting to find a way to return to space. Then the spores make contact with Mark – and demand that unless he help them, mankind will be destroyed…

Patrick Duffy (Mark Harris), Belinda Montgomery (Doctor Elizabeth Merrill), Alan Fudge (C.W. Crawford), Kenneth Tigar (Doctor Miller Simon), Robert Lussier (Brent), Richard Williams (Jomo), J. Victor Lopez (Chuey), Jean Marie Hon (Jane), Anson Downes (Allen), James Sikking (Colonel Manzone), Fred Beir (Sub Captain), Ivan Bonar (Edwin Shirley)

Directed by Reza Badiyi
Produced by Herman Miller

Executive Producer Herbert F. Solow

TX (US): 17th May 1977

Notes:
*Featuring Mark Harris, Doctor Elizabeth Merrill, C.W. Crawford and Doctor Miller Simon