A young officer, Web Hilton, is sent into space as part of a secret military operation. He is deemed expendable due to his mysterious parentage, which raises security concerns. During his mission, he discovers that a satellite crew has vanished without a trace, leading to a frantic investigation. The military suspects sabotage, but the truth is far more sinister: an alien race, the Faktors, has been abducting humans for breeding purposes to save their dying species. As Web ventures into the satellite, he encounters the alien presence and realizes the crew has been eliminated using a device that nullifies atomic cohesion, effectively disintegrating them. Web's unique blood chemistry allows him to survive the same fate, making him a target for the Faktors. He narrowly escapes and returns to Earth, where he grapples with the implications of his heritage and the alien threat. Meanwhile, Ivy, a young woman, is abducted by the Faktors and taken to their hidden base. She faces the grim reality of being chosen for breeding, but her spirit remains unbroken. As Web seeks to uncover the truth and confront the alien menace, he learns of the impending shipment of abducted humans, including Ivy. In a climactic confrontation, Web battles the Faktors, using his wits and newfound resolve. He ultimately discovers the location of their base and the extent of their operations. With the help of Galactics, who reveal his lineage, Web fights to save the remaining captives and thwart the alien plans. The narrative explores themes of identity, survival, and the struggle against an oppressive force, culminating in a battle for humanity's future. The story concludes with Web's transformation into a protector of Earth, while Ivy's fate remains intertwined with the larger conflict, highlighting the interconnectedness of their struggles against the alien threat.
By Michael Shaara · First published 1977 · Genre: Historical Fiction, War Fiction, Literary Fiction · 7 chapters