The novel is set in a distant future where humanity has colonized other planets and formed the United Earth Government. The story follows a group of characters who are part of an expedition to explore a mysterious starship that has been discovered drifting through space. As they investigate the ship, they uncover evidence of an advanced alien civilization that had been wiped out by a catastrophic event. The crew soon realizes that the ship is not just a relic of the past but also a harbinger of a new threat to humanity's existence. The novel explores themes of identity, community, and the human condition as the characters grapple with the implications of their discovery and the potential consequences for their own civilization.
By Poul Anderson · First published 1968 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Space Opera · 6 chapters