The narrative follows Dave Turnbull, a scholar returning to Earth after a year-long expedition, who becomes embroiled in the mysterious disappearance of his mentor, Scholar James Duckworth. Upon his return, Turnbull discovers that Duckworth has vanished after traveling to Mendez, a planet known for its dead city, Centaurus City, which has long puzzled researchers due to its origins and purpose. Turnbull's investigation leads him to uncover Duckworth's last known whereabouts and the nature of his research, which revolved around the Centaurus Mystery—a city built by an unknown civilization that seemingly vanished without a trace. The city is a focal point for trade routes, but its existence raises questions about the civilization that constructed it, as no evidence of its inhabitants has ever been found. As Turnbull delves deeper, he learns that Duckworth had been working on a theory that could potentially overturn established beliefs about the city. However, his inquiries lead him to a dead end when he finds that Duckworth is not registered at the Hotel Byron in Mendez, and his attempts to contact Duckworth go unanswered. This prompts Turnbull to take a leave of absence from his university to pursue the mystery further. His journey takes him to Sirius VI, where he learns that Duckworth has not continued to Mendez but has instead been involved with the Rawlings Scientific Corporation, which is linked to the research at Centaurus City. Turnbull's investigation leads him to confront Lawrence Drawford, an executive at the corporation, who reveals that Duckworth's work is shrouded in secrecy. Eventually, Turnbull is kidnapped and brought to Centaurus City, where he meets both Duckworth and Scholar Jason Rawlings. They reveal that the city is not merely a relic of a lost civilization but a carefully constructed environment designed to provide humanity with knowledge and insights. The scholars discuss the implications of their findings, suggesting that the city serves as a means of guiding humanity toward a higher level of understanding and civilization. The narrative culminates in a philosophical exploration of humanity's place in the universe, the nature of knowledge, and the potential for growth and learning. Turnbull's journey from a concerned scholar to a key figure in unraveling the mysteries of Centaurus City highlights themes of curiosity, the pursuit of knowledge, and the humility required to accept the existence of greater forces at play in the cosmos. The story concludes with the realization that the city and its builders may have intentions that humanity has yet to fully comprehend, leaving the door open for further exploration and discovery.
By Randall Garrett · First published 1982 · Genre: Science Fiction, Mystery, Adventure