The narrative follows Peter Conroy, a young navigator aboard the generational starship _Starship I_, which is en route to the star Procyon. Born in space, Conroy's life is intertwined with the ship, which serves as his only home. Tensions arise when Bayliss Kent, a discontented crew member, leads a faction seeking to return to Earth, believing that the ship's journey to Procyon is futile. As the story unfolds, Conroy finds himself in a life-threatening situation when Kent attempts to eliminate him to secure his position as navigator for the mutiny. Conroy narrowly escapes and realizes he must warn the ship's Captain about Kent's plans. He navigates through the ship's irrigation tubes, using his knowledge of the ship's layout to evade capture. Conroy's determination to protect the ship and its mission drives him to confront Kent and his followers. After a series of intense encounters, including a violent confrontation in the ship's power section, Conroy manages to thwart Kent's mutiny. However, the struggle results in casualties among the ship's officers, including the Captain, who dies after passing on his rank to Conroy. In the end, Conroy assumes command, vowing to continue the journey to Procyon, embodying the hope and responsibility of his generation. The story explores themes of loyalty, the burden of leadership, and the quest for a future beyond the confines of their ship.
By Robert Silverberg · First published 1975 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Dystopian