The narrative follows Christopher Temple, a young man facing the impending draft for a mysterious journey that promises to take him away from Earth indefinitely. As riots erupt in Center City, Temple grapples with his love for Stephanie and the uncertainty of his fate. The government conducts a lottery to select young men for the "Nowhere Journey," a euphemism for a mission shrouded in secrecy, with no returns reported from previous participants. Temple's life takes a turn when he decides to marry Stephanie before potentially being drafted. However, he is ultimately selected for the journey, which he learns is a one-way trip. In parallel, the story introduces Sophia, a woman in a similar predicament in a different context, as she volunteers for a journey to "Stalintrek," a mission that also promises no return. As the narrative unfolds, Temple and Sophia's paths intertwine through their respective journeys, revealing themes of sacrifice, love, and the quest for freedom. Temple's journey leads him to a distant planet, where he discovers that the Nowhere Journey is part of a larger cosmic game played by advanced beings, with Earth as a pawn in a galactic competition. The story explores the psychological and emotional toll of being drafted into a life of uncertainty, as both Temple and Sophia confront their identities and the implications of their choices. The narrative culminates in a confrontation with the realities of their situations, as they navigate the complexities of love, loyalty, and survival in a universe that seems indifferent to their struggles. Ultimately, the tale serves as a commentary on the human condition, the search for meaning in a chaotic world, and the enduring power of love amidst the backdrop of cosmic forces beyond their control.
By Stephen Marlowe · First published 1965 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy · 10 chapters