The age-old question about alien existence and human contact is explored in a new way in this collection of six novellas, previously anthologized in "Analog" magazine. When disillusioned aerospace engineer Adrian Mast buys a book at a remainder sale, the last things he expects to find in its appendix are alien spacecraft designs. With the help of the bookstore owner, Adrian tracks down the author--only to find him in a mental institution anguishing over the intentions of the aliens who sent the designs to him. By bluffing a bureaucrat intent on thwarting their progress, the two friends continue their quest for the stars and go ahead with the spacecraft designs. Having successfully launched their ship 15 years later, the questions that remain are "What were the intentions of the aliens?" and "Is mankind ready to face what's out there?"
- ISBN10 1944387110
- ISBN13 9781944387112
- Publish Date 30 May 2017 (first published 10 November 2005)
- Publish Status Unknown
- Imprint Reputation Books
- Format Paperback (US Trade)
- Pages 270
- Language English