They would transform a barren rocky world into a refuge for faith and life. Or die trying.
Eight light-years from Earth, the fate of a terraforming expedition depends on brave souls. Human and AI.
They will turn a barren planet into a refuge for life.
Or die trying.
On board the interstellar ship, Theodore wakes from forty years of
suspended animation, eager to transform a barren, rocky planet into a
living world.
The plan: move an icy asteroid billions of miles, convert the ice
into new seas and a breathable atmosphere, then seed the surface with
life.
But some among the crew want to speed up the process. By taking risks
with nuclear explosives. A dangerous revision, but one supported by the
mission’s commander.
Competing plans divide the crew into rival factions. With Earthly
help over eight light-years away, Theodore must search alone for allies
among oppressed workers, spiritual advisors, and the ship’s artificial
intelligence to save the mission—and stop the commander from seizing
absolute power.
Scientists and politicians, ideals and tyranny clash when the hidden
agendas of Theodore, his foes, his friends, and the ship’s AI reveal
themselves in a riveting, ultimate confrontation.
A novella of technological wonder and human intrigue, by the
author of The Confederated Worlds and the Stone Chalmers series.
