June 1, 2288--Europe's first starship, the EASS Galileo, launches on its
maiden voyage to investigate an unidentified object, code-named
Spindrift, which is traveling outside our solar system. An object that
may be alien in origin. The Galileo disappears soon after...
February 1, 2344--The Galileo's shuttle returns to Earth carrying three
surviving expedition members, who still appear to be the same age they
were when they departed. They report that they have, indeed, made
contact with an extraterrestrial race--and become enmeshed in a conflict
that brought them face to face with the most apocalyptic force in the
galaxy. It is up to Director General John Shillinglaw to piece together
the puzzle created by these events--for the survivors tell their stories
from their own conflicting perspectives. And the truth is more difficult
to glean than it appears.
BONUS AUDIO: Includes an exclusive introduction written and recorded
by author Allen Steele.