
Part 1
Part 2
Ky‑Tann is a meticulous metals‑stress analyst at Roa‑Pitin Spaceworks, living a routine life with his wife Devia and their newborn. Their world is still haunted by the memory of countless lost voyages, yet the arrival of Deez—an old friend fresh from a daring expedition—stirs a mixture of excitement and unease. Deez claims to have stumbled upon a once‑inhabited planet that has the entire Archeological Commission buzzing, hinting at a discovery that could reshape what the Illyri people think about life beyond the stars.
As Ky‑Tann grapples with his curiosity and the news that his friend’s ship was placed under quarantine, he must decide whether to trust the tantalizing rumors or stay grounded in his duties. The story weaves together personal relationships, the tension of unknown worlds, and the lingering hope that even after centuries of exploration, a true breakthrough might finally be within reach.
Language
en
Duration
~38 minutes (36K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
New York, NY: Ziff-Davis Publishing Company, 1963.
Credits
Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2023-12-15
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1927–2002
Best known for sly twist endings and crisp, clever suspense, this American writer moved easily between crime, science fiction, television, and the stage. His stories are built to surprise, but they’re also remarkably neat and readable.
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