
PROLOGUE
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In the early twenty‑second century, a trio of brilliant minds—renowned physicist Dr. Richard Arcot, his mathematically gifted assistant Robert Morey, and the inventive engineer John Fuller—unlock a radical new power source called the molecular motion drive. Their invention promises to turn the random energy of heat into usable motion, and they soon apply it to a sleek ship designed to capture a notorious air pirate whose raids threaten the fledgling Transcontinental Airways. Along the way they enlist the enigmatic chemist Wade, whose mastery of invisibility adds both intrigue and danger to their daring pursuit.
After a harrowing clash with the desperate inhabitants of the dead Black Star, the heroes return to a quieter world where the thrill of discovery has faded. Yet the taste of adventure lingers, and the three scientists find themselves drawn together once more, poring over equations and schematics that hint at possibilities far beyond their previous triumphs. Their restless curiosity sets the stage for a new journey that could reshape humanity’s place among the stars.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (350K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Bruce Thomas, Greg Weeks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2007-04-05
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1910–1971
A towering figure in science fiction, this editor and writer helped shape the genre's Golden Age by championing new ideas and new talent. His own stories, including work published as Don A. Stuart, ranged from grand space adventure to moodier, more thoughtful tales.
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