
In a dimly lit study, three colleagues—Penfield, Hodge, and McCall—circle a glass of port while wrestling with the big questions of existence. Their banter drifts from the likelihood of life on distant worlds to whether great figures like Beethoven were inevitable products of a universal pattern. The dialogue blends witty skepticism with earnest wonder, framing a debate that pits statistical inevitability against the notion of free will. As the night deepens, their conversation becomes a catalyst for a daring venture that will test the limits of scientific certainty and personal belief.
When an unexpected signal arrives from a mysterious blue star, the trio's theoretical musings are thrust into reality. They assemble a crew, preparing to leave Earth behind in search of answers that could rewrite humanity's place in the cosmos. Along the way, old assumptions are challenged, and the line between destiny and choice begins to blur. Listeners will be drawn into a thoughtful, suspenseful journey that asks what it truly means to be unique.
Language
en
Duration
~8 hours (477K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Al Haines, Stephen Hutcheson & the online Project Gutenberg team at http://www.pgdpcanada.net
Release date
2018-04-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1897–1956
Best known for lively science fiction and fantasy, he also wrote popular books on naval history and the American Civil War. His work ranged from solo novels to memorable collaborations with L. Sprague de Camp.
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