Science Fiction

The interstitial interpreter had shown Mickey Croft, Secretary General of the United Nationals of Earth, a universe beyond Mickey’s comprehension. That historic meeting had created an Earth ambassadorial mission into the alien space-time dimensions known as “Unity.” And to of Earth’s valuable children had also vanished into Unity, star-crossed lovers fleeing the wrath of their powerful parents. Now the children had returned, bringing a message to Croft. The Unity would welcome expanded contact with the UNE. Bit to accomplish this, Threshold — the space station that was the center of human government, commerce, and entertainment — must be moved out of Earth’s orbit to an orbit around Pluto. The Unity had made its offer, stated its terms. Now the UNE must respond. But how could Mickey Croft make an unbiased decision for all humankind, when his own direct contact with the Interpreter had left him uncertain whether he himself was still completely human?

Welcome to the twenty-fifth century.

Joe South, test pilot who’d been lost for five centuries in the unexplored territory known as spongespace, had at last begun to carve a place for himself in this human society that was so different from his own. But he knew, as perhaps no one else did, that the mysterious, seemingly unbreachable Ball — towed insystem by a crazy old scavenger and now floating far too close to Threshold — represented dangers beyond imagining. South had given up trying to tell this to the humans of the United Nationals of Earth, but now things were about to change. Now people would listen and believe. South only hoped it wasn’t already too late.

Set a millennium from now on Threshold Terminal—virtually a Grand Hotel in space— a young test pilot, Joe South, is thrust five hundred years into his future and finds himself in the thick of interstellar smuggling, intrigue, and the rough underworld of an alien environment. It is a time of danger and ever-shifting powers . . . and the destinies of a lost test pilot, an underworld scavenger, and two young lovers become irrevocably intertwined . . .

Facing an overwhelming onslaught, the Ardenes have little choice. . .

They must fight or die!

Soldiers from varying eras and vastly different backgrounds, including the IX Legion of Rome, are snatched away from Earth at the moment of their passing, and transported to the far side of the galaxy. Thinking they have been granted a reprieve, their relief turns to horror when they discover they face a stark ultimatum: Fight or die.