"In 2088, humankind is at last ready to explore beyond Earth's solar system. But one uncertainty remains: Where do we go? Astrophysicist Reggie Straifer has an idea. He's discovered an anomalous star that appears to defy the laws of physics, and proposes the creation of a deep-space mission to find out whether the star is a weird natural phenomenon, or something manufactured. The journey will take eons. In order to maintain the genetic talent of...

"Deep in the heart of an alien mountain range, the supercomputer I.C.C. has lain dormant, its ships alert, for eons, Now, after one hundred thousand years, the AI is awakening. Someone is roaming the convoy's halls--someone that isn't human. The planet, Noumenon--created by the megastructure known as the Web-- is too young and brutal to have evolved intelligent life. Its surface is bombarded by unusual meteors, and crystal trees abruptly and violently...