About the Book
Centuries after the big smash, the successor civilization of Aquaria more or less flourishes on the west coast of what was once the United States, a society built on
White Science, following the "law of muscle, sun, wind and water." Only
the sorcerers of Space Systems, Inc., dare traffic in the "Black
Sciences" of atomic, petroleum and physics which destroyed the old
golden age of space, for they alone know of the higher destiny that
awaits man in the abandoned Big Ear space station. For centuries, they
have secretly infiltrated Aquarius through the gray town of La Mirage
while crafting a spaceship capable of reaching the Big Ear and turning
man's ears once more to the mysterious Songs from the Stars.
Now,
through the Aquarians Clear Blue Lou, perfect master of the Clear Blue
Way, and Sunshine Sue, queen of the Word of Mouth communication network, they scheme to bring their ultimate scenario to fruition.
Sex,
love, emotion, karma, destiny, perhaps even The Way itself, all become
elements in the scenario of Arnold Harker, Black Scientist, sorcerer,
project manager of Operation Enterprise.
But when Clear Blue Lou, Sunshine Sue and Arnold Harker finally confront the interstellar brotherhood of sentient beings, they find, each in his way, that The Galactic Way utterly transcends their hopes, wildest dreams and darkest fears. In this novel of science, mysticism and their ultimate synergistic fusion, Norman Spinrad once again demonstrates his power to create a vivid future that encompasses our dreams of space.
