This is a classic science fiction novel by John W. Campbell Jr., author, and editor of Astounding Science Fiction and Analog Science Fiction and Fact. The novel tells the story of three brilliant scientists, Arcot, Morey, and Wade, and their space adventures. They come face to face with an armed-to-the-teeth space pirate, make first contact with an alien race, and have to deal with an unseen dark sun whose presence may signal the end of the solar system. Will they survive and save the day? Find out in this cosmic tale of adventure. This work is part of our Vintage Sci-Fi Classics Series, a series in which we are republishing some of the best stories in the genre by some of its most acclaimed authors, such as Isaac Asimov, Marion Zimmer Bradley, and Robert Sheckley. Each publication is complete with a short introduction to the history of science fiction.