Ken Ludden

Second Pass: a Sil Novel Ken Ludden

SIL, blending science and philosophic idealism, is a self-contained orbital craft providing physical survivability and intellectual stimulation-an example to eco-ravaged Earth of humanity's future. But all is not Utopian in this brave, new world. McVee, SIL's designer, commander and deceitful catalyst, is under siege. SIL's first inhabitants oppose new comers; McVee favors new blood, new ideas. A coup leads to death and SIL enters Earth's political intrigue as powerful forces vie for control. McVee's son is targeted, and he is forced to flee Earth. Meanwhile, teenage Silians experiment with altered states of consciousness, as powerfully dangerous as excitingly seductive. Is it truly mind expanding or simply life threatening? The answer contains surprising implications for SIL, and all of humanity.