Official synopsis:
In the 22nd century, space exploration has become extensive but controversial. Celebrity talk show host TRAVER GRAFF insists that the world’s resources are being wasted on space travel. He believes fully in his humanitarian cause and wants to use his public personality to shape a world where mankind stops trying to solve its problems by reaching out into the infinite darkness.
Traver is surprised to find himself invited to be a guest on a scientific mission to a mysterious planet. Naturally he assumes the invitation to be a publicity stunt concocted by the powerful and clandestine Aurora Corporation, and agrees to go along for the ride. He proceeds to broadcast his show to his audience from space.
But Traver has demons of his own. As the ship nears its strange destination, he becomes increasingly conflicted between commitment to his cause and awe at his new surroundings. When disaster strikes, Traver adopts an attitude that promises more harm than good to his fellow passengers. It is left up to his faithful assistant LANCE, the ship’s indomitable CAPTAIN LOUISA FLETCHER and an intrepid reporter named CALLIE on Earth to uncover whether the Aurora Corporation or the strange planet is responsible for Traver’s transformation.
The novel unfolds as psychological story set against a backdrop of conspiracies and otherworldly phenomena. A likable but egotistical antihero is at the center of the story, surrounded by a lively cast of characters. The main theme explored is the technology of communication: communication between individuals; between sensationalist media and the public; between mankind and otherworldly entities.