Scientist David Dysinger has a dream: to build the first faster-than-light starship. But in the 23rd Century, peoples' dreams are realized in the virtual reality of computers rather than real life. The rulers of Earth see his starship as a threat to their own power - a threat they will stop at any cost. Deadly sabotage may leave the crew of Pathfinder marooned on a distant world. Even if they return home, they still must face enemies they didn't even know they had. David had hoped to revolutionize space flight, but he will find himself leading a revolution of an entirely different kind...