Ensign Andrew Dahl has just been assigned to the Universal Union Capital Ship Intrepid, flagship of the Universal Union since the year 2456. It’s a prestige posting, and Andrew is thrilled all the more to be assigned to the ship’s Xenobiology laboratory.

Life couldn’t be better…until Andrew begins to pick up on the fact that (1) every Away Mission involves some kind of lethal confrontation with alien forces, (2) the ship’s captain, its chief science officer, and the handsome Lieutenant Kerensky always survive these confrontations, and (3) at least one low-ranked crew member is, sadly, always killed.

Not surprisingly, a great deal of energy below decks is expendedon avoiding, at all costs, being assigned to an Away Mission. Then Andrew stumbles on information that completely transforms his and his colleagues’ understanding of what the starship Intrepid really is…and offers them a crazy, high-risk chance to save their own lives.

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Review

“John Scalzi sets his imagination to STUN and scores a direct hit. Read on and prosper.”—Joe Hill, New York Times bestselling author of *Heart-Shaped Box

“I can honestly say I can’t think of another book that ever made me laugh this much. Ever.”—Patrick Rothfuss, New York Times bestselling author of The Name of the Wind

“Scalzi takes apart the whole Star Trek universe and puts it back together far more plausibly—and a lot funnier too.”—Lev Grossman, New York Times bestselling author of The Magicians

“A real joy to read… It’s hard to imagine a reader who wouldn’t enjoy this one.”—Booklist, *starred review

Review

“Gripping… A perfectly executed plot clicks its way to a stunningcourtroom showdown in a cathartic finish.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review, on Fuzzy Nation

“ In a genre flooded with bloated epics, it’s a real pleasure toread a story like this, as compactly and directly told as a punchto the stomach.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on *Fuzzy Nation

“ If Stephen King were to try his hand at science fiction, he’d belucky to be half as entertaining as John Scalzi.” —Dallas Morning News on The Ghost Brigades

“ Scalzi’s captivating blend of offworld adventure and political intrigue remains consistently engaging.” —Booklist on The Last Colony*