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Enigma From Tantalus

by John Brunner

Cover artist: John Schoenherr

Publisher: Ace

Pub year: 1965

Cover price: 45¢

 

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Book detail for Enigma From Tantalus

Cover tagline

This million-headed monster had a single-minded mission

Back cover text

Part of Ace Double: The Repairmen of Cyclops

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Interior text

What makes a man? What makes a monster?

"We won't be landing anywhere just yet," Waters said to the other passengers on the spaceship Fulmar. "I was pretty mystified by this story of mechanical breakdown, so I've been checking up." He hefted his little box. "I've spent the past half hour successfully tapping your subspace circuits, captain, so I know the truth and I propose to share it with everyone."

Captain Wong's face crumpled, like a child's about to cry.

The others, paying no attention to Wong, waited breathlessly for Waters to continue.

"We're not to land. We're to orbit in space, indefinitely."

Beloved Sister Dorcas's screams pierced the quiet.

"You see," Waters continued, holding up his hand for silence, "this is being done on the direct orders of Master Brand ... You don't know the name?" He glanced inquiringly around. "No? Well, he happens to be one of the powers of Earth, and there is nobody in the galaxy to overrule him."