The birth of interstellar adventure. Scientist Richard Seaton accidentally discovers a way to harness atomic energy, unlocking the possibility of limitless power — and space travel. With his ally, engineer Martin Crane, he builds the Skylark, the first interstellar ship. But their rival, the brilliant yet ruthless Marc “Blackie” DuQuesne, will stop at nothing to seize the discovery for himself. Their conflict propels them across the galaxy, encountering alien civilizations and cosmic dangers.