288 pages
English language
Published Feb. 23, 2000
In the twenty-second century Earth obtains limitless, free energy from a source science little understands: an exchange between Earth and a parallel universe, using a process devised by the aliens. But even free energy has a price. The transference process itself will eventually lead to the destruction of the Earth's Sun--and of Earth itself. Only a few know the terrifying truth--an outcast Earth scientist, a rebellious alien inhabitant of a dying planet, a lunar-born human intuitionist who senses the imminent annihilation of the Sun. They know the truth--but who will listen? They have foreseen the cost of abundant energy--but who will believe? These few beings, human and alien, hold the key to the Earth's survival.
I like Asimov's development of an interesting concept to its logical extreme. This story reminds me of "Waldo" by Robert A. Heinlein, but Asimov isn't content to accept a phenomenon as observed and use it (engineering); he wants to understand why it exists (science) and then predict interesting consequences.
