The Saving of Verano - Paperback

by Ken Helfer (Author)

In this B.R.A.G. Medallion winning book, within the 27th century, a group of college students from a renewed Earth that has narrowly survived climate catastrophe, are having fun playing music, mountain biking and camping on Mars when they unexpectedly solve the mystery of faster-than-light space travel. They set out to explore on the Mariposa, a borrowed ship fitted with the newly discovered dark matter drive. The crew travels 700 light-years from home to KOI 572.02, a planet chosen for its probable habitability.

Upon arrival, they name it "Verano," a beautiful planet populated by a not-so-alien race struggling for survival-a familiar theme for the Earth humans. Along with saving lives through medical advancements, the college students also become embroiled in a centuries-old galactic power struggle with the fate of both Verano and Earth to be decided by the outcome.