by David Brin
First published 1985
Captain Tom Orley commands the Earthship Streaker, crewed mostly by uplifted dolphins who serve as the vessel's pilots and navigators. The ship has made a discovery that could reshape galactic civilization: a fleet of ancient starships belonging to the legendary Progenitors, the first race to achieve sentience. Now five different alien species hunt the Streaker across the galaxy, each determined to claim this knowledge for themselves. Orley must protect his crew while evading capture, but the dolphins face their own internal conflicts about loyalty to their human patrons versus their growing independence. As the chase intensifies, the crew takes refuge on the water world Kithrup, where they hope to repair their damaged ship. The planet's oceans offer temporary sanctuary, but the pursuing fleets will not give up easily. The fate of Earth's newest citizens hangs in the balance as ancient galactic powers converge on their hiding place.
Genres: science-fiction, adventure, space-opera, thriller
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: chase, found-family
Setting: Kithrup, Earth
Period: future
462 pages · Paperback · Bantam Books