“Magnificent!” Jim Tompkins breathed, awestruck by the wonders of the universe stretched out before him. He and Jenny were standing alongside Dammen on the bridge of Le’pra Zh’r, quietly observing the glories revealed on the ship’s view screen. “I never thought I’d ever see anything so wondrous in my life,” he remarked in growing fascination. “It’s so…incredible.”

Dammen smiled. “It is that, Jim. And believe me when I tell you that far more beautiful sights await you once we pass beyond the void. Once through, anything you’ll see then is considered my domain.”

“A void?” Jenny said. “Do you mean a worm hole?”

“Yes.”

“A real one?” Jenny asked, her...