Four disparate human explorers, marooned in deep space by a terrifying failure of technology, must work together to achieve the impossible and escape a floating prison in this classic of hard science fiction.

In the twenty-third century, when humankind has spread itself throughout the cosmos, with many intergalactic colonies teetering on the brink of open revolt against the hated ruling Protectorate, a team of four is transported by a miraculous technology onto the deep-space vessel Southern Cross.

Hailing from vastly different backgrounds, philosophies, and worlds, Ryerson, Nakamura, Sverdlov, and Maclaren have been entrusted to explore a long-dead star located light-years beyond where humanity has previously traveled. But venturing too close to the target proves disastrous when the black sun's magnetic field permanently obliterates their only means of returning home.

Suddenly, four strangers, two hailing from a privileged Earth and two from oppressed...

Also known as We Have Fed Our Sea