The universe is dangerous, wondrous--a vast canvas upon which humanity sketches its hopes for the future. In this anthology, you'll find seventeen tales of conflict and heroism, exploration and discovery, endurance and triumph. Flee the apocalypse of modern-day Earth, fly a fighter in the cold emptiness of deep space, and find new life on the distant shores of an alien world. You might even discover something about yourself as each author opens a window on the soul of mankind. Who are we, really? Should we survive? How do we become something greater without losing what makes us human? Open this collection and take your first steps into tomorrow. Travel the cosmos to find amazing adventure. Walk beside unforgettable characters on the bridge across the stars... Featuring a Foreword by Kevin J. Anderson - David VanDyke - "As the Sparks Fly Upward" - Ann Christy - "Peace Force" - Felix R. Savage - "Scrapyard Ship" - Lindsay Buroker - "Here Be Dragons" - Chris Dietzel - "The Gordian Asteroid" - Craig Martelle - "The Trenches of Centauri Prime" - Josi Russell - "Broken One" - Chris Pourteau - "The Erkennen Job" - Daniel Arenson - "The Firebug and the Pharaoh" - Rhett C. Bruno - "Interview for the End of the World" - Steve Beaulieu - "Night Shift" - Lucas Bale - "A Friend to Man" - Jason Anspach - "...Space Pirates" - Will McIntosh - "Drive" - Maya Kaathryn Bohnhoff - "Water Babies" - David Bruns - "Take Only Memories" - Patty Jansen - "This Deceitful State of Truth"