Description

Plot: In 1994, the US Navy is testing a new missile, but after the launch it mysteriously disappears and it is clear that if the rocket reaches civilian areas they will be in big trouble. Carol Dawson, a journalist, is alerted by an unusual sight of whales in the Miami area, and decides to go and write about it. Armed with special equipment provided by her friend, Dr. Dale Michaels from MOI (Miami Oceanographic Institute), goes to investigate the rumors of a missing missile belonging to the Marines and that could be behind the mysterious whale behavior lately. She hires the services of Nick Williams and Jefferson Troy, owners of a little boat so she can get to the Gulf of Mexico and investigate closer if a missile has something to do with all of the above. They end up finding an unknown artifact, bringing a lot of doubts about its nature, and even if it is part of a lost treasure that could be worth millions. Old friends of Williams and Troy noticed the finding and just like the old times, they want to steal it from them. In the background of the story, the author talks about a submarine snake civilization on a planet called Canthor, and how they were struggling to stay alive due to new threats into their ecosystem. It is revealed later in the story that the artifact found in the sea is actually a cradle that contains seeds with altered superhumans, which were extracted from earth millions of years ago and were altered so they could live with other species (including the submarine snakes) on earth. The spaceship that carries the cradle is crewed by robots/cyborgs and has hidden itself on Earth's ocean floor to make repairs. Dawson, Williams and Troy found the damaged ship in the bottom of the sea while looking for the missile, and were asked to gather materials so the ship can be repaired and it could go back to its mission. Before leaving earth, the ship asked the humans to keep the cradle because it would enormously help the human race to have such superhuman

Synopsis

Title: Cradle
Author/Publisher: Arthur C. Clarke & Gentry Lee (Orion Publishing Co)
Publication Year: 1988
Format: 256-page Hardcover with Dust Jacket

Published in 1988, 'Cradle' is a captivating science fiction novel from the legendary Arthur C. Clarke, co-authored with Gentry Lee. This first edition hardcover marks a significant collaboration, delving into themes of mystery and discovery that are hallmarks of Clarke's visionary work.

The narrative is set in 1994, as the US Navy grapples with the inexplicable disappearance of a newly tested missile. Concurrently, journalist Carol Dawson is drawn to Miami by the enigmatic presence of whales in the area, embarking on an investigation into these unusual occurrences, aided by Dr. Dale Michaels.

• A Marine Mystery: The narrative centres on the inexplicable appearance of whales in the waters off Miami, drawing the attention of an investigative journalist. This unusual event sparks a quest to uncover the hidden truths beneath the ocean's surface.
• Technological Enigma: At the same time, the US Navy faces a crisis when a new, advanced missile vanishes without a trace following a test launch. This unexplained technological incident hints at forces beyond human comprehension.
• Journalistic Pursuit: Journalist Carol Dawson, equipped with special apparatus, takes on the challenge of investigating these disparate yet potentially connected events. Her determined inquiry drives the plot forward as she seeks to unravel the perplexing mysteries.

As a first edition from a master of the genre, Arthur C. Clarke, paired with the insightful Gentry Lee, 'Cradle' represents a notable piece of late 20th-century science fiction. It remains a compelling read for enthusiasts of deep-sea mysteries, technological thrillers, and visionary storytelling.

Condition

This item has been professionally inspected and is in Very Good condition. Please refer to the photographs for detailed visual assessment.

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