What unimaginable dangers, what terrifying alien creatures, what unexplored worlds exist in the vast stretches of the universe not yet penetrated by man? The expeditionary ship Space Beagle had been sent to find out. Its crew, eminent scientists from every field of human knowledge had been specially trained and equipped to overcome any danger they might encounter. But their greatest peril was aboard ship -- where advanced technical knowledge, in the hands of ruthless men, could become an irresistible force for destruction.