Thirty people, the crew of an interstellar science research vessel on a routine mission in the year 2337, have survived a deep-space accident in their ship the Racine . In the aftermath they find they have unwittingly become time travelers, marooned on Earth in the year 1946. In the following days and weeks, as they consider their options, they quickly realize that their best hope for rescue, and thus their sole focus, must be to do everything possible to avoid changing their timeline. They devise a plan, and agreement, ...
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Thirty people, the crew of an interstellar science research vessel on a routine mission in the year 2337, have survived a deep-space accident in their ship the Racine . In the aftermath they find they have unwittingly become time travelers, marooned on Earth in the year 1946. In the following days and weeks, as they consider their options, they quickly realize that their best hope for rescue, and thus their sole focus, must be to do everything possible to avoid changing their timeline. They devise a plan, and agreement, to each begin living a solitary and spartan existence in the United States of the twentieth century. They agree to remain cloaked in secrecy, severely limiting all contact and interactions with the society surrounding them. Understanding that one mistake, one slip, by any of them, could instantly erase forever their chance of rescue, they have solemnly agreed upon the ultimate consequence for anyone violating their plan--death. They endure this soul-numbing existence year after year--even as their hope of rescue continues to fade. With no other real options, they stoically follow their plan to avoid saying or doing anything that might somehow change their past and future timelines, in an increasingly desperate attempt to preserve their slim chance for return to their world, their time. They have managed for several years to live this numbingly inhuman existence--until now. In the year 1962, Captain Peter Heller has for the first time had to enforce their survival plan, and carry out the awful penalty by executing a member of the crew. Emotions flare and bitter doubts surface as his actions aren't supported by everyone. Some oppose him--violently. Mutinous crewmen are plotting, ready to kill to have their way. Their already volatile situation becomes even more critical as a local discovers their true identity as time travelers. Discipline is giving way. Revenge will be had. The future of the entire crew hangs in the balance. Can they hold on long enough to find redemption? This is the absorbing and fast-paced story of the explosive conflict and impossible choices faced by the crew and command of the Racine . Experience every minute of their devotion to duty and naked treachery, their unbearable loneliness and soaring love, their triumph and tragic loss. "The Chameleon Society" is a fascinating, character-driven tale exploring in a realistic way the impossible personal choices and devastating emotional toll of accidental time travel--an epic story you will long remember.
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