Falcon's Bane

In the dawning years of the twenty-fourth century, humanity's perception of the universe changed forever.

An unidentified, alien vessel entered the outer reaches of the Solar System on a direct course for the Sun.

Convinced by scientists the ship would be unmanned and was certain to be a derelict or robot, the governments of Earth and Mars each sent fleets to intercept, both worlds seeking to gain any technological benefit the hulk might deliver. Martian authorities, realizing the Terran fleet would arrive first and claim ownership, decided to send an additional ambassador.