Metaphase

The third book in McIntyre's Starfarers series (after Transition ) continues the story of the starship Starfarer , a large scientific community whose mission is interstellar exploration and to meet alien civilizations. In this entry, Starfarer finally encounters an alien: a long, finned and tentacled creature called a squidmoth. This leads to an ongoing debate among the crew over whether to return to Earth--with the squidmoth, named Nemo, in tow as evidence that they have fulfilled their charter. Nemo, however, has other plans for itself. The debate itself merely serves as the backdrop to the personal relationships of the crew, primarily the trio of Victoria MacKenzie, Satoshi Lono and Stephen Thomas Gregory, who are working as well as sexual partners; J. D. Sauvage, the alien contact specialist, who is the first to encounter Nemo and develops a tender friendship with it; and Zev, the diver. McIntyre is a master SF stylist, creating well-rounded, believable and distinctive characters, and she excels at lush descriptions that allow the reader to visualize the action. (Sept.)