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Laser Book 45 - Finish Line by Stephen Goldin (v1.0) (html)




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Finish Line by Stephen Goldin
PROLOGUE
When Man expanded his horizons into space, he did so with more enthusiasm
than common sense. The invention of hyperspace-drive signaled an explosion of
emigration the likes of which had never been seen before in human history. But
such rapid shifts brought vast problems.

Hyperspace, which acted for some peculiar reason like a viscous medium,
allowed ships to travel between the stars in a few days or weeks. But,
unfortunately, no faster way was found to send a message between stars than by
putting a letter aboard a ship. This delay in communications meant that no
interstellar government could hope to be truly effective. A few loose
confederations of planets were attempted, but they rapidly fell apart amid
distrust and misunderstanding.

In the midst of this interstellar anarchy rose a phenomenon known as Society.
This clique was composed of the wealthiest families in human space—families
whose founders had, for the most part, made their considerable fortunes in the
early days of space travel, before the social lines became so stratified. At first the

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infighting was fierce, as members of this elite group vied with one another for
the top financial position. But once it became obvious that more than enough
money was spread among them, the members of Society turned their attention to
ways of distinguishing themselves from the so-called common people.

They went to great lengths to do this. They developed a system of etiquette and
behavior as convoluted as it was hypocritical. They staged elaborate parties for
themselves all over the Galaxy. They had little concept of morality or legality.
Why should they? With the lack of interstellar government, the members of
Society, who could afford to travel regularly between star systems, were beyond
the reach of the mores and laws of any one planet.