Conquest Over Time

"Conquest Over Time" by Michael Shaara is a science fiction novel written during the mid-20th century. The story unfolds against the backdrop of space exploration and human interaction with alien civilizations, focusing on the character Pat Travis, a contact man who ventures to Diomed III, an Open Planet inhabited by a humanoid race that operates on deeply ingrained astrological beliefs. The book explores themes of luck, fate, and the complexities of cultural exchanges in interstellar settings. The plot centers on Pat Travis, who arrives on Diomed III only to discover that he has landed on a disastrous day according to the natives' astrological calendar. This misfortune complicates his attempts to secure a trade contract for his company. As Travis navigates this strange new world, he encounters Navel and Lappy, two members of a gang from the sewers, who offer their help. With their brilliant minds and troubled pasts, they aid Travis in devising a plan to exploit the inhabitants' astrological obsession to his advantage. Ultimately, the narrative interweaves personal growth, the clash between belief systems, and the exploration of success beyond luck as Travis seeks to turn a dire situation into opportunity. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Michael Shaara was an American author of science fiction, sports fiction, and historical fiction. He was born to an Italian immigrant father in Jersey City, New Jersey, graduated in 1951 from Rutgers University, where he joined Theta Chi, and served as a sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Division prior to the Korean War.