GALACTIC ENCOUNTERS: STAR QUEST - AN INCREDIBLE VOYAGE INTO THE UNKNOWN

Intercontinental Books, hardback, 1979. Cover painting by Robin Hiddon.

"Early in the 23rd Century, a Federal patrol ship on a routine mission to one of the colonized worlds far out on the Galactic Perimeter, encountered a strange craft from far beyond the boundaries of the Galactic Federation. The implications of there being an unknown species with a technology apparently more advanced than our own, and existing within striking distance of the Federation, led to one of the most remarkable voyages in the history of space travel. 

Star Quest is the account of the epic voyage of a single ship and its highly trained crew, as they embarked on a journey towards the very heart of the Galaxy. Drawn from their own records, this book tells the story of their extraordinary adventures during their solitary and often dangerous passage among strange and distant worlds. 

Many of the situations with which they were faced tested their ingenuity and courage to the limit until an encounter which was to have far-reaching consequences for the entire Galactic Federation, marked the end of their historic quest."

Galactic Encounters aka artist's portfolios re-purposed (mostly from the Young Artists agency) published after the original series of Terran Trade Authority handbooks and written by Steven Caldwell (a pseudonym of TTA author Stuart Cowley). This particular book also features artwork by Jim Burns, Bob Fowkes, Colin Hay, David Jackson, Bob Layzell, Chris Moore and Tony Roberts.

Painting by Peter Elson.

"The alien ship from Arko. From beyond the edge of known space came this strange visitor to the Galactic Federation. Where it was from and what would happen now that it knew we existed were questions that could no longer remain unanswered."

Painting by Fred Gambino.

"The legendary Commander Mo Mikiss, one of the most experienced and respected operational officers in the Security Service was the natural choice of the unique team."

Painting by Peter Elson.

"The Venturer, distinctive in its scarlet and black livery, moves out under military escort before entering hyperspace for the first leg of its journey into the unknown."

Painting by Cesare Reggiani.

"The three man team from the Venturer streaked downwards to make the first contact with the medieval inhabitants of Adara III."

Painting by Peter Elson.

"Nibor Max's innocent excursion onto the surface of the unnamed planet almost ended in disaster as a band of warlike inhabitants bore down upon him."

Painting by Peter Elson.

"A Phalan armoured jetcraft streaked up from the surface of the war-torn planet and docked with the ship carrying the captive Federation crew. Their guides for the next stage in their journey had arrived."

Painting by Fred Gambino.

"While two of his crew fled from the devastated landing apron, Mor Mikiss struggled to retain control of the captured Phalan Interceptor in the desperate escape from their captors."

Painting by Peter Elson.

"The last survivors of a society overwhelmed by the Phalan onslaught provided the means of escape for the crew of the Venturer. The tiny shuttle which picked up the two crew members left on the shattered planet led them to safety and offered them the means of returning to the Federation itself."