1. Where have you heard before of a ship full of men going into uncharted regions, looking for knowledge?

2. How is this journey different from others you have heard about? Is the futuristic setting the important difference? Is the fictional element the important difference?

3. What do these travellers intend to accomplish on their journey?

4. What is revealed to the reader through the story, which may not be part of the traveller's intended goals?

5. Why does the story focus on Grosvenor rather than the Captain or the Director?

6. What is Grosvenor's major accomplishment during the voyage? Is it overt or subtle?

7. Why does the author tell the reader so little about his characters? Is it hard to guess how these men look, sound, dress or move?

8. How does the crew react to crisis situations?

9. How does Grosvenor react to opposition? How does he behave in a...