It seems that Earth-Envoy communications are not broadcast, like by a news or documentary network. However, individuals can tune in on the conversations and millions do. Visitors to the planetary surface would be mobbed so it is better that crew members go singly, each to be accompanied by a designated guide. Virtual reality tours precede physical visits. Virtual reality is of high quality although no one on Earth is addicted to it.
Crew members are referred to as:
"...the honored guests from the remote past..." (p. 452)
- as if they were literal time travelers, not returned space travelers. The fact of their having made an interstellar journey seems to be irrelevant. The future civilization combines admirable and questionable aspects.
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
Literally speaking, the survivors of "Envoy's" crew were indeed time travelers from the remote past. AND space travelers. And it does seem as tho that second part was being carefully played down or minimized.
Ad astra! Sean
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