Told entirely from the point of view of an incipient spacefaring reptilian race whose two Apollo-like astronauts are abducted by space aliens (Humans). That's right?we're the aliens!

"RAN: A Civilization in Hiding is hard, mind-stretching science fiction of the highest order." Professor John B. Rosenman, Norfolk State University.

Humans and Asterians construct a huge starship, Andromeda, and set out on a voyage of discovery to the Cold Spot in the Cosmic Microwave Background?first stop, the star Ran in the constellation Eridanus. They discover an incipient space-faring saurian civilization that has deliberately hidden itself from the rest of the galaxy, fearing the military might of the civilizations they have observed through their electronic transmissions. The voyagers are pulled into internal conflicts on the planet Arcan, first between two technologically advanced nations and then between them and a less advanced theocracy. When they eventually depart on their continuing voyage, they take a contingency of Arcans with them.

Dr. Robert G. Williscroft is a retired submarine officer, deep-sea and saturation diver, scientist, author, and a lifelong adventurer. He spent 22 months underwater, a year in the equatorial Pacific, three years in the Arctic ice pack, and a year at the Geographic South Pole. He holds degrees in Marine Physics and Meteorology and a doctorate for developing a system to protect SCUBA divers in contaminated water. A prolific author of both non-fiction, Cold War thrillers, and hard science fiction, he lives in Centennial, Colorado.

Dr. Williscroft is a member of Colorado Author's League, Independent Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Authors, Science Fiction Writers of America, Libertarian Futurist Society, Los Angeles Adventurers' Club, Mensa, Military Officers Association, U.S. Sub Vets, American Legion, and the NRA, and now spends most of his time writing his next book, speaking to various regional groups, and hanging out with the girl of his dreams, Jill, and her two cats.