The Fleet Of Stars: Poul Anderson

Book IV of Harvest Of Stars. The staid and sombre people of Earth are not only dependent on technology, they are all but ruled by machine intelligence. Suspecting a conspiracy to suppress the last vestiges of freedom known to mankind, Guthrie sets out on a dangerous journey, encountering the brave and beautiful Kinna Ronay and her courageous friend Fenn, who will join Guthrie in his attempt to stop the Terrans. Guthrie and his friends are determined that humankind will travel to the stars and roam the galaxies, or die trying. Cover art by Vincent Di Fate.