What is hiding behind the curtain of the stars? Are we all alone in this universe? How far are we willing to go to find something... more?Tens of Billions are transfixed by the Halifax Zone-an unknown space shrouded by an uncharted nebula. The Sapien Republic, a loose fabric draped over the newly spacefaring human race, has stopped the flow of people and information through the Halifax Nebula; this has only magnified the public's curiosity. Massive silent freighters pass in and out of the HZ under government contract and supervision, but where the money comes from continues to remain a mystery...Brandon Cailan is a man passed over by humankind's march to colonize the galaxy. Robert Thade is the optimist that Brandon used to be, young and excited about everything just out of sight. Both men dream of more meaning beyond the horizon, and with the Republic standing in the way the Halifax Zone seems like the place to find it. Whether the future holds new intelligent life or a pending gold rush, Brandon and Robb might just be the first to make it through to find out...The Immediate Distance is sci-fi tale for those who grew up with space operas and westerns and explores how this canon of stories influences our different visions of what's to come. Full of humanity and familiarity, and as much a reflection on our lives today as it is an exploration of where we may go tomorrow, The Immediate Distance is the summer read for the dreamer in all of us.