spacecraft-atmospheric-entry

The chapter 'Preamble' depicts a critical moment aboard the spaceship Wanderer as it enters a hostile planet's atmosphere at dangerous speed, suffering severe damage and loss of control. The crew struggles to regain control and avoid destruction, while philosophical and metaphysical discussions arise about the nature of reality, parallel existences, and the implications of their survival, especially through the use of a Probability Displacer device. The chapter also introduces tensions about the Explorers' non-interference rules and the potential need to engage with the planet's inhabitants to survive.