A very plausible, well-researched scenario on how NASA-or an entity like it-might mount an extensive, high-stakes space exploration mission to save mankind. Ed Stanton, NASA Orion Engineer, Kennedy Space Center The cult-favorite, political sci-fi series is collected, for the first time, in one complete volume. When newly-elected president Stephen Blades is sworn into office, the last thing he expected to find on his desk was a letter written by the outgoing president, alerting him to a harrowing secret kept hidden from the world: seven years ago, NASA discovered alien presence in the asteroid belt and sent a stealth mission crewed by nine astronauts to make contact. President Blades has just become the most powerful man on the planet. But only this planet. Mixing provocative political intrigue, with high-stakes sci-fi action, Letter 44 is a gripping and complex look at leadership in the face of uncertainty.