SUNSETByWilliam H. BaileyEarth stands at a dire crossroad. Biological warfare wiped out a majority of the population. In the chaos that follows, political, economic, and religious interests vie for world domination. The United States survives an invasion from the south, and the military establishes Harsh Mistress Moon Base and MacLoed Station over the fanatical opposition 'There are no votes in space' politics. The 'Down to Earth' opening of space created the economic miracle of the Solar Express, but out of political spite, America refuses to join the Commonwealth to take advantage, and is being left behind in the greatest adventure of all time. Reduced population no longer needs most of the welfare state, but America's politicians fight tooth and nail for their bureaucratic empires, and media sycophants defend them. Ecology fanatics count tree rings to confirm global warming in a worldwide forest fire. Religious zealots raise armies to conquer for their God. Totalitarian fanatics attempt to subjugate the survivors of the world, and a beleaguered United States faces yet another invasion. Will MacLoed Station aid them again in the face of their rejection? The Solar Express hopes to use its astounding potential to bring economic prosperity and political freedom back to Earth. Will it succeed?