His spirit lifts from Earth, travels through space, and joins with other alien minds. He experiences their lives and histories, forming a communal “view” of the universe.

He encounters countless alien species — from symbiotic creatures on a dying planet to intelligent stars, and from utopian worlds to brutal, warring empires. He sees the rise and fall of galactic civilizations.

The Cosmic Mind seeks its own creator — and discovers the Star Maker , a transcendent, godlike being who designs universes as experiments in creativity and suffering. The Star Maker is not benevolent or malevolent; it is a detached artist.