An amateur astronomer involved in the search for near-earth-orbit asteroids, discovers an object that turns out to be a wandering star -- a brown dwarf -- on a path that is going to carry it through the solar system. The object's passage will disrupt solar system dynamics, but it is not clear how bad the effects on the earth and its life forms will be.

Geophysical computer models predict outcomes ranging from unprecedented seismic and climatic response, in the most optimistic case, to disintegration of the planet in the worst scenario. Anticipating mass unrest amd probable popular revolution as conditions deteriorate, U.S. President Galen maneuvers Astronomer Cliff Adams into the position of acting as his, Galen's, counterpoint for a "worst case" alternate government. The President's secret object is for the popular rebellion (against the draconian measures Galen expects to have to impose) to crystallize around Adams, who will be portrayed as a strong, highly sympathetic leader. At the critical moment, as the President and his staff see it, the government forces will be able to move in on Adams and his shadow government, thereby stripping the revolution of its leadership and maintaining their grip on power to the end (if there is an end).

The dwarf star makes its devastating way through the system, the earth suffers convulsions unlike any others in its 4.5 billion year history, and the planners and doers Adams has drawn about himself employ all feasible strategies to save the maximum number of humans from events that will threaten the existence of the species.

Throughout the passage of the intruder, it is unsure whether a seed population of humans -- and other life forms -- might survive or all life on the planet will be extinguished. "Tug of the Dwarf Star" is a chronicle of Cliff Adams' struggle to maximize the probability of the brighter outcome.

The text of Tug of the Dwarf Star will be available on this site as individual chapters, of which Chapter One is available as this site is activated. Subsequent chapters will be listed here as they are added to the site files.