Boris Brazil is a Planeteer in service to the Space Force. Planeteers are charged with the contact of alien life on planets within the Force's area of control.
Boris' first big assignment is on the planet Aqua. The Force plans to study the planet, if the locals can be brought to some peaceful agreement. And, if they can come to accept the Force. Boris' ingenuity and the Force's technology may just save the day.
Boris' next assignment: The Space Force controls the planet Golden where years ago a planeteer's ship mysteriously disappeared. The planet Golden boasts a technology busting force field and an alien life-theme curiously similar to the fantastic geryons described in Dante's Inferno. Scientific investigation of the field and of the aliens continues along with settlement of a small area of the planet not affected by the field. When a group of high powered scientists arrive with new ideas for investigation, a former planeteer agrees to assist them. The planeteer finds himself not only up against an alien life force, but confronted with the megalomaniacal ambitions of an Earth-descended group of genetically engineered humans with extraordinary paranormal powers and resources. The Space Force and Boris' skills will be needed to save this planet.
Then, while on vacation on Kappa, an idyllic planet, Boris again is called to action by the Force. A powerful mind-altering native drug threatens the exploitation of the natives and the inevitable addictive behavior of earth-descended humans. Boris must fight his own drug induced demons while struggling to free himself and his companion Brenda from the crazed criminal smugglers.
Space Force is a collection of three early Saberhagen works: Planeteer, The Golden People, and The Water Of Thought.