The Creche Argent

A solar wind-powered starship carrying the aspirations of mankind to the stars. For generations it has crossed the great chasm, heading for a star with a planet that could hold human life.   The great system that controls the ship is under direct democratic control of the citizen. Food is plentiful. Citizen are required only to work for a few hours per day, leaving time for culture and artistry.   The turning point of the ship occurred many generations ago and it has been decelerating for centuries. Already it has arrived in the target system, slowly approaching the designated planet.   All should be well.   But population is booming, resources are rapidly dwindling, and unknown to most, an alien mutation has been spreading from parent to children for many generations.