John Brunner who is one of a select few to have won both a Hugo and Nebula Award delivers to the reading public a novella which is something of an enigma. It concerns a duo of top notch scientists-Justin Williams and the delightfully named Cinnamon Wright-who under strict security and backed by a playboy millionaire demagogue have created the next wave of transport for mankind. This secret project labelled Code Name Poster is an apparent success but alas its first long distance field test involving a human being is thrown into disarray when the diplomatic courier safely arrives at his destination but immediately commits suicide. Justin and Cinnamon both have their work questioned by the powers in control and Justin in a fit of anger and pique volunteers to be the next being to be "posted." He steps into the transmitter and emerges safely at his pre-arranged point of arrival. Justin is unchanged, it is the world in which he has emerged is somehow different. This is a read with an enjoyable plot charcterised by moments of mystery, romance and paranoia. I enjoyed reading the metaphysical ramifications and scientific explanations on offer for such a mode of travel and how seamless the interaction is interplayed among a small but well rounded cast of characters. The storyline opens up the concept of infinite regression but to what avail? Brunner's strengths in this tale lie in his imaginative concept of a technological Pandora's box being opened and with nobody knowing how to deal with it. A moderately compelling read not lacking in any noticeable areas but it could so easily have been fleshed out and given more polish. A missed opportunity but still a fine read.

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