Vortex

I do remember that this story was quite disappointing. As with most/all authors, you win some, you lose some. I only rated this one "D+". If you would like to read something much better by Benford, try his collaborations with Larry Niven Bowl of Heaven and Shipstar (there is also a more recent sequel that I have not gotten to yet). If you want a truly magnificent example of his writing, be sure to check out Timescape, perhaps the best depiction of a scientist at work in all SF.

My rating system starts with a rating of one star for a story/novel that I ranked "C -". Ratings move up 1/2 star with each step, up to 5 stars (equivalent to a ranking of A+). I reserve 1/2 star for works rated D and lower.