The story follows the protagonist, known as the "Collector," a skilled psychic who is tasked with assembling this elite team. Each member possesses unique abilities, such as telepathy, telekinesis, and precognition.
The mission: The team must locate and bring back a scientist who has mysteriously vanished on a distant planet. This scientist holds crucial knowledge that could save the entire human race from a deadly threat.
The challenges: The team faces numerous obstacles, including hostile alien creatures, political intrigue, and the psychological toll of their extraordinary abilities. They must learn to trust each other and work together to overcome these challenges.
The climax: The story culminates in a thrilling showdown with the enemy, utilizing the team's combined psychic powers to achieve their objective.
Themes: The story explores themes of human potential, teamwork, and the importance of individual skills within a collective. It also touches upon the ethical considerations of using psychic abilities and the dangers of power.
Overall: "Collecting the Team" is a fast-paced and engaging story with intriguing characters and a compelling plot. It is a classic example of Silverberg's ability to create immersive worlds and explore complex themes through captivating science fiction.