The starmen

"The Starmen" by Leigh Brackett is a science fiction story about Michael Trehearne, a man looking to understand his place in the world, who finds himself caught up in an intergalactic mystery after meeting Kerrel, a strange man who looks just like him, and Shairn, a fascinating woman. As Trehearne searches for his family's history, he learns he is connected to the secret Vardda people and the wider universe. He recalls meeting Kerrel one night and, from there, decides to look into his family's secrets, facing resistance and also finding himself drawn to Shairn, who is also linked to Kerrel and their shared, mysterious background. Trehearne is soon thrown into a world of ancient family lines, alien planets, and the chance for incredible change as he struggles with his new identity and the duties that come with it.