The Long Sunset by Jack McDevitt
The novel “The Long Sunset” by Jack McDevitt was published for the first time in 2008. This is the eighth novel in the Academy series, set in the 23rd century and starring the space pilot Priscilla “Hutch” Hutchins.
When an alien signal is detected on Earth, a new interstellar expedition is set up with Priscilla “Hutch” Hutchins as the starship’s pilot, also due to her experience in first contacts with alien species. However, humanity’s isolationism is growing and the mission is in danger.
Derek Blanchard, who runs the new mission, is determined to leave but even the authorities seem to want to prevent the starship from leaving for purely political reasons. More and more people seem terrified of encountering hostile aliens, and this forces the team to leave hastily.