Help me remember a title! PLEASE!

[Justin]

So, Ok. This book tells the tale of a 100 or so years from now Earth. Scientist have discovered the Sun is going to blow out in 500 years and our time left as a species, on Earth anyhow, is going to end in, well, 500 years.
We don't have the technology to send living humans away from earth so we send a bunch of embryos that land on a planet, warm up, and grow. A few year later, on Earth, they figure out FTL and send some full grown humans to that same planet. Power stuggle ensues. Key things I remember: a gun hidden in a vibrator, no one cared about monogamy, a underwater primitive lobsteresque society and that the leader was chosen by who wanted the job the least while still being qualified. I read it in the mid 90s and I believe it was a new book then. Anyone remember?

[Heather]

i have no idea but sounds like fun. hope someone here knows!

[Rob]

No, but it sounds pretty interesting, especially the gun...

Let us know the title if you come across it.

[Barry]

If you know about the time the book was written, I may be able to research it. Most of the ideas sound familiar.
Any comment about that gun would get me banned.

[Randy]

Your description is close.

The book you're thinking of is Songs of Distant Earth by Arthur C. Clarke.

[Esther]

Can I continue with another question?

In the early 1980's I read a YA fiction about a young boy who leads a rebellion against the Roman occupiers of England. Can't remember if the boy travelled in time or not.
A memorable scene has him sitting in a tree spying on the Romans and convincing himself they can be beaten by blotting their fort from his sight using a leaf.

Ring any bells? I'd love to know the title

[Heather]

thanks for the title, randy!