That would be 'Rendezvous'

I second 'The Sparrow'

Also - 'Accelerando' by Charles Stross and 'Barrayar' by Lois McMaster Bujold. Bujold's stuff is pure space opera, but oh so well done.

I think 'Rendesvouz with Rama' by Arthur C Clarke should be here, as well as something from Asimov. The 'Foundation' trilogy is dry but brilliant, and 'I, Robot' is also pretty special.