02 - Return by John J. McGuire, H. Beam Piper

Set two hundred years after a devastating global nuclear war, Return follows two explorers from a resilient research outpost as they stumble upon a thriving human settlement. Against the backdrop of ferocious cannibal neighbors known as the Scowrers, these explorers must don their detective hats to unravel the enigmatic philosophy and religion that bind their newfound hosts. Will they uncover the secrets that have allowed this civilization to endure? (Description by Reynard)