Either Diziet or Skaffen mentions having been to a civilisation where there is a law against 'cruel and Unusual punishment' - then notes the same executes people via gas chamber or electricity. I translate this as the mission to Earth already happenned prior to this book - also Contact is a rung below SC in the Cultures' career tree, such as one exists. Ergo The State of the Art is a prequel, albiet one narrated in publication order.
Either Diziet or Skaffen mentions having been to a civilisation where there is a law against 'cruel and Unusual punishment' - then notes the same executes people via gas chamber or electricity. I translate this as the mission to Earth already happenned prior to this book - also Contact is a rung below SC in the Cultures' career tree, such as one exists. Ergo The State of the Art is a prequel, albiet one narrated in publication order.