ISBN: 0765364980 9780765364982

Category: Fiction / Science Fiction / Hard Science Fiction

Page count: 400

<p>Fleeing the supernova chain reaction at the galactic core, the cowardly Puppeteers of the Fleet of Worlds have---just barely---survived. They've stumbled from one crisis to the next: The rebellion of their human slaves. The relentless questing of the species of Known Space. The spectacular rise of the starfish-like Gw'oth. The onslaught of the genocidal Pak. </p><p>Catastrophe looms again as past crises return---and converge. Who can possibly save the Fleet of Worlds from its greatest peril yet?</p><p><b>Louis Wu?</b> Trapped in the Wunderland civil war, all he wants is to go home---but the only possible escape will plunge him into unknowable danger. </p><p><b>Ol't'ro</b><b>? </b>The Gw'oth ensemble mind fled across the stars to establish a colony world free from tyranny. But some problems cannot be left behind, and other problems---like the Fleet of Worlds itself---are racing straight at them. </p><p><b>Achilles?</b> Despite past disgrace, the charismatic Puppeteer politician <i>knows</i> he is destined for greatness. He will do anything to seize power---and to take his revenge on everyone who ever stood in his way. </p><p><b>Nessus?</b> The insane Puppeteer scout is out of ideas, out of resources, with only desperation left to guide him. </p><p>Their hopes and fears, dreams and ambitions are about to collide. And the winner takes . . . worlds.</p>