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