The long-awaited final part of the “Aristyl” duology, the continuation of the novel “Earthly Powers”. Winner of the Prometheus Award for Best Novel, Mike Martin, founder of an independent lunar colony, learns of the UN peacekeeping corps' preparations to capture Aristil. Earthling agent Dewitt goes over to the side of the colonists and becomes commander of the militia. The invading army, initially defeated, launches a decisive offensive. The best fighters are captured, including Mike himself and his lover, Darcy. Numerical and military superiority is on the side of the earthlings. To preserve the colony and their freedom, the inhabitants of Aristil choose a completely new defense strategy...