Seiun AwardFinalist of the Hugo, Locus, Stalker, German Science Fiction Prize. The conflict between the conclave of alien species and the Union of Colonies is growing. The conclave's ban on the colonization of new planets forces people to resort to cunning. Founded in secret, the new colony of Roanoke is led by John Perry and Jane Sagan, who move here along with their adopted daughter Zoe, accompanied by representatives of the Obinyans. Together they will have to defend against 412 species of aliens in the conclave. The eternal omissions of the leadership of the Union of Colonies are causing increasing tension, and the settlers, feeling like pawns in someone else’s game, begin to look for alternative ways to solve problems.