Earth conquered by a race of humanoid aliens, the Jao...Slavery - or protection from other conquerors - eschats, much more powerful and monstrously cruel? The new “rulers of the Earth” are sincerely trying to make people their allies - but the methods by which they achieve this cause anger and hatred of the vanquished. A rebellion is brewing on Earth, threatening to sweep away the Jao from the planet - just when the eskhati are ready to deal them a decisive blow. The future of the Galaxy depends on whether the new envoy of the Jao will be able to come to an agreement with the leaders of the earthlings!..