Celan Mairs has been on a fantastic journey, but is increasingly anxious to come home. As she readies for her return many things have changed, though others have not. Ariana Balor is still up to her old tricks, as her daughter, Shariah, contends both with the loss of a friend and growing suspicions regarding her mother's integrity. Celan's father, Theodore Timanti, is torn between the search for his daughter and the promise of a bold Mars venture.
Meanwhile, Lang Shays struggles with himself and others at Camp Rinconada, where his old friend Mara now reigns supreme, having applied her years of kitchen skills to the feeding of hundreds of Transway refugees. This intensive focus on work, however, is beginning to threaten her health, as well as some of her most important relationships.
Over the course of a few crucial weeks, dies will be cast and fates decided, not only for these individuals, but for the collective future of humanity.
