Jahni is now an Ambassador from Zelle to Jareneiks. Not everyone is happy about this, especially Renej, whose hate for her has been growing steadily.

Renej tries to convince the board to move part of the Jareneikian population from space back to their home world of Jareneiks. Since the majority of their food is grown on Jareneiks, that would decrease their food supply.

Jahni is the only one who can stop him.

Before Jahni goes to Jareneiks, Sloane has an ominous dream about Deltik, the planet Sloane grew up on. No one has had contact with Deltik in over a month. Since the lack of trading will upset the economy, Sloane and Jahni go there, where they discover unexpected readings from the moon.

Neither Sloane nor Jahni could have anticipated what they find when they arrive.