For half a century, the Archipelago has been silent. Alone, out on the galaxy's rim, an eccentric cluster of planets set out to forge a new society, far from the meddling interference of the great interplanetary leagues. Over decades of isolation, the Archipelago became a mostly forgotten legend.

Then, out of the blue, they send a message. The leagues are invited to visit. But why? Why now?

Ren Markov is a veteran diplomat for the idealistic Core Planets, where he acts as an agent of subversion, toppling governments and spoiling revolutions. Dispatched on a mission into the Arc, Ren discovers stunning worlds and a radical, ecologically obsessed society that is both compelling and disturbing. But he faces a terrible decision. Should he protect this strange new society, or should he fear it and allow it to be crushed?