When the post-human Next suddenly re-appear in a solar system that
banished them, humans are threatened. Their reactions vary from disgust
and anger to yearning to live forever like the powerful Next, who are
casually building a new city out of starships in the heart of the
re-wilded planet Lym. The first families of Lym must deal with being
invaded while they grapple with their own inner fears. Ranger Charlie
Windar is desperate to save his beloved planet. The Next are building
strange cities he never imagined, and other humans who want to destroy
the Next are his worst enemies. Ambassador Nona Hall strives to forge
links between the powerful station she's from, The Diamond Deep, and the
people of Lym. The formidable merchant Gunnar Ellensson appears to be up
to no good, and as usual his motivations are suspect. Why is he sending
ships to Lym, and what does he intend to do with them when he arrives?
The Shining Revolution threatens to undo everything by attacking the
Next on Lym, and their desire to eradicate the post-humans is greater
than their desire to save humanity's home. It is entirely possible that
they will draw the wrath of the Next onto all of humanity. In the
meantime, the Next's motives remain inscrutable. Why are they here at
all? What do they want? Why are they interested in the ancient past of a
planet that has been ravaged and rebuilt at least once?
