Book II of the Galactic Milieu series. As the 21st century closes a growing group of rebels plot to declare the human planets independent from the Milieu and end a 30 year association. They are aided by the insane Fury who seeks to rule the Galaxy itself. A key figure in Fury's scheme is Dorothea Macdonald - possessed of metapsychic powers, she only wants a quiet life on the planet Caladonia. She rejects Fury's overtures and the monster vows to destroy her. When the Milieu become aware of her powers she is forced to leave her family and use her power for the benefit of all. At the Metapsychic Institute, she discovers that one day she will rule Caladonia. When she meets Jack the Bodiless she understands that his mind is the only one approaching hers in its power. Together they are the only hope of defeating the rebels.,,and all the while, Fury plots to kill them both. Cover art by Stephen Bradbury.