Paula Mendoza, an Earthish diplomat, is a woman to reckon with on several planets. Lover of the Prima of the Styths and mother of his son, she has tremendous galactic powers -- and many mighty foes: rival factions on Styth, the fascist Sunlight League of Mars, the treacherous "Committee" members, and , most crushing, the mysterious Tanuojin who has healed her wrinkled hands and has read her thoughts.

Alone, she accomplishes what no one else could, until final choices -- for herself, for mankind -- must be made...