Qven was created to be a Presger translator. The pride of their Clade, they always had a clear path before them: learn human ways, and eventually, make a match and serve as an intermediary between the dangerous alien Presger and the human worlds. The realization that they might want something different isn't "optimal behavior". It's the type of behavior that will have you eliminated. But Qven rebels anyway, determined to find a way to belong on their own terms. As a Conclave of the various species approaches--and the long-standing treaty between the humans and the Presger is on the line--the paths of all three will collide in a chain of events that will have ripple effects across galaxies"-- Provided by publisher.