DOES THE BIGGEST THREAT LIE WITHIN? In the far future, humanity has left Earth to create a glorious empire. Now this interstellar network of worlds faces disaster - but can three individuals save their people? The empire's outposts are utterly dependent on each other for resources, a safeguard against war, and a way in which rulers can exert control. This relies on extra-dimensional pathways between the stars, connecting worlds. But this 'Flow' is changing course, which could plunge every colony into fatal isolation. A scientist will risk his life to inform the empire's ruler. A scion of a Merchant House stumbles upon conspirators seeking power. And the new Empress of the Interdependency must battle lies, rebellion and treason. Yet as they work to save a civilization on the brink of collapse, others have very different plans . . . PRAISE FOR JOHN SCALZI 'Clever dialogue, fast-paced story and strong characters' The Times 'Scalzi is one of the slickest writers that SF has ever produced' Wall Street Journal 'His speculative elements are top-notch' Washington Post