against a raging backdrop of interplanetary intrigue space this time that resourceful officer of the corps diplomatique must deal with horrors unknown. The courageous Terren must fight the five-eyed Groaci outwit the furious Tsuggs and reason with the talking flowers. he finds in the midst of his dangerous mission. but in spite of all this in the face of the vagaries of alien plots and the wild ambitions of his superiors, Retief remains strong and unshakable – and in peaceful and just control of the Galaxy.