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