Book Three of the Union of Worlds
Dave Crowell and his partner Tem Forno take on a case to help a retired Envoy find an infamous veteran of the Ultra scares. The connection to Crowell's past dealings with the enigmatic aliens makes the case extremely important, but the results could create political unrest on several of the eight worlds of the Union. Crowell is asked to not only find this veteran, but to bring him death.
With the help of Dorie Senall-now governor of the domed city of New Venasaille on the colony planet Ribon-and an incomplete but unusual set of Tarot cards, they travel through the jump slot to Barnard's Star and come across a shocking discovery. When Crowell realizes that newly gleaned information could aid in the previously impossible search for his dad, who is stranded on a far-off Ultra world, he considers making an ill-advised, sideways run at an antimatter universe.
With time running out and the consequences of traveling in and out of the Union of Worlds building, Crowell must answer the ultimate question: Can he finally make peace with the Ultras?