Betrayer of Worlds: Prelude to Ringworld: 4 (Known Space 4)

Fleeing the supernova chain reaction at the galactic core the cowardly Puppeteers of the Fleet of Worlds have---just barely---survived. Theyve stumbled from one crisis to the next: The rebellion of their human slaves. The relentless questing of the species of Known Space. The spectacular rise of the starfish-like Gwoth. The onslaught of the genocidal Pak. . Catastrophe looms again as past crises return---and converge. Who can possibly save the Fleet of Worlds from its greatest peril yet?. Louis Wu? Trapped in the Wunderland civil war all he wants is to go home---but the only possible escape will plunge him into unknowable danger. . Oltro? The Gwoth ensemble mind fled across the stars to establish a colony world free from tyranny. But some problems cannot be left behind and other problems---like the Fleet of Worlds itself---are racing straight at them. . Achilles? Despite past disgrace the charismatic Puppeteer politician knows he is destined for greatness. He will do anything to seize power---and to take his revenge on everyone who ever stood in his way. . Nessus? The insane Puppeteer scout is out of ideas out of resources with only desperation left to guide him. . Their hopes and fears dreams and ambitions are about to collide. And the winner takes . . . worlds.