Benja found the mystery of the Quiet Worlds disturbing. Why had he never heard of them? Why was the Crown keeping it secret? Was there more to the story? And what did any of it have to do with Etzli?

At the center of the Chancel hall, Pampaa stared up at the Judges seated around the Tall Table. He asked the most obvious question: "Have you done anything to establish contact with these 'Quiet Worlds?'"

The eldest Judge said, "The Royal Navy has a number of outposts ...