The conclusion of the grand space opera begun in The Golden Age and The Phoenix Exultant is a story in the tradition of Jack Vance and Roger Zelanzy (with a touch of Cordwainer Smith). It is an astounding story of super science, a thrilling wonder story that recaptures the verve of Science Fiction's golden age writers. Violating the sanctions against him, Phaeton has travelled across the solar system to recover both his memory and the marvellous Phoenix Exultant, the first true star ship. Should the minds of Earth break out of the safe confines of the solar system and reach for the stars? So Phaeton argues at his trial, but a new enemy would deny them either choice, unless he can stop them.