Chapters 1 through 8 Summary

The story opens during an elaborate dinner hosted by the Emergents, one of two groups who have arrived at the planet Arachna at almost the same time. The other group is the Qeng Ho and they are interested in establishing a trading relationship with the inhabitants of the planet. Trixia Bonsol, a linguistics expert, is in attendance from the Qeng Ho as is Ezr Vinh, an apprentice Trader, and Pham Trilini, a programmer who seems willing to share confidential information with a member of the Emergents. The Qeng Ho leader, Captain Park, is seated near the Emergent leader, Thomas Nau. Another Emergent leader, Director Reynolt, is also at that table. They are discussing the fact that the Qeng Ho and Emergents have arrived at the planet at almost the same time. Nau says that it's time for the two groups to...