Ravna Bergsndot

The novel's heroine, Ravna is a human native of the Sjandra Kei system. As a child she is a great lover of romantic adventure from the Age of Princesses. While her sister Lynne turns to practical things, Ravna in her teens dreams of emigrating to Straumli Realm to be part of the generation that first transcends its own humanity. The goal alienates her father, who correctly predicts disaster for Straumli Realm. Readings in Computer Science and Applied Theology courses teach Ravna caution and she becomes a librarian. In her senior year at Herte University Ravna wins the Vrinimi Organization's Faraway Prentice contest and finds herself 20,000 light years from home at the chief Known Net hub at Relay. She lives alone and somewhat lonely in a luxury apartment decorated in Techno Primitive style as the only human in the Docks, which are suspended 1,000 km. above Groundside. She enjoys...