How does a planet sour? What is the direct cause of souring? What are the signs that a world has soured? How can a soured world be reconstituted? Is recovery a feasible option? What options are available to colonies that suffer from this issue?

What are the differences between Shapers and a Mechs? Which is more likely to have genetic altering? What advantages might a Mech have over a Shaper, if any? What advantages do Shapers enjoy over Mechs, if any? Which of the two is most likely to survive?

Who are the Investors? Where do they come from? How old are they? What is their purpose in life? What do they want with humans? What personality traits best describe them? What makes them different from humans?

How does Abelard Lindsay avoid Constantine? What does Constantine believe happened to Lindsay? Why is he under...