Ambassador Edward Goldstein returns to Pitcairn after his success on NotTrist, but not everyone from Earth appreciates his efforts. When the Pitcairn Administrator offers him the position of Ambassador At Large, he accepts. Hoping for a less stressful career on the peaceful world, he renews his relationship with Pitcairn native Jean Menzies, but light years away, the automated exploration ship Alejandro Castillo has made a discovery. Soon Goldstein's title will mean much more than anyone expected, forcing him to negotiate with the alien Kitar and, once again, face his enemies on Earth.