Earth has recovered from the cataclysm that nearly destroyed it. Charu, an android, has decided to leave Earth to explore the arm of our galaxy closer to the core—a direction not yet taken by known sentient species. Her explorations draw her into situations that often put her, and sometimes the human species, in grave danger. She has a prophecy, ambiguous as always, that says the cost to her will be great. Only Charu can decide how great is too great.
