Betrayer of Worlds: Prelude to Ringworld (Fleet of Worlds series Book 4)

The cowardly Puppeteers of the Fleet of Worlds have barely survived a supernova chain reaction at the galactic core. They have endured successive crises: a rebellion by their human slaves, the relentless pursuit of species from Known Space, the rise of the starfish-like Gw'oth, and an onslaught by the genocidal Pak. Now past crises return and converge, threatening the Fleet with its greatest peril yet. Louis Wu is trapped in the Wunderland civil war, seeking only to return home, but his only escape route leads into unknown danger. Ol't'ro and the Gw'oth ensemble mind fled across the stars to establish a free colony world, yet some problems cannot be escaped, and the Fleet of Worlds itself races toward them. Achilles, a charismatic Puppeteer politician, believes he is destined for greatness and will do anything to seize power and take revenge on those who opposed him. Nessus, an insane Puppeteer scout, has exhausted his options and resources, with only desperation remaining. Their hopes, fears, dreams, and ambitions collide, with the victor claiming worlds.