In the distant future nanotechnology “grains” are fully intermeshed with Earth’s ecology, enabling enhanced humans to protect the lands they live on while forcing other humans to live nomadic lives. An enhanced human named Frere-Jones doubts her role in what she believes is a tyrannical system, yet sees no way to change her fate. But when a nomadic girl becomes infected with the grains, Frere-Jones is forced to finally confront her ultimate role in life. Finalist for the Nebula Award for Best Novelette Longlisted for the Hugo Award for Best Novelette