Project Ishtar—the bold endeavor to terraform Venus, the most volatile planet in the solar system—has reached a critical juncture. The project's first phase has had unexpected consequences that could tear Venus apart—and mean the deaths of dozens of project workers and the S.C.E.'s computer expert, the un-bonded Bynar now called Soloman. Now, with time running out, Soloman must move past the prejudice of his fellow Bynars—who view his "single" status with disdain—and find a solution before disaster strikes!