Central Station is a gathering place for the artists, merchants, and politicians of the Galactic League. Aliens come from all over the galaxy to exchange ideas and resolve disputes.

Paolo Chelini is back before the League, this time because of stowaways. They're fleeing the dictator running the fringe world of Nihang. They want something to be done about the dictator. The League, however, has no power to help.

Then a security consultant comes to the station. She's had a meeting with a corporate executive about Nihang. She has an interest in the planet, but isn't saying what she's planning to do about the situation...