Kelly 2/1 Ista is an apprentice hypothecary, learning to work with the quasi-living computer programs that live and breed in virtual space. She is also a foundling, the only survivor of a disaster on one of the Night Sky Mining Company's mining platforms, and without a real identity, she will never be able to leave the station. When a second platform is attacked and abandoned in much the same way, she joins forces with a pair of off-station investigators in the hope that she will find her true identity — but there is far more danger waiting for her in both the real and virtual worlds than she had even begun to imagine.

"Mature, balanced, absorbing work, with a richly detailed, enchanting backdrop: something of a breakthrough in overall technique, and Scott's best so far." - Kirkus Reviews

"Scott explores the ramifications of virtual life through the very human eyes of her principals; this is most artful cyberpunk, told with heart." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)