No one knows more about science fiction than John Clute. He has proven that over and over as a prize-winning critic upholding the highest literary standards for the genre and as coeditor of (and major contributor to) The Encyclopedia of Fantasy and The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction, both of them winners of the Hugo Award. Now, at last, he proves it in the best way of all with a starburst of a first SF novel. He very definitely practices what he preaches with his unique combination of literary SF and space opera that applies high style to saving galactic civilization. And, yes, Johnny Appleseed makes an appearance. It is the dawn of the fourth millennium, and for trader Nathaniel Freer it is business as usual. Tile Dance, his ship, is in the safe hands of KathKirtt, an AI with two minds, and a loyal krewe of cybernetic and android helpers. His latest commission - to deliver a shipment of nanoforges to the planet Eolhxir - is routine enough. All seems okeydokey." But it is not. A virulent data plague is infecting the local spiral arm of the galaxy all the way from Old Earth. Universal darkness threatens the vast concord of living civilizations. And a trap has been laid that will draw Freer and his lover, Ferocity Monthly-Niece, into an eons-old conflict. His new contract is, in fact, far from routine, and Eolhxir holds the key to everything.