(A prequel to the seminal science fiction classic, Ringworld and the Ringworld series.) Since fleeing the supernova chain reaction at the galactic core, the cowardly Puppeteers of the Fleet of Worlds have -- just barely -- survived one crisis after another: the rebellion of their human slaves, the relentless questing of the species of Known Space, the spectacular rise of the starfish-like Gw'oth, the onslaught of the genocidal Pak. Now fresh disaster looms, as though past crises have returned and converged. Who can possibly save the Fleet this time? (The 'Fleet of Worlds' series includes Fleet of Worlds, Juggler of Worlds, Destroyer of Worlds, Betrayer of Worlds)