<P><B>The eighth installment of David Wingrove's colossal series</B></P><P>The year is 2207. Currents of unrest and tides of innovation threaten to overwhelm Chung Kuo's stability, and some threats are beyond the immense city's control. When a lethal epidemic strikes the Seven's chief supporters, Li Yuan acts ruthlessly to wipe out the disease. But his actions incur far more fatal consequences for the rule of the Seven. While the Seven splinters, Kwibesi, the detention camp for terrorists, continues to establish order. However, rebellion is brutally contained inside the camp and a growing sense of injustice stirs in its guard, Kao Chen, who begins to question his sense of duty. The Seven are divided among themselves, and around them allegiances are shifting.