In this collection of near-future tales of struggle, awakening, and hope, a young woman goes a healthcare-denying AI one better, a smart cat teaches her kindred how to train human beings, a nihilistic professor receives an unexpected Christmas visit, a group of rowdy psychologists attempt to influence a dangerous tech bro, an old soldier finds new purpose in life, and a college student uses the ancient tales of his people to grasp their destiny. These and other tales appear in this fifth book of the future-spanning Assembling Terrania Cycle charting the long human adventure toward consciousness, maturity, and liberty.