This note contains spoilers for the book.

Another in the Old Man's War universe. The Colonial Union is in diplomatic trouble with Earth, which they've been treating somwhat badly for 200 years. The Conclave is prepared to negotiate Earth's membership, partly to sever them from the Colonial Union.

We follow a diplomatic team from the Colonial Union that's trying to hold things together and help humanity (they don't think just the Union or just Earth is viable, competitive). They're the "B" team, at least initially, but they keep getting good results.