CAST OF CHARACTERS

Chinese names are written with surname first.

Luo Ji Astronomer and sociologist

Ye Wenjie Astrophysicist

Mike Evans ETO financial backer and key leader

Wu Yue Captain in the PLA Navy

Zhang Beihai Political commissar in the PLA Navy; Space Force officer

Chang Weisi General in the PLA; Space Force commander

George Fitzroy US general; coordinator at the Planetary Defense Council; military liaison to Hubble II project

Albert Ringier Hubble II astronomer

Zhang Yuanchao Recently retired chemical plant worker in Beijing

Yang Jinwen Retired middle school teacher in Beijing

Miao Fuquan Shanxi coal boss; neighbor to Zhang and Yang

Shi Qiang PDC security department officer, nicknamed Da Shi

Shi Xiaoming Shi Qiang's son

Kent Liaison to the PDC

Secretary General Say Secretary general of the UN

Frederick Tyler Former US secretary of defense

Manuel Rey Diaz Former president of Venezuela

Bill Hines English neuroscientist; former president of the EU

Keiko Yamasuki Neuroscientist; Hines's wife

Garanin PDC rotating chair

Ding Yi Theoretical physicist

Zhuang Yan Graduate of the Central Academy of Fine Arts

Ben Jonathan Fleet Joint Conference special commissioner

Dongfang Yanxu Captain of Natural Selection

Major Xizi Science officer of Quantum