- Published: 1983
- Hugo Award for Best Novel, 1984 —
- Nebula Award for Best Novel, 1984 —
- Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel, 1984 —
The second in the Uplift series and winner of the Hugo and Nebula award, this novel describes how a spaceship crew of dolphins and a genetically engineered human find an ancient fleet and cadaver. They must fight to carry their prize of knowledge and power back to Earth.