The Principle of Simultaneity is a Scientific Breakthrough Which Will Revolutionize Interstellar Civilization by Making Possible Instantaneous Communication. It is the Life Work of Shevek, a Brilliant Physicist From the Arid Anarchist World of Anarres. but Shevek's Work is Being Stifled by Jealous Colleagues, so He Travels to Anarres's Sister-Planet Urras, Hoping to Find More Liberty and Tolerance There. but He Soon Finds Himself Being Used As a Pawn in a Deadly Political Game.