What’s the solution to this conflict in the Cathedral Galaxy?

It takes a recognition on the part of the elder civilization that they remain a part of the galaxy, tied to its fate, and that they bear responsibility for actions that affect the younger civilizations. I turned, once again, to climate change — specifically, to advice on how to connect with older generations and convince them that action is necessary.

(Like many episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation, the big climax of my book happens in meetings.)

It falls to Ceren Aydomi — the scientist we follow for one of A More Glorious Dawn‘s three major plotlines — to negotiate with the ancients. With help, she advocates that they take an active interest in the people who will inherit the galaxy. She suggests they view her civilization as their progeny. She also presents them with a call to action: a demand to consider whether they would do harm, or stand passively by, or stand up and be counted among those who help. Faced with a “solution” that could only ever be temporary, some of them are willing to try a new course of action. They stand up, so that distant generations will remember them for doing what’s right. Not all of them, but enough.

Ultimately, the solution is that the ancient civilization must step aside from their position of power. They must re-engage with the outside world. They must be willing to learn, and be open to new ideas, so that the younger generation of the galaxy can lead.