Some people go crazy in prison, others turn to religion. Pa'u Zotoh Zhaan was one of the few people who has done both. Life was peaceful on Delvia. The planet was ruled by a theocracy led by Pa'us (priests) who were members of the Delvian Seek, the dominant religion of the planet. Pa'u Bitaal, a powerful member of the ruling conservative faction, was Zotoh Zhaan's spiritual counselor and lover. She joined the Alliance of Nations