Downbelow Station — C.J. Cherryh

Pell's Star occupied the central spot in the coming conflict between Earth's tired stellar empire id the tough onslaught of its rebellious colonies. Whoever controlled Pell's Downbelow station held the key to Earth's defensive perimeter -- or the jumping off point for a Terrestrial offensive to regain the lost empire. But Pell had always been neutral and was determined to remain so.

This is a powerful, complex and enthralling novel of interstellar conflict and ambitions. In its pages you will meet and strive with the many vivid persons, human and non-human, whose futures would hang on the outcome of that titanic struggle.