Downbelow Station (Alliance-Union Universe)

Vintage paperback- Set in the far reaches of humanity’s expansion into space, Downbelow Station is a gripping tale of survival, politics, and war. When interstellar conflict erupts between Earth and its distant colonies, the pivotal Pell Station—known as "Downbelow"—becomes a battleground for refugees, soldiers, and traders. Amid the chaos, station administrators struggle to maintain order as factions vie for control and the alien inhabitants of the nearby planet face their own peril. Winner of the Hugo Award, C.J. Cherryh’s masterpiece weaves a complex, character-driven story that explores the resilience of humanity and the high stakes of interstellar diplomacy.