The World Before is a science fiction novel by British writer Karen Traviss, published in October 2005.

Aras and Bennett take a trip to the transplanted colony from Constantine, now called Mar'an'cas.

He is friends with the Isenj Minister Ual; who is finding that as he fights to preserve his world from the potential wrath of Eqbas Vorhi, so Umeh seems intent on its own destruction.

He is inescapably bound to Wess'ej as tries to honor the memory of Shan Frankland and her sacrifices for everyone involved and his growing friendship with Aras, Bennett and the Wess'Har community.

Eddie decides to tell the real reasons for the destruction of Christopher, the death of Shan Frankland and also of the coming of the World Before and its possible ramifications, to the people of Earth.

Minister Ual has been told by his government that they will only do so only if the Destroyer of Mjat (name given to Aras for the destruction of the Isenj city on Bezer'ej) is turned over to them.

She has been floating, frozen in the depths of space for months and her c'naatat has somehow kept her dormant but alive.

The tension on Umeh heightens with this and the Isenj try to make the Wess'Har withdraw but to no avail.

She also makes a trip to Bezer'ej to view the destruction and what the Eqbas are doing to repair the damage.

The Bezeri also want Aras to come stay with them underwater to help them rebuild and recover what they've lost.

Lindsey wants to redeem herself (and not die) and feels that the best way to accomplish this is to live underwater and serve the Bezeri.

Shan knows nothing of all this at this point and seems to finally accept her role as an isan to Ade and Aras in their polyandric relationship.