The war between the humans and the Saurians has spread across three centuries and six planets, from Tcharun, the Saurians' homeworld, to the five human worlds of the Planetary Union.
With the economy of the entire planetary union failing, it was clear that the needs of the youngest and poorest colony world were going to be overlooked.
Genre
science fiction
Characters
Samandahl Rey; Roiya Sintor; JeMerik Meer; Zanniati Oribatta; Mr. Oribatta; Mrs. Oribatta; Sultan Ronolo; Tchlusarud; Weaponsmaster; Mr. Rey; Mrs. Rey; Wyture; Muse of Gaitan; Skitter; Skink; Enson
Synopsis
JeMerik reveals to Roiya that he is a mentor to the sigil bearer (Sam) while professing his love for her.
Tchlusarud; Sultan Ronolo; Zanniati Oribatta; Samandahl Rey; JeMerik Meer; Roiya Sintor; Mrs. Oribatta; Mr. Oribatta; Leahupp; Teo; Trouble
Synopsis
Zanni has smuggled video from Tanipal that shows Ronolo making a deal with Tchlusarud to turn over two human worlds to the Saurians in exchange for a ruling position. She plans to go with JeMerik to Gaia to deliver the video, while she wants Sam to stay on Delassia to protect her homeworld. Sam becomes jealous of JeMerik.
Roiya Sintor; JeMerik Meer; Zanniati Oribatta; Samandahl Rey; Sultan Ronolo
Synopsis
Roiya advises Sam to tell Zanni how he feels about her. Meanwhile, Ronolo sneaks aboard the Bitterluck and uses the ship's database to learn everything about Sam and Roiya.
Sam saves Zanni from Ronolo. Although Ronolo arrives at Gaia before Sam, Zanni's video evidence of collusion with the Saurians and her specifications for a new warp drive allows her the leverage to negotiate full union status for Delassia. With the Saurians about the invade Delassia, Sam is made acting commander of the union army.