In a future where interstellar travel has been achieved, humanity has colonized other planets. The story takes place on the planet of Kalgan, which is controlled by a ruthless and cunning warlord who uses mercenaries to maintain his power. The protagonist is a young man from Earth who becomes embroiled in the conflict between the warlord's forces and a group of rebels fighting for independence. He joins a band of mercenaries who are hired by the warlord to fight against the rebels, but soon discovers that their true intentions are not what they seem. As the story unfolds, the protagonist finds himself caught up in a complex web of intrigue and deception, with various factions vying for power on Kalgan. The novel explores themes of loyalty, honor, and the nature of war, raising questions about the morality of mercenaries and the consequences of their actions.
By H. Beam Piper · First published 1952 · Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller, Adventure