He was a cunning, ruthless opportunist who paid when he had to and stole when he could – but never when there was the slightest chance of getting caught. That’s what had John Grimes worried: Here was Kane directly under the watchful eyes – and guns – of a Federation Survey vessel, openly engaging in kidnapping and trafficking in human flesh!

Despite the fact that the beautiful inhabitants of this Lost Colony faced a fate worse than death, a more cautious – or less gallant – officer would do nothing – secure in the knowledge that regardless of appearances there would be some loophole that placed the Law squarely on Kane’s side. But Grimes, being Grimes, would have to act – knowing full well that to “interfere with a merchantmen on her lawful occasions” meant a blasted career…and knowing too that Drongo Kane never broke the law….