This is a tale of Terraforming and the evil Crib Empire which controls it. A renewal gene key is required to maintain the ecosystems. The Crib charges ruinously high prices for these keys keeping the Fringe Worlds in extreme penury. Edie, a minion of the Crib, quite accidentally creates hope for the Fringe Worlds on her first failed terraforming mission to Scarabaeus.
The story begins many years later when she is kidnapped by Fringe revolutionaries. Can she escape death from the pursuing Crib? Will the Fringers, themselves, kill her in their desperation? If she survives, will she discover the key in time? Can she reach an accommodation with her unwilling guard who will die if he gets more than a few yards from her? He is certainly motivated to keep her in custody. He must be persuaded to help. Her terror of returning to Scarabaeus must not deter her.
The tale abounds with drama, betrayal and ambiguity. Recommended. ~~ Gary Swaty
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