It’s difficult to retain your focus – and indeed, your life – when Ghost is trying to strangle and freeze you at the same time. He’s tried it before and failed. Will he succeed this time? Who is attempting to attack Fearless? Count them. The native species on Jack’s Planet are protecting Jack and in turn, Jack has undertaken to stop the illegal mining that is polluting the atmosphere and the planet - his planet. He stopped it, that’s for sure. A major—and angry—GalFed corporation is complaining about the destruction of their multi-billion credit mining operation. They'll complain more when they discover Jack is confiscating the refined ore they've so industriously accumulated. GalFed Space Navy starships are more than interested. Fortunately, the Black Company’s destroyers provide support for Jack. An alien starship has been searching for Jack and it too, arrives. A Blue Cap admiral tries to demote General Van de Huis in an effort to weaken Jack’s protection of the planet. Space is getting crowded. Jack’s making enemies faster than he’s making friends. Well, almost. Jack Foster Senior is surprised when an old acquaintance arrives on another starship. She’s responsible for classifying the intelligent species as non-intelligent, opening the planet up to predators. Sparks fly. Jack and his retinue from his planet are summoned to Bester II to present his case for ownership of Jack’s Planet. It’s the Blue Caps against Jack Foster.