Real Indians

If you thought that a man without pants is very funny, then believe me: a man without pants and with a two-handed sword is not funny at all. If you thought the natives were simple guys, and then they turned out to have such political intrigues that the devil would break his leg, that’s not the problem of the natives. That’s your problem, because you’re a prisoner—and tomorrow you’ll be put on a stake. And the local king, your old friend from university, somehow doesn’t rush to help.

A galactic dead end, a backward civilization, savage morals? That’s only half the trouble. On Satanga, the interests of several states collide—so there will be blood up to your knees. And Delle Berg will have plenty to think about. First, was it worth returning to reconnaissance; second, which position is worse—deadly dangerous or idiotic; and third, why does she so desperately want her ex-boss, the inquisitor August Mackinby, to come and set everyone straight?

In the meantime, we’ll find out whether androids dream of electric sheep—and how real Scots answer the question, “So what have you got under your kilt?”