From the Author
Doc Smith created the universe of the Family d'Alembert in his novelette "Imperial Stars." I have built upon the foundation he established with nine further books of my own. I hope you find them worthy of his talent. -- Stephen Goldin
From the Inside Flap
In Sector 29, at "the Progress," the Princess mingled with the Galaxy's most eligible commoners to choose a Consort to rule with her. But one is a traitor, the instrument of a terrifying galactic conspiracy! Joined by the Roumeniers, their lifetime friends, Yvette and Jules d'Alembert secretly search the candidates, rushing against time to protect the life of their Princess. Disguised as a country rube from a colony planet, Jules infiltrates the group and narrows his suspects to three--the arrogant Anton Borov from Kolokov; the enigmatic Aranian, Choyen Liu; and Paul Symond, the Princess's favorite! One is carrying a "time bomb," determined to destroy the succession. An unearthly murder betrays the killer and Jules confronts an uncontrollable and deadly fanatic! AS AN UNKNOWN FORCE THREATENS THE SAFETY OF THE SUCCESSION OF EARTH'S EMPIRE, THE D'ALEMBERTS FACE THEIR MOST CHALLENGING SPACE ADVENTURE!