Ruthless in its insatiable demand for a rare mineral, Nordarken Mining ignores a federation law (ULUP) that protects the isolated, primitive planet of Dianis. Destroying entire cultures to satisfy the Nordarken avarice is just the cost of doing business. Not so for Achelous, a ULUP enforcer. His job is to protect the defenseless.
The politics authorizing ULUP are complex, and the Nordarks are masters of manipulation. Ordered to leave Dianis, Achelous and his team face an excruciating dilemma: Obey orders or go rogue and become what they fight against -- extrasolars. In a twist, Achelous learns he is not alone. Marisa, a trader princess, and Christina, an Ascalon Defender, respond to the rally call, but as unlearned provincials, they are ill-accustomed to stellar intrigue.

The defense of liberty starts here, in The Foundry.