One goal, one galaxy, many peoples—the guiding principle of the Galactic Federation, the motto that has shaped the entirety of Species Integration Specialist Zara Khan’s career.The Federation doesn’t conquer planets. The Federation doesn’t force their enemies to submit, but when a hostile species from planet G5I2 attacks and destroys a human-run spaceship on its inaugural cruise of an unexplored star system, everything changes... moreOne goal, one galaxy, many peoples—the guiding principle of the Galactic Federation, the motto that has shaped the entirety of Species Integration Specialist Zara Khan’s career.The Federation doesn’t conquer planets. The Federation doesn’t force their enemies to submit, but when a hostile species from planet G5I2 attacks and destroys a human-run spaceship on its inaugural cruise of an unexplored star system, everything changes.Zara is sent to facilitate the integration of G5I2’s inhabitants into the Federation, but nothing about her mission proves routine. Zara has on-boarded countless new species through the years, but she’s never encountered a target quite like the Noalta. Half alien prince, half warlord, he sets her nerves on edge from the moment they meet. Zara will have to discover a way to broker peace with a man who has never known it himself, and the challenge will be formidable.The chosen one of the people, the subject of prophecy since his birth, Jekam is the Noalta. His life has always belonged to the Empire, but now he pledges himself to protect all of Vastaka. His planet is forced to fully capitulate to their off-world invaders or face the threat of annihilation. When the so-called Federation sends their emissary to speak with him, his pelt bristles at the insult. Specialist Khan is weak, unblooded, and frustratingly persistent, but with each new meeting, she surprises him.Jekam can’t imagine a world with the kind of peace that Zara describes, but he’s willing to do anything for the security of his people. The only problem is that the Federation wants something from them that they’re unable to give, and they won’t take no for an answer. In the end, Zara will have to decide where her true loyalties lie, and whether she’s willing to put everything on the line—including her heart—to uphold the values she’s always lived by. less
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