The Planet Cadwal has an ecosystem unique in the human-explored galaxy;
a thousand years past it was established as a natural preserve,
protected from normal colonization and exploitation. Official residence
was restricted to a precisely limited number of scientists and their
immediate families. But over the centuries exceptions were made, as
children wished to stay on their home world, and the elite of the
planet brought in "temporary" employees — employees who were not, of
course, "residents". The population grew, until the human Conservators
faced a conspiracy of humans and aliens to wrest control of their world
away, and open it to full commercial use.
But now, thanks to Glawen Clattuc and his beloved, Wayness Tamm,
there is a new Charter for the Conservancy of Cadwal. Unfortunately, it
has resolved nothing, nor has it brought peace to the planet. Instead
of clarifying the situation, it has hardened the opposition, and
polarized the population. Led by Namour and Smonny in exile, one group
continues to exploit the population of Yips on Cadwal — people whose
illegal status on the planet leaves them unprotected from virtual
enslavement. Another faction seeks to restore Cadwal to a pristine
condition instantly, and will allow no concerns for life or property to
stop them. And in the middle are the governors of the planet and their
police force. Newly promoted Commander Glawen Clattuc is charged with
apprehending Namour wherever he might have fled among the world of
Mircea's Wisp. And Glawen has his own agenda, as well.
