Lanik Mueller's birthright as heir to planet Treason's most powerful rulership will never be realized. He is a "rad"—radical regenerative. A freak among people who can regenerate injured flesh . . . and trade extra body parts to the Offworld oppressors for iron. For, on a planet without hard metals—or the means of escape—iron is power in the race to build a spacecraft. Iron is the promise of freedom—which may never be fulfilled as Lanik uncovers a treacherous conspiracy beyond his imagination. Now charged with a mission of conquest—and exile—Lanik devises a bold and dangerous plan . . . a quest that may finally break the vicious chain of rivalry and bloodshed that enslaves the people of Treason as the Offworld never could. [from publisher's web site]