The Inheritors

DRONGO KANE NEVER BROKE THE LAW

He was a cunning, ruthless opportunist who paid when he had to and stole when he could—but never when there was the slightest chance of getting caught. That's what had John Grimes worried: here was Kane directly under the watchful eyes—and guns—of a Federation Survey vessel, openly engaging in kidnapping and trafficking in human flesh!

Despite the fact that the beautiful inhabitants of this Lost Colony faced a fate worse than death, a more cautious-or less gallant—officer would do nothing-secure in the knowledge that regardless of appearances there would be some loophole that placed the Law squarely on Kane's side. But Grimes, being Grimes, would have to act—knowing full well that to "interfere with a merchantman on her lawful occasions" meant a blasted career...and knowing too that Drongo Kane never broke the law...

EBook

This is a work of fiction. All the characters and events portrayed in this book are fictional, and any resemblance to real people or incidents is purely coincidental.

First printing, June 2007

ISBN-13: 978-0-4413-7062-7
ISBN-10: 0-4413-7062-4

Copyright© 1972 by A. Bertram Chandler

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form.

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Electronic version by Baen Books
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For my favorite aelurophobe

To: Flag Officer in Charge of Lindisfarne Base From: Drongo Kane

Subject: Piratical action by Lieutenant Commander John Grimes

Sir,

I regret to have to report that while my vessel was proceeding on her lawful occasions she was wantonly attacked by your Seeker, under the command of your Lieutenant Grimes. Commander Grimes not only used his armament to impede the embarkation of fare-paying passengers, subjecting them to a sleep gas barrage, but also fired upon Southerly Buster herself. Later he attempted to ram my ship after she had lifted off . . . 

GRIMES IS AT IT AGAIN!