For Diana—and a better world for her
than Sasha was born to.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thanks first of all to my many friends and colleagues who read the work and offered both insightful criticism and generous encouragement, especially Jake and Beth Strangeway, Nancy Blake, and Bart Palamaro (still the best freelance editor I’ve ever worked with). I am lucky to be part of three outstanding writer/critique groups. All of them serve the essential function of listening and criticizing, but most importantly reminding a writer that, no matter how lonely a job writing sometimes seems, he is never really alone. Without in any way detracting from the comments and suggestions of the other members of the groups, I want to single out Elaine Palencia and John Palen for repeatedly providing insights into the story which broadened my own understanding of my own characters. Whenever you guys speak, I listen carefully.
I’m lucky to know some pretty smart scientists. Bob Switzer helped steer me through the treacherous waters of biogenetics and neurotoxins. Rich Bliss and Jim Nevling helped with material science and physics, but also (and more importantly) physics jokes. That said, any implausibility in the science of the story is entirely my own responsibility.
Finally, thanks to the whole gang at Baen, but especially to Toni Weisskopf and to Tony Daniel, whose editorial hand is light, encouraging, and well-considered. The opening of the novel, and general pacing, benefited significantly from Tony’s suggestions. I also appreciate Gray Rinehart’s thorough and skillful copyediting on this manuscript, as well as his having been the editor who kicked my first novel manuscript for Baen—How Dark The World Becomes—upstairs to Toni’s desk with a positive recommendation. I still owe you a drink.
There was a young lady of Niger
Who smiled as she rode on a tiger;
They returned from the ride
With the lady inside,
And the smile on the face of the tiger.
—William Cosmo Monkhouse