In a universe where Earthmen and Uelsons battle over the domination of galaxies,what chance does one small, seemingly backward planet have for survival? But Arana is much more than just a desirable refueling point midway between Earth and the Uelsons. Arana is the homeworld of a new race in the family of man--the Royalists. It is also the home of one very special Bay Royalist--Teal Ray Stewert, a key figure to the future of his entire planet. And what neither Earthmen nor Uelsons know is that Teal and his planet may be the catalyst for the ultimate struggle between mankind and its most hated enemy...!