After the fall of the Second Galactic Union in 1716 GY, a ten-thousand-year dark age settled upon the galaxy. nterstellar travel was non-existent, and many star systems descended into a near-barbaric state, burning coal and as for energy, and growing food directly from the exposed topsoil. In 11,203 GY, a treaty between the Empires of Tremain and Gallium formed the Third Galactic Union. Ships of the tellar Patrol (a pseudo-military wing of the Union government on Tremain) began exploring the galaxy, searching for he human civilizations that are the remnants of the Second Union. You are a native of the planet Gallium. Although it is one of the most politically powerful worlds in the Union, Gallium is no garden spot. In fact, the Gallium Chamber of Commerce brochure entitled "Ten Great Reasons to Visit Gallium" ends on page 3. The author ran out of reasons after listing just two. For five generations, your family has served in he Stellar Patrol. Your great-great-grandfather was a High Admiral and one of the founding officers of the Patrol. It as taken for granted that when you came of age you would join up. Now, more than a year after signing up, and two months after being transferred to the S.P.S. Feinstein, you are still only ranked Ensign Seventh Class. Your superior officer, Ensign First Class Blather, has been making your life iserable. You're beginning to wonder if you.re really cut out for the Stellar Patrol. But then the unthinkable happens...