The Stolen Law

Sixteen-year-old Kira Warden was introduced in Mason's SF novel The Dancing Meteorite, and in this sequel the exo-communications cadet goes off to translate for the little-liked Vallusians. They make no effort to welcome her. Thrown in with the tall, athletic youngsters, however, petite Kira works hard and wins their respect. She also comes to understand and like them sufficiently to risk her career and her life when she learns of another alien race's deadly intentions. In the process, she must violate her professional code of secrecy in favor of her own sense of right and wrong. Although Kira's pivotal role at times seems improbable, the moral issues are engagingly played out in a context of varying friendships, loyalties and duties. (12-upst