Ascendant Sun

In "Ascendant Sun," the sequel to the Nebula Award finalist "The Last Hawk," Kelric returns to Skolian space, only to confront a power shift with the Empire now controlling the Allied forces of Earth after the Radiance War. Stripped of his resources and with his family imprisoned, he reluctantly takes a position aboard a merchant vessel. However, his situation worsens when the ship crosses into Euban space, leading to a harrowing fate as he is auctioned off as a slave "provider" to the ruthless Aristos, who exploit captives for their telepathic emotional drug.