When the first expedition from Earth arrived on Mars, they were greeted with open arms. Not only had the Martians long ago learned all they wanted about Earth -- they wanted nothing to do with us. To quote their welcoming committee: "You Earth people don't know your own history. You have always been incorrigible. When Mars was younger, we drove you back to your own planet, whereupon you tumbled into savagery for a gratifyingly long time. The really intelligent Martians then emigrated to the ends of the universe to avoid a second encounter. In fact we are not interested in playing cowboys and indians with your people."

But Earthmen ARE incorrigible, and Martians are obstinate, and the result is an adventure-packed novel that spans two planets and several stars and is great science-fiction all the way!

"A running chronicle of the conflict between the ancient feathered folk of Mars and the brash expansionists of Earth.... It is entertainment from start to finish, with only snatches of the serious aspects of dying Mars and bull-headed Earth. Go along with the author and enjoy the story." -- P. Schuyler Miller, Analog Science Fiction