The Interplanetary Relations Bureau had one basic rule: Democracy imposed from without is the severest form of tyranny. That was why the IPR teams working throughout the galaxy operated in secret, mingling with the unsuspecting natives in their efforts to bring democracy to the humanoid worlds. Kurr, though, was a problem: the King's shrewd understanding of his down-trodden people, backed up with periodic torture, defeated the IPR's efforts. Until Cultural Survey Officer Forzon arrived. Despite a frightening lack of knowledge, a price on his head and treason in his own ranks, Forzon fought his own unconventional way to a solution that resulted in a revolution. Cover art by Patrick Woodroffe.