Gathering Storm — Lynda Williams

It was supposed to be a civilized event... But the first-ever cultural exchange between the Sevolite empire and the worlds of Rire was in trouble even before festivities were interrupted by the desperate rescue of a rebel Nesak priest. There are plenty reasons for cross-cultural relations to be strained. Horth braved a Demish ball to find out why Ilse ran away. Ilse's not the only woman dealing with an unexpected pregnancy. And Eler's staging questionable plays. Amel's in trouble with the Vrellish for agreeing to get married and in trouble with the Demish for agreeing to perform with a Reetion dancer who turns out to be gay. When Amel's ex-lover, Ann of Rire, puts in an appearance with a baby she claims to be his, his Bridegroom ball is at stake. As well as the baby's life, if the Vrellish suspect unnatural origins. The arrival of a Lorel doctor in a bizarre ship stirs the mix. And controversy flares into a duel when Rire discovers Nersallians hunt and kill grabrats â€" the only intelligent aliens known to Rire. And then the Nesaks arrive, prepared to shut down the new dawn of civilization with total war.