Soothsayer — Mike Resnick

A hard-bitten thief must protect a powerful little girl from danger in this classic science fiction trilogy opener by a five-time Hugo Award winner.

Mouse may be a tough, cynical, professional thief, but when she sees a little girl in need of rescuing, she knows she must help. But just who exactly is this innocent-looking child?

Penelope Bailey is potentially the most powerful weapon in the galaxy. Three governments want her captured. Almost two hundred men and women are out to collect the bounty on her head. It's a miracle Penelope has evaded her pursuers thus far, but Carolos “Iceman” Mendoza knows the secret to her survival . . .

As the bounty hunters get closer to their target, Mouse begins to grasp just how important it is to keep Penelope safe. Little did Mouse know, Penelope was more than equipped for the obstacles ahead, and it was Mouse who was going to be in greater need of rescuing . . . 

Perfect for readers of Alan Dean Foster, Timothy Zahn, and Joe Haldeman
“One of those rare novels that pulls you in so quickly and effectively that you'll end up reading it in a single sitting.” -- Science Fiction Chronicle