On the home world of the bat-like S'sinn, a last-ditch effort is underway to prevent a new war between humanity and the S'sinn that would destroy the multi-race Commonwealth. Jarrikk, a S'sinn, and Kathryn, a human, are both empaths, able to sense others' feelings, and use those skills as Translators. They fear and hate the others' species, but have sworn an oath, so they Link, exchanging memories and emotions. They hit on a dangerous plan to fake Translation. They prevent immediate war, but destroy their abilities in the process. Jarrikk no longer has reason to live, and sets out to perform the suicide he was turned away from years before. Kathryn fails to prevent his attempt, but manages to save his life - and in the process creates a one-of-a-kind bond with him even stronger than that created by the symbiote. They risk everything to stop their own races from engulfing the galaxy in war - and perhaps save each other in the process.
Edward Willett writes a weekly science column and is a professional actor and singer. He is married and has a three-year-old daughter. His Web site is at www.edwardwillett.com, and he writes a blog, Hassenpfeffer, at http://edwardwillett.blogspot.com. (20021201)
