The prosperous world of Xanadu is dying. Fatal miscalculations while intercepting an asteroid resulted in not only greater destruction, but a nuclear disaster that will soon render the entire planet lethally radioactive. Every world in Terran space is responding, including such far-flung adversaries as the Terran Hegemony League and the Union of Allied Worlds. Anything that can carry passengers has been pressed into service as cargo ships are simultaneously loaded with anything of value. But as with any concentration of valuables aboard a ship, there are pirates to consider. And where pirates go, the Star Hunters will follow. Major Anatoly Bruin takes up the challenge. While other Star Hunter ships join the UAWN and HLN and various planetary navies in organizing the evacuation, "Bruiser" chases down rumors of a plot to steal the Cyan Dragon, loaded with not only bullion and gems from the planetary treasury but every important piece of artwork on Xanadu, including some brought from Old Earth. He and his crew must out-fight and out-think a conspiracy to use the disaster to loot a world, without becoming victims themselves. Art by Paul Sizer [ www.paulsizer.com ].