This anthology of short stories covers a dozen of the diplomatic missions undertaken by Kazestrel and Triskayen with the Collective diplomatic corps, before their arrival on Heart.
It details many of the incidents mentioned in passing in Prime Contact , but Missions is written to be enjoyed on its own, and is a great introduction to Haadri.
Here we find out how...
...the Collective protocols for Xlaca were established (and the galaxy made safe from hordes of drunken Plarithdi!)
...the arms limitation treaty between Fhyru and Bornath was negotiated, and peace restored to the Nomads of the Plains
...the genocidal activities of the colonists on Kraach were ended and an unusual settlement reached
... Poiyndree, the High Sjeniden of Pree, was awakened to wholeness after being assumed dead
...the ceremony of the undying dead on Alaitz was resolved, with the reuniting of the infant divinity 'Kees with its hostling to avert a global war
Also read about the Solarth affair, the Keevai assignment, the dynastic dispute on Hartsog, as well as other odd and intriguing escapades on Jejamiay and Vmizn.
Missions is the second instalment in the Haadri cycle. The first part, Prime Contact tells the first part of Kazestrel's voyage of discovery - and self-discovery - across Haadri. Official meetings (and the occasional, inevitable amorous ones), with memorable and colourful characters, missions to exotic and often dangerous worlds, and inter-planetary intrigues are all part of a Mediator’s normal work - until Kaz arrives on Heart and becomes personally involved...
This book may be enjoyed as a stand-alone collection of short stories, and it is even better when read in sequence with the rest of the Haadri cycle.
The author's vision is so broad that her novels are interspersed with anthologies of short stories which tell side stories, while the novels continue the main storyline.
"I read the stories with horror, amazement, and amusement... this is a great imaginative work... written with all the skill of a prolific writer..." Sara Bareham
Paperback: 112 pages
Author: Joules Taylor
Publisher: Heartsown
Publication date: February 2009
Dimensions: 231 x 154 x 8 mm
ISBN: 978-1-869817-55-8
Front cover artist: Marie Bird