"A new novel in the popular and exciting science fiction Liaden Universe"--Front flyleaf. "Beset by the angry remnants of the Department of the Interior, challenged at every turn by opportunists on their new homeworld of Surebleak, and somewhat low on funds, Clan Korval desperately needs to reestablish its position as one of the top trading clans in known space. To this end, Master Trader Shan yos'Galan, aboard Korval's premier trade ship, Dutiful Passage, is on a mission to establish new business associations. But reestablishing trade and preserving the lives of the few remaining members of the clan aren't all of Korval's problems. Accustomed to being welcomed, Dutiful Passage finds itself denied docking while agents of the DOI mount armed attacks under the very eyes of port security systems. Traveling with Dutiful Passage is Padi yos'Galan, Shan' heir and apprentice. Padi is eager to make up for lost time due to Korval's unpleasantness with the DOI but she is also keeping a secret so intense that her very life is threatened by it"--