"The Dogs were making so much noise that a blind elephant could have avoided detection simply by listening for where they were and going where they weren't."

This instalment introduces us to the dogs of war - a rather dangerous species that now seem to be well on the path of redeemed enlightenment. This probably means they're going to cause all sorts of havoc in the future, so that's interesting.

"Krul's grudging admiration for the pink-skinned, humanoid creature upon him rose exponentially. That didn't stop Krul from being utterly determined to haul the humanoid off him and tear him to pieces."

The Humanoid in question is Xyon, who appears and immediately escapes execution. Xyon seems deadly, capable and confident - all of which apply to his father, as well, as when we find out who that is we can immediately see.

You cannot simply kill him in cold blood." "He is my oldest friend. I have earned the privilege."

cwan is on form as ever, and despite very little of the story's action taking place on the Excalibre, this is still a worthy story and one of the more intriguing episodes. Some may dismiss this a little because of the lack of the ship's involvement, but there's enough to ensure a solid entry in the New Frontier saga, there are great battles, banter, brutality and whit all round.