Flight of Honor by Richard S. McEnroe

First published in 1984

Flight of Honor is the second novel in the short-lived "Far Stars and Future Times" series. Its predecessor, The Shattered Stars, is a space opera in the classic vein. Flight of Honor is a more ambitious undertaking, a novel of political intrigue and alien culture that is reminiscent of C.J. Cherryh's work. The two novels are so different, in fact, it wouldn't be clear that they are part of the same Future History if the banner on the cover didn't tell us so.

The Galatian hold-lord is dead, and his first born, Cianna Canbhei, has ascended to that title. Her brother, second born Cian, feeling he can make no meaningful contribution to the family in his current role, decides to join the Consortium Mercantile. On his journey to the Consortium Enclave, Cian encounters the one-armed outcast Oin Ceiragh, who formerly served the Consortium and makes it his business to dissuade others from following that path. Oin (a Galatian who seems to resemble a cross between a Hobbit and The Incredible Hulk) tells Cian his story -- a story of joining the Terran Dani Yuen as an assassin for the Guild of Resolution, self-appointed protectors of the Earth, destroyers of those who oppress it, from polluting industrialists to religious zealots. A journalist who has been critical of the Guild's methods becomes Oin's target.

The novel deals with serious and timeless themes of honor, betrayal, duty, and fear. The two Galatians each believe the other has made choices based on fear rather than honor, while the Terran's involvement with Oin leads her to question her own commitment to the Guild. While McEnroe's story raises interesting questions about situational ethics and moral dilemmas that cannot easily be resolved, the novel never bogs down in heavy philosophical discussions. Plentiful action scenes and a brisk pace make this short novel a quick read, while its larger themes make it a satisfying one.

RECOMMENDED