Cobra warriors: technologically enhanced human warriors designed to combat an implacable alien menace. Now, and not for the first time, the Cobras are facing trouble from their own kind. The Broom clan of Cobra warriors finds itself pressed between two star empires headed for war. On the planet Aventine, the Moreau's homeworld, pater familias Paul Broom is due to have his memories sifted through in order to root out the location of legendary Qasama - a planet where huge advances in military hardware might give the Dominion of Man an edge in a coming war with the alien Troft. In the galaxy beyond, rebellion is brewing against Dominion atrocities and Dominion scheming, with outlaw Cobra warriors Lorne and Jody Broom in the vanguard. Meanwhile, Cobra Jason Broom poses as an escaped slave on a secret Troft prison planet where humans are sent to gladiatorial combat to the death for Troft amusement and wagering. He is seeking information on troft factions - information that may save the Cobra worlds, and head off a massive interstellar war in the bargain.