This note contains spoilers for the book.

Pirate suppression. Without interfering with Peterwald territory, naturally.

Unfortunately, the pirates are operating out of Peterwald territory. Kris has to rescue entire planets again, deal with people pushed beyond their limits, and so forth.

And eventually, go to a Peterwald planet, and meet with Vicki and her admiral, and work on the serious problems just a bit.

Lots more good clean fun, with only moderate casualty lists.