Defender

About “Defender”

The fifth novel in C. J. Cherryh’s Foreigner space opera series follows the atevi, an alien species, as they make significant technological advances, including three functional space shuttles and the renovation of a space station. These developments add a powerful third party to an already tense diplomatic situation and spark conflict between pro- and anti-space factions within atevi society. To manage the growing tensions, Tabini-aiji, the leader of the atevi’s Western Association, sends his trusted paidhi, Bren Cameron, into space. Meanwhile, a potential invasion by hostile aliens looms, and a senior captain of the starship Phoenix reveals that the station they attacked was not fully destroyed. This revelation leads to a crew mutiny, as some seek to return to the hostile territory for a rescue mission. Bren must navigate these challenges to mediate the escalating crisis.