
A covert operative has undergone a radical biological makeover, reshaping his ears, skin tone, and even implanted languages so he can pass as a native Earthling. He steps out of the high‑tech hospital into a bustling colonial hub where alien soldiers, traders and strangers mingle under a scorching sun, all while the empire’s grip tightens. The transformation feels perfect—his new blond hair and bronze complexion conceal a hidden agenda, and the disguise is designed to last a lifetime.
As he navigates crowded streets filled with towering Valgolian troops and exotic visitors, the protagonist senses the simmering tension between the occupying forces and the restless locals. A sudden clash with a young recruit hints at the underlying hostility that fuels a growing rebellion. The story follows his uneasy walk between two worlds, exploring the moral cost of deception and the fragile line between loyalty and survival.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (96K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2016-02-11
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1926–2001
A major voice in science fiction and fantasy, he paired big ideas with fast-moving adventure and helped shape the field across more than half a century. His stories range from hard science fiction and time travel to historical fantasy, with a gift for making vast worlds feel vivid and human.
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