I'm a raw cadet at the tough Warrior Academy on Haden. I've made it this far. . . barely.

I know I just survived the assassination attempts by the alien pirates - authorized BY MY parents, the Emperor and Empress of the galactic Hoganthan Empire, but puleeeze, really?

They had my brother sign the death decree? Really?

And now, the only place I'm safe - uh, yeah, that IS a relative term - is the Warrior Academy as a rank, raw, untested cadet - the only place the House elites have limited reach.

Well, yeah, but that doesn't stop them from trying to reach across space and kill me there, too. I just cannot stand their arrogance and belief in their superiority.

Yes, yes, I know I come from the monarchy, but I am NOT pretentious and do not expect others to serve me. I prefer to kill on my own. . . well, only when attacked, of course.

But, hey, if you try to kill me, I'll come at you with full feline ferocity. I am Hoganthan after all.

Unfortunately, the reputation of the Academy marine instructors is well deserved and they absolutely delight in making my miserable life even more so.

Quit? Never. With my family decreeing a contract price on my head, the only home I have is the Academy. So. . . NO, I'll never quit. And that makes life tough because the instructors know that, too.

I learn slowly, but I do learn. Eventually. Everyday I commit to my life journey and passion of becoming an elite warrior. . . because I have nothing left to lose.

Right now? That's as metaphysical and visionary as I get - just focused on the Warrior Creed and surviving the day - every day.

And then the elites tried to take that away, too. . . but I'll make them pay.

Hoganthans do not like to lose. Ever. Me? Even less so.

Grab your copy now, to read about my exploits as I fight off attempts to assassinate me and kick me out of the academy. You'll even laugh a bit.

It almost looks funny. . . afterwards. A long way afterward.