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# Crown of Slaves ## A NEW SERIES SET IN THE "HONORVERSE"OF HONOR HARRINGTON The Star Kingdom's ally Erewhon is growing increasingly restive in the alliance because the new High Ridge regime ignores its needs. Added to the longstanding problem of a slave labor planet controlled by hostile Mesans in Erewhon's stellar backyard, which High Ridge refuses to deal with, the recent assassination of the Solarian League's most prominent voice of public conscience indicates the growing danger of political instability in the Solarian League—which is also close to Erewhon. In desperation, Queen Elizabeth tries to defuse the situation by sending a private mission to Erewhon led by Captain Zilwicki, accompanied by one of her nieces. When they arrive on Erewhon, however, Manticore's envoys find themselves in a mess. Not only do they encounter one of the Republic of Haven's most capable agents—Victor Cachat—but they also discover that the Solarian League's military delegation seems up to its neck in skullduggery. And, just to put the icing on the cake, the radical freed slave organization, the Audubon Ballroom, is also on the scene—led by its notorious and ruthless assassin, Jeremy X. ### ABOUT THE AUTHORS David Weber: New York Times best-selling Honor Harrington series, arguably the most popular series in science fiction, which has led to reviewers comparing him to C.S. Forester, celebrated creator of Captain Horatio Hornblower. Weber's work ranges from epic fantasy (Oath of Swords, The War God's Own) to breathtaking space opera (Path of the Fury, The Apocalypse Troll, Empire from the Ashes) to military science fiction with in-depth characterization (the Honor Harrington novels). With John Ringo, he inaugurated the Prince Roger series of space adventures with March Upcountry and has continued it with March to the Sea and March to the Stars. Weber and his wife Sharon live in South Carolina with their three children. Eric Flint: is a new master of science fiction. His alternate-history novel 1632 received lavish critical praise from all directions and enjoyed high sales. The sequel, 1633, written in collaboration with David Weber, has also been highly praised and popular. His first novel, Mother of Demons, was picked by Science Fiction Chronicle as a best novel of the year. He has also shown a powerful gift for humorous fantasy adventure with Forward the Mage and The Philosophical Strangler, which Booklist described as "Monty Python let loose in Tolkien's Middle Earth." With David Drake he has collaborated on five novels in the popular "Belisarius" series, and is working on the sixth, The Dance of Time. A longtime labor union activist with a master's degree in history, he currently resides in Indiana with his wife Lucille. Illustration by David Mattingly Cover design by Carol Russo Design
Hardcover This is a work of fiction. All the characters and events portrayed in this book are fictional, and any resemblance to real people or incidents is purely coincidental. First printing, September 2003 Distributed by Simon & Schuster 1230 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020 Printed in the United States of America | ### ISBN: 0-7434-7148-2 Copyright 2003 by David Weber & Eric Flint All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form. A Baen Books Original Baen Publishing Enterprises P.O. Box 1403 Riverdale, NY 10471 http://www.baen.com Production by Windhaven Press Auburn, NH Electronic version by WebWrights http://www.webwrights.com
### To Andre Norton— Andre, you proved long ago that being a giant has nothing to do with physical stature. You've been taking giant steps and teaching the art of story-telling for over half a century, and we are among those— those many—who have been privileged to be your students. It's time we told the teacher thank you. ### BAEN BOOKS by DAVID WEBER Honor Harrington: On Basilisk Station The Honor of the Queen The Short Victorious War Field of Dishonor Flag in Exile Honor Among Enemies In Enemy Hands Echoes of Honor Ashes of Victory War of Honor edited by David Weber: More than Honor Worlds of Honor Changer of Worlds The Service of the Sword Empire From the Ashes (omnibus) Mutineers' Moon The Armageddon Inheritance Heirs of Empire Path of the Fury The Apocalypse Troll The Excalibur Alternative Oath of Swords The War God's Own Insurrection Crusade In Death Ground The Shiva Option March Upcountry March to the Sea March to the Stars 1633 ### Baen Books by Eric Flint The Philosophical Strangler Forward the Mage (with Richard Roach) 1632 1633 (with David Weber) Mother of Demons Rats, Bats, and Vats (with Dave Freer) Pyramid Scheme (with Dave Freer) Course of Empire (with K.D. Wentworth) The Shadow of the Lion (with Mercedes Lackey & Dave Freer) This Rough Magic (with Mercedes Lackey & Dave Freer) (upcoming) The General series, with David Drake: The Tyrant An Oblique Approach In the Heart of Darkness Destiny's Shield Fortune's Stroke The Tide of Victory

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